First Book Blog

How Educators Use Tablets

Posted in: For Educators, Impact Stories

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

The Impact Report

Posted in: First Book Research & Insights

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

First Book Honored with Literacy Award by Library of Congress

Posted in: Archive

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

How Educators Use Books from First Book

Posted in: Archive, For Educators

  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

Monthly Book List: Our Five Favorite Books for October

Posted in: Our Bookshelf

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

Using Stories to Make Connections: An Interview with Meg Medina

Posted in: Author Voices

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

One Teacher's Wish List

Posted in: For Educators

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

5 Reasons to Teach with Graphic Novels

Posted in: For Educators

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

Back to Basics

Posted in: Archive

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

A Heartfelt Thank You

Posted in: Impact Stories

One of the best things about working at First Book is receiving thank you notes from the educators and kids we serve. Cathy Stang, a Learning Resource Teacher from Adrian Elementary School in South Euclid, Ohio, recently sent a HUGE stack of silly, sincere and sweet notes from her students.... Read more