First Book Blog

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

group of happy children in a playground, smiling and laughing

First Book Launches Black Kids Matter Campaign

Posted in: Press Room

Presenting Sponsor National Grid to Support the Distribution of 10,000 Culturally Relevant Books to Kids in Need in Communities They Serve in Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island. TD Bank to Distribute an Additional 7,000 Books in Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. June 15, 2021 (Washington) – First Book,... Read more

student activists holding up a sign that says we need change

Books to Inspire Your Student’s Activism

Posted in: Our Bookshelf

Guest blog post written by Alpha Diallo, First Book eCommerce Operations Intern Students and young people have a long history of activism in this country, pushing for change to define our future culture. As your students learn concepts such as fairness and democracy, invite them to continue the tradition of... Read more

young girl reading in the grass during the summer

Staff Picks to Make Summer Sweeter

Posted in: Our Bookshelf

Curling up with a book in the winter is great, but is there anything better than reading in the sunshine? First Book’s Book Nerds (a.k.a. the Title Selection & Merchandising teams) love tackling their to-be-read shelves during the summer months, so each staff member has selected four books they recommend... Read more

mo willems with a classroom full of kids

Celebrating Mo and Cher Willems

Posted in: Author Voices

Every May, the First Book family celebrates the Month of Mo and all the amazing stories that Mo Willems has brought to our network educators and their students. We celebrate with giveaways, Marketplace credits for teachers to stock their bookshelves, and by rereading our favorite Elephant & Piggie adventures. As... Read more

teacher working with two female students

First Book’s Honor Roll

My mother was a high-school biology teacher for 32 years, every week was Teacher Appreciation Week in our house. To say I understood her impact on a child’s life is an understatement, but I hear of her impact often. “Oh, you’re Ms. Awad’s daughter? She was the best teacher I... Read more