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

Time for Change Youth Challenge Announced

Posted in: For Educators, Our Partners

First Book and Ashoka are excited to welcome educators back to the Time for Change initiative by kicking off the school year with a BIG announcement. Time for Change is a multi-year initiative in partnership with Ashoka and Audemars Piguet. We’re working together to equip educators and young people with resources to incorporate... Read more