First Book In the News

The decline of literacy rates over the past decade is a national emergency. Fewer than a third of the nation’s fourth graders had proficient reading scores last year, and the share is even lower among poor children. The causes are many, including ineffective teaching methods, misallocated spending, digital technology and long Covid-19 school closures.

As severe as the nation’s literacy problem is, it is not intractable. Effective charity can help, especially when the Trump administration is unwisely dismantling the Department of Education. First Book, a New York Times Community Fund partner, makes sure low-income school districts have access to high-quality books. Teachers who used First Book reported that their students spent more time reading and their literacy scores improved.

Early access to high-quality books can transform lives, improve educational outcomes and help create the next generation of curious and informed citizens. To make a meaningful investment in American education, we encourage you to consider donating to First Book through The New York Times Communities Fund.

To celebrate their 25 years of partnership, Penguin Random House and national education nonprofit First Book will host two free virtual events on Monday, November 17. These livestreamed presentations will honor PRH and First Book’s longtime collaboration, which has resulted in 42 million books donated to children in need.

With PRH and other publishers, First Book has distributed some 250 million books to young readers. By 2030, First Book plans to bring in more educators and ultimately quadruple the number of students it reaches to an estimated 27 million.

Zimmer wants to be a bridge between publisher partners and the schools, libraries, and organizations that work directly with children. “Millions of people dedicate themselves to improving educational outcomes for kids in need,” Zimmer said. “First Book has spent 34 years refining our models. Now we’re ready to put our hand on that volume knob and crank it, and we need people to talk to people to make sure that happens.”

However, it’s difficult to know exactly how AI can be best utilized when many organizations are opting to proceed with caution when it comes to AI adoption. To help, 14 Forbes Nonprofit Council members detail how the implementation of AI has impacted their organizations. Read on to learn more about how AI has enabled these organizations to further their missions and growth.

The implementation of artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how businesses across industries operate. As AI capabilities continue to develop and grow more sophisticated, leveraging this technology within a nonprofit can not only support an organization’s mission, but also drive its growth.

“First Book’s scaling plan—to grow from serving 6.5 million to 27 million children in need annually—depends on AI. For our research arm, we use AI to analyze data from thousands of educators in minutes. On an operational level, this will increase the number of books and resources we distribute (currently 12 to 15 million yearly), allowing us to reach more educators and more children with greater efficiency and impact.” – Kyle Zimmer, First Book

SONIC and nonprofit First Book came together on Friday to bring 3,000 books to local children in Nashville. “Bookpalooza” was held at First Baptist Church South Inglewood on Friday. The event was to remove barriers to quality education for children living in low-income communities, according to SONIC. SONIC said more than 100 children attended the event, and each of them received a collection of books to take home. A total of 3,000 were brought to be distributed.

Sonic is launching Sweet-Topped Lemonades in three flavors — Classic, Strawberry, and Blueberry Lavender — starting June 2, with early access for app users on May 27. The drinks feature Sonic’s classic lemonade topped with sweet cold foam, offering a creamy take on the summer classic. Sonic is partnering with romance authors and reaffirming its literacy commitment, tying the launch to its Limeades for Learning initiative and a collaboration with nonprofit First Book.

Ashley Poston, Abby Jimenez and Christina Lauren are partnering with Sonic for the launch of their summer Sweet Topped Lemonades, which will help get books into the hands of children across America via the nonprofit First Book. Poston revealed to PEOPLE which one of her book couples would be most likely to go on a Sonic date. The bestselling author’s latest book, Sounds Like Love, will be released on June 17

Sonic has unveiled another menu innovation: Sweet Topped Lemonades. Sonic’s new twist on its lemonade doesn’t just expand its menu but helps students grow; as the company said, “each lemonade purchased helps fund local classrooms through SONIC’s Limeades for Learning initiative,” which helps support public education programs, schools, classrooms and teachers here in the U.S. Not only that, but the beloved drive-in is also teaming up with First Book, which provides books and other learning resources to children in need, to distribute some “100,000 books to students in need.”

