First Book Blog

Stories of impact, the latest research, best practices, curated book lists, and more.

Kroger Foundation, Freestore Foodbank, and First Book Launch Literacy Grants for Summer Meal Sites to Support Academic Growth and Healthy Development

Posted in: Press Room

Pilot program boosts summer reading alongside foodbanks in Ohio communities CINCINNATI, July 18, 2024 – First Book is thrilled to announce the launch of Cincinnati Summer Reading Pilot in collaboration with The Kroger Foundation and Freestore Foodbank. The pilot program is bolstering literacy at local foodbanks in the Greater Cincinnati area to foster healthy development and... Read more

image of a converted school bus that now holds rows of books on each side. There is colorful decorations and the image is from the back of the bus, facing forward.

From Bus to Bookshelf: How the Free Book Bus and Johnson Elementary Nurture Young Readers

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

At First Book, we believe in the transformative power of stories, and are inspired by those who bring books to the hands of children who need them most. Two such inspiring examples are Sharon, the visionary behind The Free Book Bus, and the dedicated educators at Johnson Elementary. The Free... Read more

Key Research & Insights on Diverse Books, Reading Scores, and More in 2023

Posted in: First Book Research & Insights

Naomi Suyat is a First Book Marketing and Communications Assistant. She recently graduated from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. First Book is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to supporting educators and students by providing brand-new, high-quality books and additional resources tailored to meet the needs of today’s educators. Since... Read more

AFT volunteer shows book to two kids at a table full of books.

AFT Gives Away 10 Million Books to Help Create a Generation of Joyful, Confident Readers

Posted in: Press Room

Pathbreaking Partnership with First Book Celebrates over a Decade of Putting Books Directly into the Hands of Kids and Families Who Need Them, Sparking Joy, Inspiring Hope and Building Community WASHINGTON (May 11, 2024)—Today, in five synchronized events across the country, the AFT celebrated the unprecedented milestone of giving out... Read more

image of picture books neatly arranged on a table.

Diverse Books for All Coalition Giving Access to 145,000 Diverse Books Nationwide

Posted in: Press Room

National consortium aggregates buying power to bolster representation and access to diverse titles for young children WASHINGTON, DC (May 7, 2024) – As educators, students, and families begin to celebrate Children’s Book Week (May 6-12), the Diverse Books for All Coalition is thrilled to announce the purchase and availability of... Read more

image of four girls standing next to a pop up sign about SIREN, a patent-pending gunshot detector and communicator designed to provide real-time alerts to students, faculty, parents, and law enforcement, cutting down the time it takes to alert law enforcement from 5 minutes to 5 seconds and vastly improving the accuracy of that communication.

Celebrating Young Changemakers: Meet the Winners of the Time for Change Youth Challenge!

Posted in: Impact Stories, Our Partners

First Book, alongside our friends at Ashoka, are excited to announce the winners of the Time for Change Youth Challenge! These young innovators from all corners of the U.S. are being awarded $1,000 grants to bring their inspiring ideas to life and make a positive impact in their schools and... Read more

First Book and Ashoka Announce 15 Youth Challenge Winners in Time for Change Nationwide Initiative

Posted in: Press Room

$1,000 grants spotlight student action to implement community-based solutions and embrace changemaking Washington, D.C. (March 28, 2024) – Today, First Book and Ashoka, leading organizations in educational equity and social entrepreneurship, have announced the 15 grand prize winners of the Time for Change Youth Challenge. Young changemakers from across the... Read more

girl pointing to Where the Wild Things Are book

First Book Named to The New York Times Communities Fund

Posted in: Press Room

The New York Times Communities Fund continues the legacy of “The Neediest Cases Fund” by supporting local, national and global nonprofits that provide direct support to under-resourced and over-burdened people NEW YORK (Nov. 14, 2023) — Today, The New York Times Communities Fund announced that First Book will be featured... Read more

First Book, General Motors, and Blue Star Families partner to distribute 35,000 STEM books to military families and local educators

Posted in: Press Room

National organizations spurring interest in STEM careers among communities historically underrepresented in STEM fields WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 9, 2023) – On November 11, in partnership with Blue Star Families, First Book and General Motors are hosting a Veteran’s Day STEM Book Family Festival to distribute 35,000 diverse STEM books to... Read more

National Nonprofit Driving Educational Equity with Virtual WGT by Topgolf Tournament

Posted in: Press Room

First Book launches inaugural charity event to bolster educational resources in Title I Schools WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2023 — In partnership with Topgolf and World Golf Tour (WGT), First Book is launching the inaugural First Book Open virtual golf tournament. The interactive, online charity event offers a fun, innovative way to support First... Read more