First Book Blog

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

Graphic with two images. The image on the left features two young girls in a classroom and pouring coffee. The image on the right features a older student who is reading a book in the library. Underneath the images is a banner that says, "Time for Change Youth Challenge".

Announcing the 2024 Time for Change Youth Challenge Winners

Posted in: Impact Stories, Our Partners

We’re thrilled to introduce the 17 incredible youth challenge winners from this year’s Time for Change Youth Challenge, a national initiative from First Book and Ashoka that empowers K–12 students to become changemakers in their schools and communities. Across the country, young people stepped up with big ideas—and even bigger... Read more

photo of a group of people standing by a book vending machine at a hospital.

Community Spotlight: Grandma’s Love Brings Books and Food to NYC Kids

Posted in: First Book Community Highlight, For Educators, Impact Stories

At First Book, we’re proud to shine a light on those making a difference in their communities through reading and education. One of these champions is Theresa, founder of Grandma’s Love, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting childhood hunger and promoting a love for reading in New York City. Addressing Hunger... Read more

Guru Krupa Foundation Continues Decade-Long Commitment to Equitable Access to Education through Partnership with First Book

Posted in: Press Room

Multi-Pronged Approach to Social Impact Supports Educators and Uplifts NYC and Nassau County students in low-income communities New York City, N.Y. (February 20, 2025) – For more than 12 years, the Guru Krupa Foundation has been a vital partner in pursuing First Book’s mission of ensuring equal access to quality... Read more

Tomorrow’s Leaders Today: Building Critical Thinking Skills

Posted in: For Educators, Our Partners

At First Book, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to develop the skills they need to thrive—both today and in the future. That’s why we partnered with General Motors (GM) to create the Critical Thinking Skills & Habits series. These resource guides emphasize critical thinking as one of the... Read more

Reflecting on 2024: How First Book Research & Insights Amplified Educator Voices and Drove Change

Posted in: First Book Research & Insights, For Educators

As we welcome 2025, we take a moment to reflect on the strides made toward educational equity in 2024. Throughout the year, First Book’s educator community played a pivotal role in shaping key initiatives and expanding access to critical resources for students in need. Through surveys, focus groups, and ongoing... Read more

First Book Teams Up with the Washington Commanders to Bring Books and Playoff Hopes to Students across the DMV

Posted in: Our Partners

Jayden Daniels hasn’t been the only star addition to the Washington Commanders organization. This season, First Book and the Washington Commanders joined forces to bring a love of reading and the excitement of football to local students across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, creating a partnership that’s making... Read more

How Book Bans Are Impacting Teachers and Students: Insights from First Book Research & Insights

Posted in: First Book Research & Insights, For Educators

Over the last several years, book bans and restrictions have dramatically increased across the United States. Organizations like the American Library Association (ALA) and PEN America have been tracking these trends, but there has been little data on how these efforts to limit access to books are affecting educators and... Read more

First Book Honored in New York Times Communities Fund Annual Holiday Giving Campaign

Posted in: Press Room

Receiving this recognition for the fifth year, this campaign shares First Book and its efforts to remove barriers to education with The New York Times’ readers NEW YORK – First Book has been selected as a beneficiary of The New York Times Communities Fund holiday giving campaign to help support... Read more

Tata Sons North America and First Book Distribute 35,000 books to New Jersey and New York Communities

Posted in: Press Room

Bolstering classrooms with high-quality books, supporting local educators, and community volunteerism on display at Newark Museum of Art NEWARK, N.J., Sept. 19, 2024 – This weekend, Tata Sons North America and First Book are distributing more than 35,000 books to New Jersey and New York City educators. With 250 educators in attendance, this abundance of free, high-quality books will... Read more

First Book Tees Up Second Annual Virtual Golf Tournament for Educational Equity

Posted in: Press Room

National nonprofit launches charity golf event with Topgolf and World Golf Tour to bolster educational resources in Title I Schools WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2024 — In partnership with Topgolf and World Golf Tour (WGT), First Book is launching the second annual First Book Open virtual golf tournament. The interactive, online charity event offers... Read more