On the heels of the whimsical Unicorn Dreams Slush comes the launch of three new Sweet Topped Lemonades, which are just right for summer sipping. Each drink starts with a base of all-natural lemonade, which gets topped with a layer of silky, luscious, flavored cold foam. Varieties include classic, strawberry and blueberry lavender. Of course, you can also customize your lemonade with flavor add-ins, like blue raspberry flavor bubbles (similar to boba), cherry syrup and sweet cream. (You can also make it dirty with a creamy swirl and your choice of syrup, if you’re into the dirty soda trend.) Starting May 27, you can order the drinks through the Sonic app. If you don’t have the app, you can order in person at your local resto starting June 2. As if that wasn’t sweet enough, Sonic teamed up with three bestselling authors—Christina Lauren (The Paradise Problem), Ashley Poston (Sounds Like Love) and Abby Jimenez (Say You’ll Remember Me)—to inspire guests to sip while they squeeze in a summer read. Every lemonade bought helps fund Limeades for Learning, a Sonic foundation that supports local public schools by donating money toward teachers’ supplies, providing scholarships to educators and more. Better yet, Sonic also teamed up with First Book, a nonprofit that provides books and educational resources to kids in low-income areas across North America, to distribute 100,000 books to students in need.

Readers have had a new “Wimpy Kid” book (sometimes two) to look forward to every year since the original published in 2007. Now, in the months leading up to “Partypooper,” the series’ 20th installment, author Jeff Kinney has something up his sleeve. Kinney shared exclusively with USA TODAY that he’s gifting 20,000 books a month until he hits 160,000 total to kids across the country in partnership with nonprofit First Book.

This article from the Stanford Social Innovation Review highlights First Book as a leading example of how nonprofits can create sustainable economic engines in service of their mission. The piece, which explores the rise of mutualist organizations, features First Book’s innovative model that provides affordable books and resources to educators working with children in need. At the center of this model is the First Book Marketplace—a hub offering deeply discounted learning materials to a network of more than 600,000 educators. By combining revenue from the Marketplace with in-kind donations, First Book generates 89% of its $80 million annual revenue, allowing the organization to reinvest in expanding access to high-quality resources for low-income communities.

The nonprofit We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) is launching its inaugural “We Need Diverse Books Day” April 3 to highlight the importance of access to inclusive reading, the organization announced exclusively to USA TODAY. A 2023 study by nonprofit First Book found that students spend more time reading when educators add new, diverse books to their classrooms. And while 99% of surveyed educators agreed that a diverse classroom library is crucial, only 58% said their library collection is as diverse as their students are.

In 2019, LEGO launched the Replay program, allowing people to donate unwanted LEGO bricks back to the company for redistribution at children’s non-profits across the United States. This year, LEGO commemorates the 5th anniversary of its innovative Replay program. In the past five years, more than 161,000 boxes of LEGO bricks have been donated through the program, adding up to an astounding 580,000 pounds of recycled product. First Book, an educational equity nonprofit and LEGO partner, distributed another 1,000 Replay boxes to local classrooms, promoting learning through play within educational environments.

Book banning is on the rise in the United States. A growing number of communities are trying to take reading choices out of the hands of children and families by declaring some books off limits. At least 220 public school districts imposed bans last school year on more than 4,200 books, according to PEN America. The targets of those bans are often books that feature people of color or people who are not heterosexual or books that deal with difficult subjects like sexual violence and substance abuse. First Book is an antidote to these bans.

Literacy and education nonprofit First Book has added a World Languages category within its First Book Marketplace—the online site where eligible First Book members can obtain books for underserved children at the lowest possible cost, or for free. The category debuted in April and features bilingual book bundles printed in English and 19 different languages, including Arabic, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Korean, and Vietnamese, and also contains the popular and continually growing selection of Spanish and Spanish-English bilingual titles.

For many parents, the coming onslaught of holiday gifts can be as stress-provoking as it is festive and fun, making this an ideal time of year to consider cleaning out unused toys. Now in its fifth year, the Lego Replay program provides one feel-good way to recycle Lego bricks while also helping kids with fewer resources get access to these beloved and skill-building toys. Once Lego receives the bricks, the donations are cleaned and organized into collections that have a variety of components, so kids can make their own creations and build in an open-ended way. Kodak says they work to ensure that these sets have different shapes and colors, so “there’s a relevant play experience in there.” These Replay boxes are then distributed through a network of non-profits that includes First Book and Boys & Girls Clubs to kids and educators.

