First Book Blog

Young Diplomat Killed While Bringing Books to Kids

Posted in: Archive

Yesterday morning, Andrew Meyer, the operations manager for the First Book Marketplace, sent an email to the First Book staff sharing his thoughts about Anne Smedinghoff, a young foreign service officer killed in Afghanistan while bringing books to children in need. I was touched by Andrew’s email, and asked him... Read more

Happy Birthday, Amelia Bedelia! A Q&A With Author, Herman Parish

Posted in: Archive, Author Voices

It’s been 50 years since the original author of Amelia Bedelia, Peggy Parish, debuted the popular children’s book series. Peggy passed away in 1988 but her Amelia Bedelia legacy lives on. Herman Parish, Peggy’s nephew, took over the series after Peggy’s passing. First Book recently interviewed Herman Parish about Amelia... Read more

First Book Supports 50,000 Local Schools and Community Programs. (Yes! 50,000!)

Posted in: Archive

Last year First Book made it a goal to reach more kids in need by doubling the number of local schools and community programs in our national network, from 25,000 to 50,000. We’ve reached that number! Over 50,000 Title I classrooms, early childhood education programs, afterschool programs, museums and libraries,... Read more

How First Book Works with Pi Beta Phi to Support Girls Everywhere

Posted in: Archive

Today’s guest blog post is from Ann Shaw, Director of Philanthropy for Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Women. Ann has held this volunteer role for the past six years. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arkansas and her Master’s in Education from the University of New... Read more

First Book Celebrates AmeriCorps Week!

Posted in: Archive

This week, many of our partners and recipient groups are celebrating AmeriCorps Week to recognize the service of the AmeriCorps members working within their organizations to elevate the quality of education for the children they serve. Here at First Book, we’re proud to have some AmeriCorps alums on our staff... Read more

Competitors or Collaborators? A Q&A with Carol Rasco on How First Book Works with RIF

Posted in: Archive

Carol Rasco, president and CEO of Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), recently answered some questions about the importance of the long partnership between First Book and RIF. Q: RIF and First Book are sometimes thought of as competitors rather than partners. Could you put this myth to rest and explain the... Read more

The Stories for All Project: Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is

Posted in: Archive

At First Book, we want to see all kids become strong readers, the critical step to succeeding in school and in life. But all too often the children we work with have books with characters and stories that aren’t relevant to their lives. And that makes it harder to turn... Read more

An Unexpected Journey Meets an Imaginative Fundraiser

Posted in: Archive

First Book works tirelessly throughout the year to provide new, high quality books to students in need.  One of the true pleasures of this work is to know that volunteers, organizations, and communities across the country are working toward the same goal. Recently, we received a wonderful letter that highlighted... Read more

Happy Read Across America Day!

Posted in: Archive

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Happy Friendiversary!!

Posted in: Archive

The spirit of friendship and the power of reading were in full force at Peck Full Service Community School, a Title I School in Holyoke, MA, yesterday. The school eagerly awaited the arrival of beloved children’s author and illustrator, Mo Willems: Elephant and Piggie posters decorated the hallways and windows... Read more