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First Book Blog
Stories of impact, the latest research, best practices, curated book lists, and more.
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The Stars of the SHOWTIME Drama ‘The Chi’ and Author Jason Reynolds Visit Chicago with First Book
We are proud to have taken part in one of the many ways SHOWTIME® gives back to the city that serves as the setting of their hit television show, “The Chi”. Through First Book, SHOWTIME® gifted approximately 10,000 new, contemporary, diverse books to public schools in Chicago’s South Side area.... Read more
Promoting Respect & Empathy: A Toolkit for Educators, by Educators
Teaching kids empathy and respect prepares them to create a more caring and compassionate world. In the absence of empathy, differences have the potential to breed conflict – especially during a child’s early years, when they are naturally inclined to think only of themselves and their immediate needs. Members of... Read more
Shout Mouse Press: There’s a Story Behind Every Book
Today’s blog is a guest post written by Lana Wong, Community Impact & Partnerships Director at Shout Mouse Press If children don’t read about people who look like them … they feel invisible. I feel this is an opportunity for them to see that they’re visible and their voice does... Read more
First Book Awards More Than $700,000 for New Books and eBooks to Schools and Programs Serving Kids in Need Across Nine States
First Book, the nonprofit social enterprise focused on equal access to quality education, has awarded more than $700,000 for new books and eBooks to schools and organizations serving more than 200,000 kids in need across nine states. Read more
Q&A with Gaia Cornwall, Author of Jabari Jumps
Gaia Cornwall is an illustrator and children’s book author, best known for her book Jabari Jumps. We asked her about her creative process, what it’s like to read her book with children, and her tips on being brave. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Why This Story?... Read more
First Book and Rise Up Foundation to Donate $100,000 for New Books and Disaster Recovery Research to Schools Devastated by Hurricane Harvey
First Book and Rise Up Foundation are partnering to bring $70,000 in new books this week to Houston-area schools still recovering from Hurricane Harvey, with an additional $30,000 for disaster recovery research. Read more
4 Inspirational Librarians to Know This National Library Workers Day
It’s National Library Workers Day, and we’re honoring our library friends! Thank you, library workers, for the important roles you play in our communities. We celebrate you today and every day. Read about four extraordinary library workers who inspire us. Imagine A School Without A Library I want all kids to experience... Read more
SHOWTIME drama ‘The Chi,’ First Book, and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Celebrate Chicago’s South Side with Gift of 10,000 New, Diverse Books to Public Schools
‘The Chi’ cast members and New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds to address hundreds of area students on April 12 CHICAGO (April 9, 2019) — The acclaimed SHOWTIME® series The Chi will celebrate the community that provides the setting for the timely coming-of-age drama—Chicago’s South Side—with a gift of... Read more