If it’s fall, legions of young readers have come to expect that a new Wimpy Kid book and tour is in the offing. And author-illustrator Jeff Kinney is right on schedule, with next week’s rollout of Hot Mess (Abrams/Amulet, Oct. 22), the 19th entry in his globally bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, and its supporting two-week national tour. This time around he’ll be traveling in a tricked-out Wimpy Kid food truck serving up a one-hour interactive stage show at each official stop, as well as a heaping helping of book giveaways during surprise visits and pop-ups at various schools along the way. Literacy nonprofit First Book is providing the food truck books, featuring quantities of 10 different titles including Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston and Great Minds of Science by Tonya Bolden. Additionally, Kinney and Abrams are partnering with First Book to donate more than 100,000 Diary of a Wimpy Kid books to schools across the country. And First Book is teaming up with General Motors to donate a diverse selection of books to Title I schools on the Hot Mess tour route, as well as donations that will enable librarians and educators who are First Book members to select items for their students from more than 10,000 new books and resources.

Thousands of free STEM books are coming to the Tri-State this weekend. Through a partnership with the region’s Blue Star Families, nonprofit First Book and General Motors, more than 29,000 books will be offered at a festival.

Raising a nation of readers and empowering our kids with the empathy and understanding to succeed in our diverse world requires social and human fluency gained from reading stories that offer multicultural, full-color perspectives. Paula Willey, a Baltimore-based librarian and manager at First Book, shares her favorites for young kids.

Launched in 2017, the Book Rich Environments program connects families living in public housing communities with free, high quality, diverse books and literacy resources that foster a life-long, joyful relationship with reading. The tri-sector initiative, led by the National Book Foundation, is a collaboration between national government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and publishers, with the US Departments of Education (ED) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Urban Libraries Council, and the National Center for Families Learning serving as key planning partners. By this summer, the program will have distributed over two million free books in partnership with public housing authorities, local libraries, community centers, and additional partners. Book Rich Environments has also secured a grant from the nonprofit organization First Book to bring books to even more readers this summer.

To celebrate Children’s Book Week (May 6-12), a new group of nonprofits called the Diverse Books for All Coalition has purchased 145,000 books for kids who live in low-income communities. These books — from Abrams, Barefoot, Candlewick and Penguin Random House — have been selected to help kids “see themselves and learn about others from their earliest years.”

More than one-fifth of financing needed to meet UN education targets is unaccounted for, preventing children’s access to learning in many poorer countries. Social innovators play a key role in society by offering disruptive services in areas where traditional institutions have fallen short, including in education and learning. Here’s how We Love Reading and First Book continue to improve access to books and educational resources, making education more inclusive for everyone.

Join Disney as we celebrate the Magic of Storytelling and help get books to children in need. ABC30 is partnering up with its parent company Disney, First Book and EECU to help cultivate the next generation of storytellers with the Magic of Storytelling campaign. Disney is invested in the next generation of diverse creators, thinkers and leaders – ensuring that all young people have an opportunity to believe in the possibilities, build new skills and create the future they imagine. Disney Publishing Worldwide has donated millions of books to First Book, a nonprofit organization that puts new, free and affordable books and resources into the hands of educators who serve children in need.

Recent research suggests that other teachers have also been negatively impacted by attempts at book censorship. In a 2023 nationally representative survey by First Book Research & Insights, a nonprofit educational research organization, researchers polled more than 1,500 teachers in school communities where at least 70 percent of children are from low-income families. Thirty-one percent of the teachers reported book bans, challenges, or restrictions in their school districts; an estimated 15 percent preemptively removed books from their libraries; and 65 percent agreed that book bans are having a negative impact on their ability to teach.

Tata Sons North America and First Book, the largest online network of educators serving children in need, have been working together since 2008 to eliminate existing barriers to education. Over the last 15 years of this partnership, they have distributed about 600,000 books to educators serving kids in need.

With so much trauma dominating the news this Martin Luther King Day, one can easily forget that there are many individuals and organizations working hard to create some good in our crazy, mixed-up world. With that in mind, I reached out to past business and nonprofit winners of the Golden Halo Award and asked them to share an example of a corporate social impact program they are excited to be working on in 2024. The dynamic duo of the Build-A-Bear Foundation and First Book have launched a five-year partnership to distribute 1 million books and 100,000 reading buddy teddy bears to kids in need.

Between fundraising shortfalls, inflation and the rise of artificial intelligence, nonprofits faced a challenging, but promising business landscape in 2023. As nonprofits now move into 2024, keeping a watchful eye on new trends and discerning which ones are here to stay will be essential to leaders ensuring their organization maintains a secure position in the sector. To help nonprofit professionals get in tune with emerging trends, 19 Forbes Nonprofit Council members, including our President and CEO Kyle Zimmer, share their predictions of top trends they believe will dominate the nonprofit sector in 2024.

