First Book Blog - Education News & Stories

First Book and Penguin Random House Celebrate 42 Million Children’s Books Distributed Together Through 25-Year Partnership

Posted in: Our Partners, Press Room

Nov. 17 celebrations include a virtual reading with bestselling author Mary Pope Osborne, and panel discussion with educators on overcoming the decline in reading for pleasure FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 — Leading global trade publisher Penguin Random House and First Book, the national nonprofit that expa...

A Newly Discovered and Never-Before-Seen Manuscript by Dr. Seuss To Be Published by Random House Children’s Books

Posted in: Press Room

© Dr. Seuss Enterprises L.P. 2026. All Rights Reserved. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, D.C. , October 28, 2025 — An original manuscript and cover sketch by Ted Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, was discovered in the archives of UC San Diego’s Geisel Library, and will be published by Random House Children’s Books , it was annou...

First Book and Penguin Young Readers Feature Last Chance Live! Debut Author Helena Haywoode Henry for Lively Discussions with Educators and Students

Posted in: Press Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, D.C. , October 16, 2025 — First Book, the national nonprofit that furthers educational opportunities for children in low-income communities, and Penguin Young Readers are giving educators and students the opportunity to engage with author Helena Haywoode Henry about her groundbreaking...

Let America Read: Penguin Random House Launches Third Banned Wagon Tour

Posted in: Press Room

The Banned Wagon tour returns for Banned Books Week (October 5-11) to protect the freedom to read, think, and learn . New York, NY (September 9, 2025) — The Banned Wagon hits the road this Banned Books Week, beginning October 5, for its third annual tour to celebrate the freedom to read and express ideas, highlight the...

Community Spotlight: Building Support Beyond the Classroom

Posted in: First Book Communit Highlight, Impact Stories

A small, Title I elementary school located in Columbia, Maryland, stands as an environment where every child feels supported, seen, and excited to learn. As one of the smallest schools in Howard County, almost all 300 of its students live within walking distance. At the heart of this community is Assistant Principal Dr...

First Book and One Word at a Time to Host Kwame Alexander’s National Literacy Pep Rally on September 16

Posted in: Press Room

Free Virtual Event for Children, Families, and Educators Celebrates National Literacy Month Washington, D.C. – Sept. 10, 2025 – The nonprofits First Book and One Word at a Time are joining forces to host a high-energy, nationwide virtual Literacy Pep Rally on Tuesday, September 16 at 1:00 p.m. ET , led by New York Time...

KPMG U.S. Foundation President Anita Whitehead Appointed to First Book Board of Directors

Posted in: Press Room

Washington, D.C. – Sept. 9, 2025 – First Book, the national nonprofit dedicated to furthering educational opportunity for children in low-income communities, has appointed Anita Whitehead , the president and chair of the KPMG U.S. Foundation (KPMG), to its Board of Directors. Anita’s career at KPMG spans more than 20 y...

How First Book and the LEGO Group are Reimagining Education

Posted in: Our Partners, Thought Leadership

This blog features an interview with David Pallash, Director of Learning Through Play – Social Responsibility at the LEGO Group. Drawing on his expertise in using play to inspire learning and strengthen social impact, David offers insights from his work at the intersection of education and corporate responsibility. You...

Community Spotlight: Empowering Students Through Books and History

Posted in: First Book Communit Highlight, Impact Stories

In Valdosta, Georgia, where 100% of schools qualify for Title I funding, educators are finding creative ways to inspire students. Ra’Shuna, a dedicated 5th grade teacher and First Book member, is bringing engaging books into her classroom, starting discussions, and fostering a love for reading. Challenges in the Commun...

First Book, Audemars Piguet, and Ashoka Announce 2025-2026 Community Changemaker Cohort

Posted in: Our Partners

We’re excited to announce the cohort of Community Changemakers—eight incredible teams from across the DC and Chicago metro areas who are turning bold ideas into real change for their schools and communities. Each team has been selected for their powerful vision, creativity, and deep commitment to youth-led impact. With...