First Book Blog

First Book and Education Researcher Susan Neuman Launch Groundbreaking Classroom Library Tool as Students Struggle to Access Literacy Rich Environments

Posted in: Press Room

Educator Survey Spotlights Inequity and Financial Hurdles of Building an Engaging and Effective Classroom Library WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 17, 2022) – First Book, the largest online network of educators serving children in need, in partnership with literacy expert and education researcher Susan Neuman, is launching a new tool to assess... Read more

Understanding the Digital Divide

Posted in: For Educators, Our Partners

This guest post was written by Haley Brown, a First Book marketing and Communications Intern. She is currently an undergraduate student at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.  The “Digital Divide” refers to the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern technology, and those that don’t... Read more

Five Great Ways to Find Funding for Books and More

Posted in: For Educators

This guest post was written by Haley Brown, a First Book marketing and Communications Intern. She is currently an undergraduate student at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.  We know that many First Book members often buy books using money from their own pockets. Others have budgets that just... Read more

Mental Health Resources for Educators

Posted in: For Educators

This guest post was written by Joey Mathis, a First Book Marketing and Communication intern. She is currently an undergrad student at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia.  In 2021, the U.S. surgeon general declared a youth mental health crisis. The rates of decline in the youths’ mental wellness have been... Read more

Back to School: How to Use Our Trauma Toolkit 

Posted in: For Educators

This guest post was written by Haley Brown, a First Book marketing and Communications Intern. She is currently an undergraduate student at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.  Children can flourish and grow in happy, loving, and safe environments — its why educators work so hard to make classrooms... Read more

Three Ways to Make a Difference for a Child 

Posted in: Focus on First Book, For Educators

This guest post was written by Joey Mathis, a First Book Marketing and Communication intern. She is currently an undergrad student at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. Are you looking for a way to have a positive impact on the world? You can start by helping a child in need.... Read more

Back to School: Revisiting Empowering Educators

Posted in: For Educators

This guest post was written by Haley Brown, a First Book marketing and Communications Intern. She is currently an undergraduate student at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. At First Book, we believe that to achieve educational equity, we must approach learning through a fact-based and truthful evaluation of... Read more

Six Reasons to Join First Book’s Network of Educators

Posted in: Focus on First Book, For Educators

Joey Mathis is a First Book Marketing and Communication intern. She is currently an undergrad student at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, each year the average public school teacher spends over $500 of their own money on necessary supplies and books for... Read more

16 Books to Learn About & Celebrate Pride Month

Posted in: Our Bookshelf

This guest post was written by Joey Mathis, a First Book Marketing and Communication intern. She is currently an undergrad student at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia.  The Pride book list was curated by Lee Butler, First Book’s Senior Cataloging Manager. Every June, First Book celebrates Pride Month as part of... Read more

How Microsoft’s Literacy Tools Improve Reading Comprehension in Classrooms

Posted in: For Educators, Our Partners

Educators are continuously confronted with a growing and diverse range of student needs, necessitating a responsive and individualized approach to teaching. In recent years, the prevalence of literacy challenges, particularly among English language learners and students with learning differences, has increased significantly, particularly in underserved communities. To level the playing... Read more