In partnership with Topgolf and World Golf Tour (WGT), First Book is launching the inaugural First Book Open virtual golf tournament. The interactive, online charity event offers a fun, innovative way to support First Book’s long history of transforming the lives of educators in under-resources communities.

In a world where all organizations face both the risks and benefits of electronic data collection every day, failures in the way the data is managed, or governed, can interfere with the ability of a nonprofit to succeed in its mission and its intent to remain compliant with regulations.

Roughly a year after its launch, the Diverse Books for All Coalition—a consortium of more than 40 nonprofits and member organizations founded by First Book—has taken major steps toward its mission of providing communities in need with increased access to diverse children’s books. On September 19, at the Global Clinton Initiative 2023 meeting held in New York City, the coalition presented its Commitment to Action, stating that it will use its collective market power to purchase and distribute 600,000 “new, high-quality, affordable children’s books by and about diverse races, cultures, identities, and abilities” over the next 18 months.

Book bans have been surging the past couple of years, and according to nonprofit organization PEN America‘s latest report, “Banned in the USA: The Mounting Pressure to Censor,” there are more book bans here than in any other state, by a wide margin. Over 40% of all public school book bans in the 2022-2023 school year happened in Florida, with little sign they’re slowing down. PEN America and other advocates claim that the growing book-banning movement is meant to erase narratives that might make white children uncomfortable while whitewashing American history. According to the American Library Association (ALA), most of the books challenged last year were by or about LGBTQ+ persons and people who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color. A recent study by the nonprofit organization First Book found that students spent more time reading after teachers added more diverse books to their classroom libraries and reading scores improved.

Recent school board and public library meetings discussing specific books in collections have been packed with emotional speeches and incendiary language. Those arguments—for removing or retaining titles—can be very compelling. They capitalize on parental fears or succeed in tapping the empathy of others. But the battle against book ban attempts should be waged from a foundation of fact and statistics, says First Book president, CEO, and co-founder Kyle Zimmer. First Book Research & Insights surveyed educators for its Book Bans Impact Study and Diverse Books Impact Study.

Across the country there has been an increasing debate over banning books in school libraries. Often, the unifying factor between the books is that they relate to themes of diversity and LGBTQ+ identities. One nonprofit, First Book, is working to give children access to the books saying it’s important for them to be able to see themselves, their families and their communities in media.

First Book is a nonprofit working to remove barriers to an equitable education for children living in low-income communities. The group conducted an education study that showed the impact that diverse books have on children’s reading and learning outcomes.

This blog post is by Kyle Zimmer, President and CEO of First Book – a Unite Against Book Bans partner. This week, First Book Research & Insights released the results of a national pilot study revealing the positive academic impacts of diverse books. With these findings in mind, First Book is more committed than ever to opposing current efforts to ban or restrict access to books written by or about people of color or members of the LGBTQIA+ community. By making diverse books their primary targets, censors and book banners stand in the way of educational equity and work in opposition to educators’ efforts to increase reading interest and proficiency.

On November 11, in partnership with Blue Star Families, First Book and General Motors are hosting a Veteran’s Day STEM Book Family Festival to distribute 35,000 diverse STEM books to local Title I educators, military families, and community members. More than 300 guests from the First Book Network, the families they serve, and members of the National Capital and Baltimore chapters of Blue Star Families are gathering at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. for a day of family activities and free STEM book giveaways.

Four kids’ brands, Jell-O, Kraft Mac & Cheese, Capri Sun and Lunchables, will be a part of Kraft Heinz’s FUNdamental Textbook campaign where $10 for every claimed FUNdamental Textbook will be donated to First Book.

To celebrate the launch of this book, Penguin Random House and Disney/Lucasfilm will each make donations to First Book – a leading nonprofit that provides new books, learning materials, and other essentials to educators and organizations serving children in need.

WETA, the Barksdale Reading Institute, and First Book have launched a prototype of Reading Universe, an online, step-by-step professional development pathway for teachers, paraprofessionals, and reading coaches to learn more about evidence-based reading instruction — and then translate it into classroom practice that will complement any curriculum. Just in time to support educators’ preparations for the new school year, the site features an interactive taxonomy of reading skills, lesson plans, in-classroom videos, printable activities, and decodable texts – all for free.

First Book is a non-profit organization that provides books and educational resources to children in low-income communities. The organization has a network of 550,000 educators who serve 5 million kids a year. First Book distributes books through its online marketplace, as well as through other programs and initiatives.

