First Book Blog

First Book Joins White House to Bring Thousands of e-Books to Kids in Need

Posted in: Focus on First Book, Our Partners

We know that access to books – in all forms – is critical for children to develop into readers. Now, through a new White House-led initiative, First Book is helping connect children in need across the country with access to thousands of e-books. The initiative, announced today by President Obama,... Read more

Sparking Students’ Interest In Math

Posted in: Impact Stories

When it’s time for a math lesson, Sarah Richardson’s kindergarten class sits in a group, with one hand on their heads, counting on the other hand in front of them.  They’re learning addition using a method called “counting on”. This can be a very tricky skill for some of Sarah’s... Read more

One More Page

Posted in: Impact Stories

Dr. Shirley Johnson, in her words, is an educator to the depths of her soul. Over the last 40 years, she has been a teacher, administrator, union leader, curriculum supervisor and an education advocate.  Most recently, she opened The Resource Room, an afterschool education program for children ages five to... Read more

Kwame Alexander Q&A: Poetry Provides Possibilities

Posted in: Author Voices

We recently had the opportunity to talk with author Kwame Alexander about how poetry can draw a reluctant reader into a lifelong love of books and the creative process behind his book, “The Crossover,” awarded the 2015 Newbery Medal for Most Distinguished Contribution to American Literature for Children. The first thing we noticed about... Read more

Books to Start A Dialogue About Disabilities

Posted in: For Educators, Our Bookshelf

Today’s guest blogger is Leslie Anido, a special needs teacher in California. She first connected with First Book as a member of long-time partner Pi Beta Phi Fraternity. She now receives books and resources for the children she serves through First Book.   Books have helped our students look beyond... Read more

Q&A with Mary Mazzio: Underwater Dreams documentary filmmaker

Posted in: Author Voices

We had the privilege of speaking with Mary Mazzio – an award-winning filmmaker and creator of Underwater Dreams, a documentary film chronicling the inspirational story of four teenage boys, each the son of Mexican immigrants, who enter a sophisticated robotics competition and defeat the likes of engineering powerhouse MIT. In addition... Read more

Thanks To You, I’m More Motivated Than Ever

Posted in: Impact Stories

Today’s guest blogger is Andrea Brunk, a physical therapist at the National Children’s Center Early Learning Center in Washington, DC. I work with children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism and other disabilities. The children in my program range from infants to five year olds. Our families do their best... Read more

Feeling at Home this Holiday

Posted in: Focus on First Book, Impact Stories

Today’s guest blogger is Linette Claudio, Bilingual Coordinator at McAuliffe Elementary School in Chicago, IL. Remember a book character from your childhood that helped you through a time of growth and change? One that inspired you, helped you feel at home in our own skin and made you realize you... Read more

Investing in My Students

Posted in: Impact Stories

Today’s guest blogger is Lindsey Roache, Assistant Principal at University Heights Preparatory Academy in Indianapolis, Indiana. As a principal, I know that if my students are going to care about school, they have to know their school cares about them. Sometimes this means our school buys clothes, purchases bus passes,... Read more

Meet the Reading Dogs

Posted in: Impact Stories

Today’s guest blogger is Robyn Douglas from Down East Dog Scouts Troop 159 in Hancock County, ME. I want to tell you about Cirra. In her six years as a reading buddy, Cirra has given hundreds of books to kids. She’s helped dozens of children improve their reading and comprehension.... Read more