Category Archive: Archive

It Takes Less Than Half An Hour To Change A Child's Life

Posted in: Archive

First Book provides badly-needed books to kids, but it’s up to educators and parents to help their children open up those brand-new books and become readers. Read Aloud 15 MINUTES is one of the many terrific programs that makes this possible. Read Aloud board member Jennifer Liu Bryan recently explained... Read more

Ruth P. Graves: Lifelong Champion of Children and Reading

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Today we honor the memory of a lifelong champion of children and reading who recently passed away. Ruth P. Graves, President Emerita of Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), was an early supporter of First Book and a leader who displayed a passion for reaching children through books. Ruth believed that every... Read more

Stories For All: Todd Parr – It's Okay to be Different

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Author, illustrator, and macaroni and cheese aficionado Todd Parr, uses humor and bright illustrations to celebrate the differences that make us all unique. Most of Todd’s books are now available on the First Book Marketplace. First Book recently interviewed Todd about his inspiration for writing so many books that make... Read more

The Power of Children’s Books to Change the World

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In 2012, Malala Yousafzai, age 15, was shot in the face by Taliban thugs for daring to promote education for women and girls in her native Pakistan. She has not only survived, she has taken her cause to the global level. Her speech before the United Nations inspired the world:... Read more

Harley Riders Raise Money for Books to Kids

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Who knew Harley riders and Harriet the Spy could go together? On August 10 the second annual Children’s Literacy Motorcycle Run was held, sponsored by Chuck’s Harley Davidson, Coldwell Banker, and the Leathernecks Motorcycle Club, among others.  With the campaign slogan “Live to ride… Ride so children can read,” the... Read more

Janet Tashjian on Creating Imagination, Inspiration & Illustration with Reluctant Readers

Posted in: Archive, Author Voices

Janet Tashjian is a children’s author, an advocate for reluctant readers and strong supporter of First Book. She collaborates with her son Jake Tashjian, who creates the illustrations for her books. One of their joint efforts, “Einstein The Class Hamster” was not only released to retailers, but made available to... Read more

First Book and Mind in The Making's Ellen Galinsky: Reading Time as a Missed Opportunity for Life-Skills Learning

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The following is a guest blog post by Ellen Galinsky, president of the Families and Work Institute and author of ‘Mind in the Making‘. First Book and Mind in The Making have teamed up to create book lists and tip sheets that help educators and parents teach life skills during... Read more

For First Day of School, Julianne Moore Brings Books to Kids at Harlem Daycare Center

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We’re huge fans of award-winning actress Julianne Moore at First Book; not only is she supremely talented on stage and screen, she’s also a children’s book author and all -around lovely person. So we were thrilled that she was able to join us yesterday at Round The Clock Nursery in... Read more

Teachers Respond: $480 Or More Spent on Back To School Supplies for Their Classrooms

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In honor of back to school, we have been posting some rather stunning statistics about how many teachers spend money out of their own pockets for their classroom, as well as how much they are spending. Teachers across the web have responded. “Yup on average about $500” (twitter) “$480? Really?... Read more

5 Inspiring Stories Of Kids Helping Kids

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We can all learn something from the selfless acts of children. Check out these five stories of kids helping kids in need get new books. 1. The Best Neighbor Ever.                 Crestwood Intermediate School in Mantua, Ohio puts others first. The 3rd-5th graders... Read more