Not all nonprofits will be able to have multiple staffers dedicated to corporate partnerships. But for First Book, balancing the cultivation of current relationships and the acquisition of new corporate partners has been successful by dividing staff into two teams.

Two other items were auctioned at the Dubai event, for a total of $8.5 million, all donated to First Book and Ashoka, charities that support young people from low-income and historically excluded communities.

The watch was auctioned for $6.2 million at the launch event, with proceeds going to First Book and Ashoka, two nonprofit organizations that encourage young people with education.

The biggest of Marvel geeks might remember that Spider-Man’s dad (not his Uncle Ben) also believed in power and responsibility and was known as a young man to stand up to bullies and try to help them rather than just fighting back. So he’ll be buzzing up in MCU heaven that his son’s (have we taken this analogy too far?) watch is also responsible for raising money for First Book and Ashoka, non-profit organizations that work to empower young people to create change and a positive impact.

In coordination with First Book and the AFT Reading Opens the World campaign, Norwalk Public Schools is giving away 50,000 books. At the event students will be able to select their choices from a variety of options. There will be books of all reading levels and in both English and Spanish.

The husband and wife illustrator/author/business team duo Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr, are currently on their yearlong Busload of Books tour, visiting Title 1 schools in all 50 states giving away 25,000 books. They’ve partnered with First Book and Build-A-Bear to give away an additional 125,000 books by more authors to Title 1 educators.

First Book founder and CEO Kyle Zimmer wrote an article for Forbes about the importance of collaborations among nonprofit organizations. Many for-profit, public interest, and community organizations have realized the power of collaboration. Nonprofit organizations have a unique position to collaborate and address common barriers, as shown by First Book’s ability to organize the Diverse Books for All Coalition.

The husband and wife illustrator/author/business team duo Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr, are currently on their yearlong Busload of Books tour, visiting Title 1 schools in all 50 states giving away 25,000 books. They came to a Ferguson Central Primary School on March 14 and 15, and they’ve partnered with First Book and Build-A-Bear to give away an additional 125,000 books by more authors to Title 1 educators.

Creators of the Cookie Chronicles series, the Real McCoys trilogy and several picture books, Robbi Behr and Matthew Swanson are visiting Title 1 schools in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Behr and Swanson initially planned to give away 25,000 books throughout their tour, they’ve since found major backing (including $152,000 via GoFundMe and a partnership with First Book, a nonprofit focused on bringing educational resources to kids in low-income communities). That’s allowed them to exceed their wildest expectations — they’re now on pace to give away 125,000 books.

The Busload of Books Tour is a year-long literacy project by author/illustrator, husband/wife children’s book creators Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr. Swanson and Behr and their four school-aged kids and dog are visiting one Title I (high need) elementary school in every US state, doing free presentations on creative empowerment, and handing out a free, hardcover book to every student and teacher in these schools (25,000 total). They are partnering with St. Louis-based Build-A-Bear Foundation to distribute an additional 125,000 free books through the First Book Marketplace.

A third installment in Star Wars’ anthology series is coming soon. From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi celebrates the 40-year anniversary of the film’s debut in 1983. As part of the celebration, Penguin Random House and Disney/Lucasfilm will each make donations to First Book in recognition of both companies’ longstanding relationships with the nonprofit.

Join Disney as we celebrate the Magic of Storytelling and help get books to children in need. ABC30 is partnering up with its parent company Disney, First Book and EECU to help cultivate the next generation of storytellers with the Magic of Storytelling campaign.

First Book Hood River County and First Book Wasco County are part of the Team First Book volunteer program within the national First Book organization, whose purpose is to provide a path out of poverty for children through educational equity. Since 2000, First Book Hood River has grown its partnership to include more than 19 organizations…and provided more than 55,392 books to local children, according to their website. In 2022 alone, First Book Hood River provided 870 children with books and granted $11,053 to seven local organizations.

This year more children in Hood River and Wasco Counties will start the year with books thanks to First Book of Hood River and Wasco County. First Book Hood River County and First Book Wasco County are part of the Team First Book volunteer program within the national First Book organization, whose purpose is to provide a path out of poverty for children through educational equity. In Wasco County, First Book has partnered with over seven organizations to bring more than 8,923 books to local children since 2019, according to their website. In 2022, First Book Wasco County provided 538 children with books and granted $6,139 to four local organizations.

First Book, alongside other nonprofit organizations, that are making literature and literacy a more equitable place.

In this Early Learning Nation article, Mark Swartz asked early childhood leaders and friends about their hopes for 2023 including our President and CEO Kyle Zimmer.

