First Book Blog

Arkansas, Massachusetts, and Nebraska Win Disney and First Book “Magic of Storytelling” State Vote

Posted in: Press Releases

First Book is pleased to announce Arkansas, Massachusetts, and Nebraska as the top three winning states in the “Magic of Storytelling” state vote. A total of 135,000 books will be awarded to classrooms and programs serving children in need in the states. The “Magic of Storytelling” campaign, which began on... Read more

Activities to Spark Conversation Between Adults and Children

Posted in: For Educators

Books are great tools for sparking conversation between adults and children. They can inspire conversation and activities around a diverse range of topics, including feelings, imagination and different family structures. These conversations can help you share lessons with students and can deepen bonds between family members. Use the books and... Read more

An Educator’s Campaign to Revitalize Her Library

Posted in: Impact Stories

When Vanessa Cadena entered the library at Bret Harte Middle School this school year, she knew she had a big job ahead of her. It was Vanessa’s first year at the school and the library had not been updated in almost twenty years. Full of damaged and outdated books, Vanessa... Read more

Our Five Favorite Poetry Books

Posted in: For Educators

We’ve selected our favorite poetry books for you to share with your readers of meter and rhyme. From clever poetry favorites and nursery rhymes, to craftily created illustrations and novels in verse, you’ll find poetry for all ages to inspire even the most reluctant future-poets. If you work with children... Read more

WWE and First Book Provide Dallas Area Kids with Nearly 50,000 Books

Posted in: Press Releases

Local Educator “Book Wishes” Granted in Celebration of WrestleMania® DALLAS, March 22, 2016 – Fifty-nine schools and programs in Dallas, Arlington and Fort Worth are receiving nearly 50,000 brand-new books this month thanks to global entertainment company WWE and First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise that provides books, educational resources... Read more

Teaching Much More Than Basic Concepts

Posted in: For Educators, Impact Stories

The hundreds of parents in First Five Permian Basin’s Parents as Teachers program are learning to be their child’s first teacher. They’re excited for the challenge. Topics like counting, shapes and colors are at the top of the list of concepts to teach their kids. “Our parents may ask how... Read more

Free Food to Fuel Your Students’ Learning

Posted in: For Educators

Working at a Title I school you learn pretty quickly that if basic needs aren’t met, students aren’t able to move past those needs. No one can learn when they’re hungry. When students are hungry they’re distracted and sleepy. It’s amazing to watch a student eat a snack – sometimes... Read more

How One Shy Girl Found Friends Through Books

Posted in: Impact Stories

We recently met Victoria Hammond, a Program Coordinator at Linwood YMCA in Kansas City. She told us about Leigh, a particularly shy girl in her afterschool program who found confidence and friends through reading. Victoria noticed that she played alone and didn’t have the self-esteem to introduce herself to the... Read more

Five Fun Ideas to Celebrate Día de los niños, Día de los libros

Posted in: Archive

Are you celebrating Día this year? We have five fun ideas to fuel your celebration planning. In its 20th year, Children’s Day, Book Day/El día de los niños, Día de los libros (known as Día) is the annual celebration of bookjoy created by children’s author Pat Mora. The nationally recognized... Read more

One Story to Engage ELL Families: The Wednesday Surprise

Posted in: Impact Stories

Last week, we featured Roxana Barillas, Director of Hispanic Engagement at First Book. She shared her thoughts on the ways educators can connect with ELL families. This week, Roxana shares one book from  Build Strong Families With Stories that can help in engaging ELL families in their child’s learning. One... Read more