First Book Blog

Stories of impact, the latest research, best practices, curated book lists, and more.

Summer Slide: It Adds Up

Posted in: Archive

Now in the thick of hot and sticky summer, the ring of the school bell has long left kids’ minds. And while three months may not seem like much, that time really adds up for kids who don’t have access to books or educational activities. Summer slide sets in, and... Read more

Healthy Minds Mean Healthy Lives

Posted in: Archive

Guest Blogger Chris Dobbins became Director of the Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services on July 1 2013. Dobbins is a 20-year veteran of the US Air Force and is the former Health Director of the Gaston County Health Department.   Health departments throughout the country work diligently... Read more

Five Tips for Summer-Long Learning

Posted in: Archive

Guest blogger Tina Chovanec is the director of Reading Rockets: the authoritative online source for comprehensive and accessible information about teaching young children to read and helping those who struggle.Reading Rockets is one of five education websites created by Learning Media, a division of WETA, the PBS affiliate in the... Read more

Keep Resources Flowing This Summer

Posted in: Archive

Keep resources flowing this summer!  Whether you serve kids in need, want to encourage summer reading in your own children or are concerned about the issue of summer slide, there are many great ways to keep kids reading and learning all summer long. Work with kids in need?  Sign up... Read more

I Pledge Allegiance

Posted in: Archive

Today’s guest blog post is by Libby Martinez, co-author of the new children’s book “I Pledge Allegiance,” on teaching kids to be proud of the place they were born while being a proud American. Libby’s book is available at deeply discounted prices on the First Book Marketplace to educators and... Read more

First Book's Summer Book List: High School

Posted in: Our Bookshelf

In the last week of our series of great summer reads, we’re bringing you our favorite titles for high schoolers to dive into as the days become ever warmer. Be sure to check out our summer book lists from past weeks for great reads for kids of all ages! Sign... Read more

Who Can Sign Up with First Book?

Posted in: Archive

When the school year ends, so do many support systems kids in need rely on. Thankfully there are thousands of organizations working across the country to help kids in need during the summer months. First Book is here to support all of them. We don’t just work with teachers; anyone... Read more

First Book's Summer Book List: Grades 7-8

Posted in: Our Bookshelf

Looking of more summer book lists?  This week you’ll find some fantastic tales for readers in seventh and eighth grade. Sign up to receive more great book lists, tip sheets and summer reading facts from First Book! If you work with kids in need, you can find these titles on... Read more

Three Big Ways to Celebrate National Summer Learning Day

Posted in: Archive

Mark your calendars for June 20th! It’s National Summer Learning Day – an annual celebration dedicated to promoting the importance of summer learning for all children and helping close the achievement gap. This year, we’ve teamed up with our friends at the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) to share three... Read more