A partnership between General Motors, Flint Community Schools, and First Book will provide more than 900 STEM-themed books to students at four Flint elementary schools. General Motors hopes that this donation will help increase student interest in STEM programs.

In partnership with First Book, AFCP has secured nearly 6,000 books for students and families, spanning all age and reading levels, including bilingual books. These books will be given away free of charge until the books run out.

In this Early Learning Nation article, Mark Swartz, talked with our President and CEO Kyle Zimmer and Ernestine Benedict, the Chief Communications Officer at ZERO TO THREE, to learn more about the importance of diversity in picture books, how the Diverse Books for All Coalition came together, and more.

Inspiring children is a focus of First Book. In response to the influx of Afghan children arriving in the United States last year, First Book worked with the nonprofit publisher Room to Read to print and distribute 30,000 children’s books exploring themes related to refugee resettlement, written in Dari and Pashto.

Throughout the pandemic, learning loss across the nation has been acute. As more than a dozen of Detroit’s public libraries had closed during the pandemic shutdowns, Josie Silver, a second grade teacher, turned to First Book for help.

The New York Times’ Neediest Case Fund has helped those in need who need additional support. Funding for First Book has been used to help teachers purchase a variety of books from the Marketplace to be placed in the hands of students. The teacher in this case chose books that helped students get in touch with their emotions and foster a calm environment. Other funds have helped people continue doing the things they love.

First Book, the largest online network of educators serving children in need, is launching their 4th annual Give a Million holiday fundraising campaign on November 1st. First Book has set the ambitious goal of getting 1 million new, high-quality books to children living in poverty. This holiday season, give the gift of reading and help First Book get 1 million books to kids in need. You can make this donation in honor of the book lover in your life!

In The New York Times‘ latest Neediest Cases Fund article, nonprofit groups bolster educational pursuits by helping young people get the little things — a printer, a book that inspires — that make a big difference.

Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit First Book has teamed with 26 additional nonprofits nationwide to form the Diverse Books for All Coalition, an initiative to address the urgent need for increased access to diverse children’s books.

First Book and Two Men and a Truck are partnering to bring books to three Florence County schools and one Darlington County elementary school. Two Men and a Truck will give away nearly 6,000 copies of “When Grandma Gives You A Lemon Tree,” by Jamie L. B. Deenihan. Schools in Florence location will be getting nearly 200 copies of the book.

To help ensure that more children and teachers have the opportunity to read Nyong’o’s story, she along with Lancôme, the nonprofit First Book, and Simon & Schuster are giving 60,000 special edition copies of Sulwe to underserved communities across the country and deeming October 15th Sulwe Day.

To celebrate the launch of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Dreams of Wakanda and Black Panther’s global impact, Disney and Penguin Random House are donating books to First Book and Books for Africa respectively. Disney is donating books valued at approximately $1,000,000 to support First Book.

After releasing her children’s book, The Bench, in June 2021, Meghan announced that she and Harry would be donating 2,000 copies of the book to schools, libraries and more. Archewell Foundation is partnering with First Book nonprofit to distribute the book around the country.

Susan Evans sits down with Audra Grant to share how First Book and Two Men and a Truck are partnering to bring books to lower income communities in our area. Two Men and a Truck will give away nearly 6,000 copies of “When Grandma Gives You A Lemon Tree,” by Jamie L. B. Deenihan. Schools in Florence location will be getting nearly 200 copies of the book.

Reading subscription service Scribd today announced the launch of its CSR program, Scribd Gives, to support its mission to build the largest and most accessible library connecting storytellers with their audience. The company, which offers access to one of the world’s largest digital libraries of ebooks, audiobooks, and more, is committed to inspiring curiosity, giving back, and highlighting diverse perspectives within the literary community. To kick off Scribd Gives, the brand has announced its inaugural partner, First Book, an organization that supports educational equity by providing millions of books and resources to its member network of over 550,000 educators from programs and schools serving children from low-income communities.

Children’s book creators Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr took a detour from their cross-country trip to Freeport Sunday to join two dozen volunteers to sort through boxes of books stacked on aisles of tables. The fun part Swanson referred to is a planned 10-month-long trip the family is making to visit at least one elementary school in each of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. The couple said they raised $150,000 to purchase 25,000 copies of their books that are shipped by First Book, a nonprofit that provides books and learning materials to children in need.

New programs and resources designed to help your students designed by First Book, with Dr. Ariana Hoet Pediatric Psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus and Becki Last, Program officer at First Book.

