First Book Blog

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

Platform Features Increased Access to Best Books and Resources

Posted in: Press Room

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2016 – First Book, the nonprofit social enterprise, has launched the next phase of its innovative First Book Marketplace (fbmarketplace.org) and First Book Canada Marketplace (fbmpcanada.org), the award-winning e-commerce sites where educators can access high-quality, new books and learning materials specially-curated to address the needs of children... Read more

How Arts & Crafts Created a Space to Talk and Heal

Posted in: Impact Stories

Today’s guest blogger is Emily Townsend, an Elementary School Counselor at Lowrie Primary School in Wilsonville, Oregon. Last year I worked daily with a fourth grade student whose father passed away right before Christmas break. He grieved mostly internally, and became increasingly distant, disengaged, and behind in school. After feeling... Read more

An Educator’s Campaign to Revitalize Her Library

Posted in: Impact Stories

When Vanessa Cadena entered the library at Bret Harte Middle School this school year, she knew she had a big job ahead of her. It was Vanessa’s first year at the school and the library had not been updated in almost twenty years. Full of damaged and outdated books, Vanessa... Read more

Ways Educators Can Connect With ELL Families

Posted in: For Educators

Today’s guest blogger is Roxana Barillas, Director of Hispanic Engagement at First Book. When I came to the U.S. from El Salvador at age 12, I had no knowledge of English and jumped right into a new school. My mom worked multiple jobs to support my four siblings and me,... Read more

Open eBooks Opens World of Digital Reading to Children

Posted in: Press Room

Major publishers contribute thousands of titles to benefit students in need February 24, 2016 – Open eBooks, a new initiative and e-reader app that will make thousands of popular, top-selling eBooks available to children in need for free, is launching today. First Lady Michelle Obama is releasing a video today... Read more