First Book Blog

Books that Teach Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication and Collaboration

Posted in: For Educators

Creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration are critical skills for children to learn so they can succeed in today’s world. Use the books below and the guided questions to teach these concepts found in each story. You’ll find a well-known fable told from another culture’s perspective, an inspiring tale about... Read more

Imagine A School Without A Library

Posted in: For Educators, Impact Stories

Today’s guest blog post is by bestselling children’s author Megan McDonald, 2016 Spokesperson for the American Association of School Librarians National School Library Month. Imagine a school without a library. A few years back, I was honored to be a visiting author in elementary schools in the state of Florida.... Read more

Kids Are Behind on This Key Indicator of Success

Posted in: First Book Research & Insights

What if your dreams were out of reach before you could even dream them? For 80% of fourth graders who do not read proficiently, this could be the case. A child’s ability to read in fourth grade is a key indicator to their future success. From their academic achievement to... Read more

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 Full of damaged and outdated books, Vanessa...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