Focused on creating more book-filled classrooms across the country—particularly in underserved communities—Washington, D.C.–based nonprofit First Book, along with education researcher Susan Neuman, has launched a tool to assist educators with designing libraries that maximize their potential. The Literacy Rich Classroom Library Checklist, which helps assess a library’s functionality and usefulness, was released last month in conjunction with a nationwide educator survey, providing greater insight into the struggles and financial challenges pervading low-income school systems.

As students head back to school and we begin to settle into fall routines, New York Times Games is encouraging everyone to find a little #beetime via its much loved Spelling Bee game. For everyone who shares their Genius or Queen Bee status using #beetime and tagging @nytgames, New York Times Games will donate $1, up to a total of $50,000, to First Book. First Book, a New York Times Neediest Cases Fund recipient organization.

First Book and Room to Read, the global education organization creating a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality, today announced an innovative partnership to publish and distribute a total of 30,000 books — 12 unique titles in both Dari and Pashto, the two majority languages spoken by the Afghan population.

Elena Ford, the first woman in the Ford family to hold an executive position with the Ford Motor Company, stopped by David Crockett Elementary School in Weatherford on Tuesday in hopes of increasing that access, boosting opportunities for literacy and encouraging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education for children. With the help of the North Texas Ford Dealers and literacy nonprofit First Book, they hosted a reading, discussion and donation of STEAM-related books and have been doing that across the country.

First Book in partnership with literacy expert and education researcher Susan Neuman, is launching a new tool to assess and bolster the quality and equity of classroom libraries. The Literacy Rich Classroom Library Checklist offers a complete assessment of a classroom library’s book collection and design features to maximize student engagement and ensure the inclusion of equitable resources that reflect the needs and interests of children in need.

First Book announced the results of a national survey designed to identify emotional wellness challenges faced by school-age children. The results provided a framework for the resource, which is now available, entitled: Taking Care: An Educator Guide to Healthy Habits for Student Emotional Wellness, a free resource created in collaboration with On Our Sleeves. The resource and study are now available through First Book.

First Book is a nonprofit organization that provides equal access to quality education. First Book partnered with renowned literacy expert and education researcher Susan Neuman to create a free resource, the Literacy + Reading in Classrooms & Home (RICH) Checklist, to assess and bolster the quality of classroom libraries – specifically for educators in low-income classes.

First Book, a nonprofit organization that provides equal access to quality education, in partnership with renowned literacy expert and education researcher Susan Neuman, have created a free resource, the Literacy Rich Classroom Library Checklist, to assess and bolster the quality of classroom libraries.

U.S. Department of Education data shows 2.5 million children nationwide attend schools in districts that lack school libraries. In these book deserts, a greater burden is placed upon educators to expand students’ access to books through classroom libraries. A new resource from First Book, a nonprofit network of educators who serve children in need, aims to help teachers improve these classroom spaces to better engage young readers.

First Book, a nonprofit organization that provides equal access to quality education, in partnership with renowned literacy expert and education researcher Susan Neuman, created a free resource, the Literacy + Reading in Classrooms & Home (RICH) Checklist, to assess and bolster the quality of classroom libraries – specifically for educators in low-income classes who often have little to no budgets for books or school supplies.

The Pokémon Company International has announced a five-year, $25 million commitment in support of organizations around the world dedicated to children and social equity. The commitment will support dozens of organizations with a global, regional, or local focus that are dedicated to improving the lives of children, working to create equitable communities, or a combination of both. Recipients include Black Girls Code, First Book, Save the Children, Young Women Empowered, Reach Out, the Malala Fund, and the Asian Americans Advancing Justice Center.

Nine key themes from global education leaders – including our CEO Kyle Zimmer – that emerged from EdSurge’s Enabling Equitable Education panel, along with a few action items to help education leaders enable equitable education in their schools or districts.

First Book announced the results of a national survey designed to identify emotional wellness challenges faced by school-age children. The results provided a framework for the resource, which is now available, entitled: Taking Care: An Educator Guide to Healthy Habits for Student Emotional Wellness, a free resource created in collaboration with On Our Sleeves. The resource and study are now available through First Book.

Gap Inc. has partnered with Avis for the GapKids back-to-school campaign, “Everyone Belongs,” based on the book, and Gap is donating 20,000 copies of “Everyone Belongs” to schools in need via First Book, a nonprofit organization, according to the news release.

