Building Student Self-Confidence  

Posted in: For Educators

At First Book, we often talk about the power of books to open doors to new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities. But just as importantly, books and classroom experiences can help students build confidence, something they carry with them in and out of the classroom.   Research from First Book Research & Insight’s Student Mental... Read more

Supporting Student Well-Being 

Posted in: For Educators

During Mental Health Awareness Month, it is important to recognize that along with their academic needs, students bring their emotions, experiences, and challenges into the classroom.  Feeling safe and supported is deeply connected to children’s ability to learn. At First Book, we work closely with educators serving children from low-income communities many of whom are navigating experiences that would... Read more

Closing the Literacy Gap: How One Mississippi Educator Is Making a Difference

Posted in: First Book Community Highlight, Impact Stories

In 2024, the average reading score for the nation at grade 4 was 2 points lower compared to 2022 and 5 points lower compared to 2019 (NAEP). Mississippi, however, turned its reading scores around, now exceeding the national average—despite having the highest rate of poverty in the U.S.   Behind that success are educators who will do anything... Read more

National Library Month: Library Spotlight

Posted in: First Book Community Highlight, Impact Stories

For National Library Month, we’re celebrating libraries that go above and beyond to meet the needs of their communities.   Meet Kim Angotti and Kelsey Bates of Kansas City Public Library (that’s Kansas City, Missouri – or as Kim and Kelsey informed us, “the COOL Kansas City”). Kim is the library’s Youth and Family Engagement Operations and Program Manager, while Kelsey... Read more

Talk About a Book Club:  New Partnership Between First Book and Little Free Library Will Expand Access to New Books and Boost Book Joy in Under-Resourced Neighborhoods Nationwide

Posted in: Our Partners, Press Room

Announcement at the national Public Library Association conference celebrates the role of libraries big and small to create community. Pictured (from left to right) Talia Miracle, Program Manager for Indigenous and Impact Library Programs; Kelly Griffin, First Book VP of Nonprofit Partnerships; LaTreena Fegely, Program Coordinator for Impact Library Programs... Read more

First Book and The Moth Launch National Storytelling Partnership for Children and Educators in Low-Income Communities

Posted in: Our Partners, Press Room

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation supports educational programming with $250,000 grant. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON (Feb. 12) – First Book, a national nonprofit that expands educational opportunities for children in under-resourced communities, and The Moth, a global leader in the art and craft of personal storytelling, are launching an unprecedented national... Read more