5 Secrets Adults Won't Tell You – Kyle Zimmer's Commencement Speech at Saint Mary's College

Posted in: Focus on First Book

Our intrepid leader, CEO, and co-founder of First Book, Kyle Zimmer, shared some of the wit and wisdom that motivates the First Book team on a daily basis with a crowd of graduates of Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame this Saturday. Adults Are Not Really Certain of Anything. “In... Read more

The Stories for All Project: Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is

Posted in: Focus on First Book

At First Book, we want to see all kids become strong readers, the critical step to succeeding in school and in life. But all too often the children we work with have books with characters and stories that aren’t relevant to their lives. And that makes it harder to turn... Read more

Investing in Education: Kyle Zimmer's Reaction to the State of the Union

Posted in: Focus on First Book

“Every dollar we invest in high-quality early education can save more than seven dollars later on – by boosting graduation rates, reducing teen pregnancy, even reducing violent crime.” — President Barack Obama I was grateful to hear the president talk about early childhood education tonight, and the enormous impact it... Read more

Our Big Year Together

Posted in: Focus on First Book

Happy holidays, from everyone at First Book! We had a big year here at First Book! I want to let you know everything we accomplished this year, and ask for your support as we continue our work to transform education by bringing new books to children from low-income families. First... Read more

Lots of Noise, But No One in the Room

Posted in: Focus on First Book, Impact Stories

“There is a great deal of noise on the stairs but nobody comes into the room.” — John F. Kennedy President Kennedy was referencing a Chinese proverb when he said that, making the point that it was easy to talk about problems, but much more difficult to fix them. Kyle... Read more

Teachers Join Forces With First Book: Weingarten Challenges AFT Members to Give Five Million Books to Kids in Need

Posted in: Focus on First Book

This is our new challenge. Today I am calling on AFT members to partner with First Book to distribute five million new books this year to students in need. — Randi Weingarten, AFT president First Book was in Detroit over the weekend, attending the annual convention of the American Federation... Read more

Creating Success Stories for 20 Years

Posted in: Focus on First Book

Twenty years ago I was volunteering every week at a soup kitchen in Washington, D.C., where I met the most amazing children and families. As I got to know them, I saw how much they had to struggle, but I also saw how bright they were and how motivated they... Read more

What Is Social Entrepreneurship? (And Why First Book Is Such a Good Example)

Posted in: Focus on First Book, Impact Stories

A social entrepreneur is someone who sees a social problem — like hunger, homelessness or lack of access to clean water — and looks for ways to solve it. Unlike more traditional business entrepreneurs, who are trying to generate profits, social entrepreneurs are trying to change society. Long-term change is... Read more

We Couldn't Have Done It Without You

Posted in: Focus on First Book

We had a great year at First Book, thanks to the help of supporters like you. Together, we’re transforming the lives of millions of children in need by ensuring they have new books of their own to read. I want to take a moment to say thank you, and tell... Read more

Human Rights Advocate Wu Qing Visits First Book

Posted in: Focus on First Book, Impact Stories

Wu Qing, a political leader and and renowned human rights advocate, visited the First Book office yesterday to tell us a little about her work in China. One of the many hats she wears is that of an educator: helping rural women in China find their voice in a society... Read more