First Book Blog

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

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How to Celebrate Earth Day with First Book

Posted in: For Educators

For many of us, Earth Day reminds of our childhood lessons to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and perhaps recalls memories of school-wide competitions, for which homeroom could bring in the most recycled items. Pizza parties for the win! But now, Earth Day is and can be so much more, with many... Read more

audemars piguet marvel watch

Audemars Piguet Pays Tribute to Marvel’s Inspirational Heroes

Posted in: Press Room

2021 marks the dawn of a new era and the start of a collaboration between Swiss Haute Horlogerie manufacturer Audemars Piguet and Marvel, one of the most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Inspired by historical character watches, including some of Gérald Genta’s timepieces from the 1980s, Audemars Piguet wanted to pay... Read more

15 Novels in Verse to Celebrate Poetry Month

Posted in: Our Bookshelf

Guest post written by Lori Prince, Director of Merchandising at First Book Before my years at First Book, I was a poet. The poetry I knew as a child was the poetry of songs — folk music at home, hymns at church, show tunes in choir — so the idea... Read more

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Top 5 Beyond Book Supplies to Add to Your Cart Right Now

Posted in: For Educators

Long-time educators and new Marketplace shoppers know that First Book is on a mission to build a path out of poverty through educational equity. Brand-new books are an essential part of the work we do, but the Marketplace also boasts additional supplies that go beyond books to help learners of... Read more

young black student in a red sweater, reading a book in the classroom

Spring Clean Your Classroom Bookshelf

Daylight saving time officially started this week, which means spring is just around the corner. As you might spring clean your home, now is a great time to spring clean your bookshelf and evaluate if your classroom library celebrates and explores different identities and lived experiences. Spring cleaning your classroom... Read more

muslim students reading together at a desk

Five Questions with Hena Khan

Happy book birthday to Hena Khan’s new book Amina’s Song, published today (March 9, 2021)! This past January, as a part of our activities for National Day of Service, Khan did a live reading of Amina’s Song – a companion book to Amina’s Voice – and through Khan’s participation and... Read more

Your Favorite Black History Month Read Alouds

Posted in: For Educators

We asked. You answered! What is your favorite book to read aloud during Black History Month? Looking for books to read aloud for Black History Month? Check out these suggestions from educators in the First Book Community. “I read a page each day from the ‘Little Legends/Leaders‘ series. My students... 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'.