First Book Blog

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

All Our Friends In Pittsburgh

Posted in: Archive

First Book’s National Book Bank team just got home from Pittsburgh, where they boxed, labeled and shipped 400,000 books to kids in need all over the country, from Jacksonville to Santa Monica. Read more

The End of an Era: Goodbye to "The Oprah Winfrey Show"

Posted in: Archive

After 25 record-breaking years on the air, “The Oprah Winfrey Show” will be airing its last episode today. There is no question that Oprah Winfrey and her show have helped to inspire and change millions of lives.  First Book is particularly inspired by Ms. Winfrey’s love for reading and support... Read more

Watch Rick Riordan & James Patterson Live Online Tomorrow Night

Posted in: Archive

Two of our favorite children’s book authors, Rick Riordan and James Patterson, will be onstage together for the first time, at Lincoln Center in New York City tomorrow night. The two authors will read from their latest titles (including exclusive first looks) and answer questions from their fans. Al Roker,... Read more

First Book and United Way of Tampa Bay

Posted in: Archive

Every year, our friends at The United Way of Tampa Bay puts books in the hands of children who need them most through their Children’s Book Drive. Over the last five years, they’ve raised the funds to provide almost 100,000 new books to children from low-income families. Read more

The "Oprah" Show and the Gift of Books

Posted in: Archive

First Book is deeply grateful to have been part of “Oprah’s Surprise Spectacular” on today’s show – her third-to-last television broadcast. We were overwhelmed when 13,000 people at the United Center stood in tribute to Oprah Winfrey and the power of reading – each holding a brand new children’s book... Read more

First Book Advisory Board Anniversaries!

Posted in: Archive

As you know, First Book national celebrated its 19th Birthday this week, and we would like to recognize our First Book Advisory Board Anniversaries! Thank you for helping First Book achieve its mission: To provide new books to children in need, addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy-... Read more

It's Our 19th Birthday!

Posted in: Archive

It’s our 19th birthday today and we couldn’t be more excited!  Thanks to the support of our donors, partners, and volunteers, we have given over 80 million books to children in need. We are grateful to all of our supporters and the educators who help us fight illiteracy one book... Read more