First Book Blog

Supporting Students Coping with Grief and Loss During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted in: For Educators

As educators prepare to resume classes and programs, student mental health is an incredibly important concern. In a survey of First Book educators, 91% of respondents said they were “very or extremely” concerned about the mental/social-emotional health of children and families they serve – especially as schools and programs prepare... Read more

PIZZA HUT AND FIRST BOOK LAUNCH COLLECTION OF ANTIRACISM RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS

Posted in: Press Room

Leading experts provide educators with practical guidance and actionable steps for creating equity in the classroom PLANO, Texas, August 19, 2020 – Pizza Hut and First Book today announced the launch of Empowering Educators – a collection of resources developed to provide educators with guidance and actionable steps to create... Read more

Books Bring Smiles to Veterans and their Families During the Pandemic

Posted in: First Book Community Highlight, Impact Stories, Our Partners

First Book regularly works with programs that support the military and their families – and this spring, we launched additional outreach to support veterans. With the COVID-19 restrictions, veterans receiving care in VA hospitals and facilities across the country are experiencing extended stays and limited social interaction opportunities.  To help... Read more

Guru Krupa Foundation Helps First Book Deliver More Than 47,000 Books, Resources Over Two Years to Support Learning Opportunities for Children in Need

Posted in: Press Room

WASHINGTON (August 14, 2020) – The Guru Krupa Foundation, a private foundation that supports the preservation and acquisition of knowledge, is partnering with the nonprofit First Book to provide more than 47,000 books and educational resources to children in low-income families. The books and resources are being distributed over the... Read more

CDW-G, Intel Corporation, LEGO® Education and First Book Partner to Help Students

Posted in: Press Room

Through this initiative, these companies are collaborating to help schools create more equitable learning environments and support students during the pandemic and beyond. Washington, D.C. (August 11, 2020) – In late July, First Book released the results of a nationwide survey of educators that shows 40% of children in need in... Read more

August 19 – A Convening on Racial Equity in Education

Posted in: Focus on First Book, Our Partners

In communities, neighborhoods, towns and regions across our country, we are on a critical journey:  to better understand and undo systemic racism. To support this journey, First Book, Pizza Hut and the American University’s Antiracist Research and Policy Center are launching an unprecedented partnership to empower educators – and the children... Read more

Educators are Sounding the Alarm That Their Students’ Mental Health is a Top Concern in Addition to Their Physical Health When School Resumes

Posted in: Press Room

New Study by First Book Reveals Crisis for Kids in Need with Barriers to Education on the Rise WASHINGTON, DC – July 29, 2020 – A new study unveiled today by First Book highlights a developing emergency, with an overwhelming majority – 91% of educators of kids in need –... Read more

AU’s Antiracist Research and Policy Center Partners with Pizza Hut, First Book to Host Virtual Event for Educators, “Empowering Educators: A Convening on Racial Equity in Education”

Posted in: Press Room

Award-winning YA author Jason Reynolds to join August 19 panel discussion (WASHINGTON, D.C.) July 29, 2020 – As more schools plan to incorporate antiracist teaching and cultural responsiveness in their classrooms, American University’s Antiracist Research and Policy Center is partnering with Pizza Hut and First Book on a free event... Read more

Changing the Game with Books and Reading

Posted in: First Book Community Highlight, For Educators, Impact Stories

Theresa Pearson had a great plan to support her students during the COVID-19 pandemic. She ordered more than 1,500 books from First Book thanks to a  COVID-19 funding grant opportunity, and the books were shipped to her school, Chester W. Nimitz Elementary in Alabama. Unfortunately, in just a few short... Read more

“I Remember Meeting John Lewis Like It Was This Morning.”

Posted in: Author Voices

This blog post was written by guest blogger, Kyle Zimmer, president, CEO, and co-founder of First Book. Dear First Book Community: Over the course of my life, I have been fortunate enough to meet talented, famous people from time to time.  Best-selling authors, musicians, and, as a long-time Washingtonian, many... Read more