
First Book Staff Picks 10 Summer Reads
Posted In: Our Bookshelf
June 6, 2019
Whether you’re sending books home or planning lessons for the summer months, our Staff Picks for Summer Reading are the top titles we recommend to keep kids of all ages turning the pages all summer long!… Read More

The Stars of the SHOWTIME Drama ‘The Chi’ and Author Jason Reynolds Visit Chicago with First Book
Posted In: Our Partners
June 4, 2019
We are proud to have taken part in one of the many ways SHOWTIME®… Read More

First Book Title Raves
Posted In: Focus on First Book, Our Bookshelf
May 30, 2019
Books are instrumental in helping children see themselves in the world they live. By providing access to a rich diversity of titles, educators can shed light on challenges specific to children in need and inspire an unending love of reading. With this outlook, First Book has released its inaugural… Read More

Promoting Respect & Empathy: A Toolkit for Educators, by Educators
Posted In: For Educators
May 28, 2019
Teaching kids empathy and respect prepares them to create a more caring and compassionate world. In the absence of empathy, differences have the potential to breed conflict – especially during a child’s early years, when they are naturally inclined to think only of themselves and their immediate needs. Members of… Read More

Shout Mouse Press: There’s a Story Behind Every Book
Posted In: Our Bookshelf, Our Partners
May 23, 2019
Today’s blog is a guest post written by Lana Wong, Community Impact & Partnerships Director at Shout Mouse Press If children don’t read about people who look like them … they feel invisible. I feel this is an opportunity for them to see that they’re visible and their voice… Read More

10 Books for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Posted In: Our Bookshelf
May 16, 2019
Every May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This month we are all invited to celebrate the culture, traditions, and history of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans who have contributed to the rich diversity of the United States. Encourage young readers to connect with Asian culture with these… Read More

May We All Be Antiracist
Posted In: Focus on First Book
May 2, 2019
Julye Williams, First Book's director for resource and program development, reflects on the first annual National Antiracist Book Festival, held on April 27th. First Book proudly co-sponsored the event. Read More

Q and A with Gaia Cornwall, author of ‘Jabari Jumps’
Posted In: Author Voices
April 30, 2019
Gaia Cornwall is an illustrator and children’s book author, best known for her book “Jabari Jumps.” We asked her about her creative process, what it’s like to read her book with children, and her tips on being brave. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. First Book: How… Read More

4 Inspirational Librarians to Know This National Library Workers Day
Posted In: Impact Stories
April 9, 2019
It’s National Library Workers Day, and we’re honoring our library friends! Thank you, library workers, for the important roles you play in our communities. We celebrate you today and every day. Read about four extraordinary library workers who inspire us. Imagine A School Without A Library… Read More

12 Children’s Books to Celebrate National Poetry Month
Posted In: Our Bookshelf
April 2, 2019
It’s April! That means it’s not just springtime—it’s the month we celebrate all things rhythm, verse, and rhyme. It’s National Poetry Month! From clever poetry favorites and nursery rhymes to craftily created illustrations and novels in verse, we have poetry for all ages to inspire even the most reluctant future-poets. We’ve… Read More