First Book Blog

Classroom Discussions: The 9/11 Aftermath for People of Color

Posted in: Author Voices

Guest blog post written by Saadia Faruqi, a Pakistani American author, essayist, and interfaith activist. She writes the children’s early reader series “Yasmin” and other books for children. It’s been 20 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. It’s an important event in our history books, one that we... Read more

Brave Journeys: Free Resource for Teachers and Counselors

Posted in: Our Bookshelf

Guest blog post written by Susanne Marcus, twice president of NYS TESOL. She recently retired as ENL teacher for the Great Neck Public Schools, where she continues to offer PD, and teaches in their intensive summer ENL/SIFE program. The safest place for my immigrant students to explore their emotions is in their English Language... Read more

First Book Celebrates 10-Year Partnership with AFT

Posted in: Our Partners, Press Room

AFT-First Book Partnership Distributes Thousands of Books, School Supplies, Personal Care Items to Three Charleston, W.Va., Schools  Event Marks 10th Anniversary of Nationwide Partnership that Started in Charleston  New National Grant Program for AFT Educators Also Announced  CHARLESTON, W.Va.—To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the partnership between the American Federation... Read more

Back to School: How to Create a Welcoming Environment

Posted in: First Book Research & Insights, For Educators

At the beginning of a new school year, creating a classroom and a space where students and families feel welcome and comfortable is important. First Book has taken extra care to create resources and space for educators working diligently to help all students feel welcome. The First Book Marketplace is... Read more

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

First Book Study Discloses Educator Priorities for American Rescue Plan Funding

Posted in: First Book Research & Insights, Press Room

With American Rescue Plan Funding Arriving for Back to School, New First Book Study Reveals That 97 Percent of Educators Want to Give Input on Funding Allocation, 75 Percent Have Not Yet Had the Opportunity to Do So Report Discloses Educators’ Out-of-Pocket Spending in 2020 and their Priorities for American... Read more

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

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

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

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