First Book Blog

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

diagonal book list compilation for stamped book list

If You Liked Stamped, Read These 24 Books Next

Posted in: Our Bookshelf

The racial injustice and inequity against Black Americans in our nation, both recently and historically, has sparked difficult conversations surrounding race and racism. With the hope to develop an understanding of the Black experience, many educators have turned to books to help facilitate these conversations. We are shining a light... Read more

riley in a toy cart reading go dog go

Dog Days of Summer: The Ultimutt Book List

Posted in: Our Bookshelf

Today I learned that the dog days of summer actually refer to this time of year when the sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the brightest star visible from Earth and part of the constellation Canis Major (The Greater Dog). But for our First Book Title... Read more

four children smiling with books in a classroom

How to Add Social and Emotional Learning to Your Classroom

Posted in: For Educators

Guest blog post written by Anya Gizis, First Book Development Intern. Anya is currently studying political economics at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. When you help students develop empathy, set goals, and manage their emotions, you’re boosting their overall academic progress. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) creates comfort and assists... Read more

mailbox distribution between volunteer and young boy

The Book Bank and Its Impact

Posted in: For Educators

Morgan Bluma is the Marketing and Communications Intern for First Book. She graduated from American University with a double major in Literature and Journalism.  First Book’s National Book Bank is a great and affordable option for our Network educators serving kids in need, to get a large quantity of brand-new... Read more

happy children with comic books in a classroom

First Book Partners Honored in The Civic 50

Posted in: Our Partners

Guest blog post written by Catherine Doyle, First Book Strategic Alliances Intern. Catherine is currently studying English and Educational Studies at Trinity College in Hartford, CT. Each year, Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer services, recognizes the 50 most community-minded companies in the nation in The... Read more

mother and two kids eating pizza at home

4 Ways You Can Support First Book

Posted in: Our Partners

Guest blog post written by Emma Chuck, First Book Development Intern. Emma is is currently studying English and linguistics at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. When you donate to First Book, your generosity transforms the lives of children in historically underserved communities. With your support, First Book can reach 1... Read more

image of a classroom of kids holding up books. In the bottom left corner is text that says, 'March For What Matters. Support diverse books!' Underneath the text is a red button that says, 'I'll March for What Matters'.