First Book Blog
Stories of impact, the latest research, best practices, curated book lists, and more.
Help Second Graders Celebrate Friendiversary with New Books!
For the third year in a row, our friend Mo Willems, beloved children’s author & illustrator, will be providing brand-new Elephant & Piggie books and activity kits to kids in need! The books and activity kits will go to second grade students in New Orleans, Springfield and Holyoke, Mass. (These... Read more
Investing in Education: Kyle Zimmer's Reaction to the State of the Union
“Every dollar we invest in high-quality early education can save more than seven dollars later on – by boosting graduation rates, reducing teen pregnancy, even reducing violent crime.” — President Barack Obama I was grateful to hear the president talk about early childhood education tonight, and the enormous impact it... Read more
Will YOUR KIDS Have Books for 'Read Across America' Day?
Read Across America Day is fast approaching; on March 1, children across the country will celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday by reading ‘The Cat in the Hat’ and other childhood favorites. But, as much as we love Dr. Seuss, the READING part is the important bit. At First Book, we will... Read more
OMG Books! How First Book is Putting Half a Million Dollars on the Table to Make Sure Kids Get the Books They Need.
UPDATE: So many publishers have expressed interest that we’ve extended the deadline for proposals until Friday, Feb. 8 at 9 pm ET. (If you’re a publisher and have already submitted materials, feel free to make changes and send it back in. Questions? Email omgbooks@firstbook.org.) # # # At First Book,... Read more
15,000 New Books on the National Mall, Plus Celebrities, Cabinet Secretaries and Cute Kids
On Saturday, volunteers from across the country joined First Book on the National Mall in Washington DC to celebrate President Obama’s National Day of Service by providing 15,000 brand-new books to DC-area children from low-income families. Click here to see photos of the event, including pictures of volunteers, political leaders,... Read more
Operation Bookitecture!
KPMG’s Family for Literacy brightened the holiday season for children across the country by bringing more than 49,000 brand new books to children in need as part of their firm-wide community service project, Operation Bookitecture. This was no ordinary book drive, however. Nearly 3,000 KPMG employees in 70 offices across... Read more
Pi Beta Phi Brings Books About Great American Women to Kids in Need
This past November, First Book’s partner, Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women, celebrated their 100-year commitment to literacy service. To honor the momentous occasion, the Fraternity donated a special Pi Beta Phi edition of “Remember the Ladies: 100 Great American Women” to every student at Pi Beta Phi Elementary School... Read more
You Made This Happen: 213,802 Books in the Hands of Kids
That’s right. Thanks to everyone who donated to First Book over the holiday season – and thanks to a generous matching offer from our friends at Disney – First Book was able to provide 213,802 brand-new, high-quality books to schools and programs serving children from low-income families across the country.... Read more
Our Big Year Together
Happy holidays, from everyone at First Book! We had a big year here at First Book! I want to let you know everything we accomplished this year, and ask for your support as we continue our work to transform education by bringing new books to children from low-income families. First... Read more