“Being cold is something that’s hard to camouflage,” says Claudia Averette, Chief of Staff of Chester Upland School District in Chester, PA. When Claudia started her role, it was very clear to her that her students were missing something very important to their education – coats. “When you have children... Read more
Tablets provide many opportunities to engage a child in interactive learning. But for educators in under-resourced schools and programs, such technology is often out of reach. Thanks to a partnership with Blackboard Inc., many schools and programs were able to find affordable Kobo tablets through the First Book Marketplace this... Read more
Your support has a huge impact in the lives of the educators, program leaders and the children they serve. That’s why we are excited to share our latest Impact Report with you. In the report, you’ll learn about the challenges faced by students living in low-income families and how those... Read more
This week, First Book was honored with the David M. Rubenstein Prize for 2015, one of three literacy awards presented by the Library of Congress annually. The Rubenstein Prize is awarded to an organization that has made “outstanding and measurable contributions in increasing literacy levels and has demonstrated exceptional and... Read more
Educators and program leaders have many uses for the books they receive from First Book – filling library shelves, inspiring excitement in reluctant readers and engaging parents in their child’s learning. They even give children books of their own to keep. 74% of educators and program leaders say the... Read more
Have you ever felt frustrated? Have you ever been the new kid in town? This month’s picks are filled with relatable themes like these. You’ll also find books the celebrate a fun tradition between family members, demonstrate the power of belief and explore themes of friendship. For older readers, you’ll... Read more
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we talked with Meg Medina, author of Tia Isa Wants a Car, The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind and many other great stories available on the First Book Marketplace. Learn why she became a children’s author, how her family heritage influences her stories and... Read more
Every day, educators from across the country connect with First Book. They serve children of different ages, colors and creeds. But all have one thing in common – they need books. More than 5,000 new educators sign up with First Book every month. Middle school teacher Judi McMahon of Wilmington,... Read more
Some may not consider graphic novels a teaching tool, but in recent years graphic storytelling has been used as a medium to explore different kinds of stories for broader audiences. Because of this, these books are finding their way into more and more classrooms and libraries. Why teach with graphic... Read more
For 23 years, we’ve been committed to promoting educational equality for kids in need. We’ve seen the tremendous impact books have on children’s lives. But many children need far more than books to learn and succeed. An overwhelming number of low-income families struggle meet the basic needs of their children,... Read more