First Book Blog

First Book Accelerator: First Book Launches New Initiative Translating Research into Resources

Posted in: First Book Research & Insights, Press Room

The First Book Accelerator spurs expert-developed, evidence-based strategies to classrooms and programs serving kids in need, decreasing time-to-market from years to weeks WASHINGTON (Jan. 22, 2019) – In the business community there is a race to introduce the latest innovations into the marketplace; yet in the field of education, research-based... Read more

Disney to Donate up to 1 Million Books to First Book for 7th Annual Magic of Storytelling Campaign

Posted in: Our Partners, Press Room

Stars Across Disney|ABC Television and Disney Publishing Worldwide Team Up to Inspire the Next Generation Through Stories Today, Disney|ABC Television and Disney Publishing Worldwide announced the seventh annual Magic of Storytelling campaign, which aims to donate up to 1 million books to First Book, a nonprofit that provides new free... Read more

First Book Launches $4.7 Million in OMG Books Awards

Posted in: Press Room

Nonprofit social enterprise to award more than one million new books and eBooks to children in need in 33 states WASHINGTON (January 10, 2019) – First Book, the nonprofit social enterprise focused on equal access to quality education for children in need, today announced the launch of OMG Books Awards: Offering... Read more

And Now, Es Mi Turno…

Posted in: For Educators

Today’s blog is a guest post by Erika Duncan, executive and artistic director of HerStory Writers Workshop. Find Brave Journeys/Pasos Valientes on the First Book Marketplace. ************************************************************ “Who has the courage to read this week’s story in English?” Mr. Hogu asks his students, who are not only new to Hempstead... Read more

First Book Featured in Forbes’ ’12 Days Of Charitable Giving’

Posted in: Focus on First Book

This piece was originally published in Forbes for the 12 Days of Charitable Giving by Kelly Phillips Erb, a senior contributor, on Dec. 13, 2018. Readers suggested charities, and Phillips Erb posted one a day for 12 days. First Book was featured on day three. First Book (Washington, D.C.) is a nonprofit social... Read more

‘Love is an Action Word.’ Show Love. Give Books.

Posted in: Impact Stories

“We can tell the kids we love them. We can tell the community that we care. But they look at what we do. I say love is an action word. It’s a verb, and you have to show it.” – Denise Taylor For Denise Taylor, saying you care is not... Read more

Pizza Hut Teams up With NFL Star Running Back Todd Gurley To Tackle Childhood Literacy

Posted in: Press Room

Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL leverages partnerships with NFL teams and players to inspire young readers & raise funds for nonprofit First Book PLANO, Texas (November 27, 2018) – Nearly 35 years after launching its iconic BOOK IT! program, Pizza Hut is expanding its commitment to literacy through its... Read more

Michelle Obama Surprises Children at Para Los Niños Early Education Center in Skid Row, in Partnership With Penguin Random House and First Book

Posted in: Press Room

Mrs. Obama’s visit is a part of Penguin Random House’s one million book donation in the Obama family’s name LOS ANGELES (November 15, 2018) — Today, while in town for her Becoming book tour, former First Lady Michelle Obama made a surprise visit to the Para Los Niños Tina and... Read more

zulily, Penguin Random House, and First Book Host ‘Books For Kids’ Buy-One-Give-One Campaign to Give Children the Gift of Reading

Posted in: Press Room

Partners Celebrate National Family Literacy Month with Select Holiday Purchases Benefiting First Book to Enrich the Lives of Kids in Need SEATTLE (November 1, 2018)–There’s nothing quite like the immersive, imagination-inspiring power of books: who doesn’t love discovering new worlds, swimming with mermaids, or just simply saying good night? Story... Read more

Q&A with Mary Louise Sanchez, author of “The Wind Called My Name”

Posted in: Author Voices

Today we wish a happy “book birthday” to The Wind Called My Name – a middle-grade historical fiction novel about a young Latina girl & her family settling in Wyoming during The Great Depression. We here at First Book are particularly excited to see this title hit bookshelves today! Its author, Mary Louise... Read more