Former Bachelorettes and “Bachelor Happy Hour” co-hosts Michelle Young and Becca Kufrin went head-to-head on “Celebrity Family Feud.” Michelle’s team ended up winning the game and donating $25,000 to First Book, which is a charity close to her heart.

Gap is turning the page on educational barriers by donating 20K brand new copies of Everyone Belongs to schools in need via First Book, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing learning materials to underprivileged classrooms.

Gap is turning the page on educational barriers by donating 20K brand new copies of Everyone Belongs to schools in need via First Book, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing learning materials to underprivileged classrooms. Gap is turning the page on educational barriers by donating 20K brand new copies of Everyone Belongs to schools in need via First Book, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing learning materials to underprivileged classrooms.

Gap has pledged to donate 20,000 of Avis’ books to schools across the country through the nonprofit First Book to help educate children on the importance of individualism and acceptance.

Gap is also donating 20,000 brand new copies of “Everyone Belongs” to schools in need via First Book, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing learning materials to underprivileged classrooms.

A global education nonprofit will distribute a special collection of children’s books to Afghan immigrant and refugee families and children in Tulsa. Room to Read, an organization dedicated to literacy and gender equality, announced it’s giving more than 51 thousand children’s books to the families and children who have resettled in Tulsa and other locations across the U.S. Room To Read is partnering with Episcopal Migration Ministries, First Book and United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to distribute the books through at-home, afterschool and summer programs, and to educators who work in communities with students resettled from Afghanistan.

Hundreds of children, parents and educators stocked up on their summer reading material during a summer reading expo and book giveaway at Newton Falls Middle School on Saturday. More than 15,000 books were made available at no cost to families, educators and school staff. Newton Falls was chosen as the site of the event because of its proximity to other communities and schools that also benefited from the event. The Brookfield Federation of Teachers, Jackson Milton Educators Association, Lordstown Teachers Association, Mahoning County Educational Service Center Education Association, Mineral Ridge Education Association and the Newton Falls Classroom Teachers Association, as well as the Ohio Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers and First Book were all instrumental in assuring the success of the reading expo.

A panel of Forbes Nonprofit Council members – including our CEO Kyle Zimmer – shared specific actions a nonprofit leader can take to begin making improvements to the decision-making processes within their organization.

This Friday, the Chris Long Foundation, in partnership with FirstBook and Charlottesville City Schools, will be hosting a book distribution and book reading at Burnley-Moran Elementary School as part of the Foundation’s new EdZone program.

A Charlottesville native’s nonprofit will be hosting a book distribution and book reading this Friday. The Chris Long Foundation is working with First Book and Charlottesville City Schools to put on the event at Burnley-Moran Elementary School. According to a release, this is part of the Chris Long Foundation’s new EdZone program, which aims to advance education equity issues in communities across the United States.

A panel of Forbes Nonprofit Council members – including our CEO Kyle Zimmer – shared additional strategies nonprofit leaders can leverage to influence major corporations to support community-serving efforts.

The mission of KFFL is to eradicate childhood illiteracy by putting new books and educational resources into the hands of children in need and developing the next generation of young leaders through reading. Since its inception in 2008, KFFL, in collaboration with First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise, has provided over 6 million new books to students in underserved communities across the country.

Thousands of books arrived at Eastview Middle School Saturday for an all-day literacy fair aimed to promote reading for White Plains students and their families. The outdoor event, hosted by the White Plains Teachers’ Association (WPTA), featured free books for students of all ages — including English, Spanish and bilingual titles — that were provided through a partnership between the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and educational nonprofit First Book.

The author of one of the five books that may be destroyed by the Rapid City Area School District will moderate a Community Conversation & Celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Mitzi’s Books in Rapid City. Educators, students, parents, writers and others have been invited to the event, which will include remarks from community members and a celebration of books that have been banned throughout history. There will also be a book signing. Eggers has been involved in partnerships such as First Book and other programs that donate books to schools, libraries and students.

Pizza Hut also has a strong connection to students of all ages. As reported by QSR, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the company offered $500,000 in grants to educators to use for resources for their classrooms, including books. The company also launched The Literacy Project and created BOOK IT!, a program that gives kids pizza for reading. Throughout 2022, Pizza Hut committed to donating $1 from every sale of a BOOK IT!-themed meal to First Book, a nonprofit that gets books and school supplies to kids.

While BOOK IT! is widely recognized for its incentive program, encouraging kids to rack up book titles in exchange for free pizza, the nearly 40-year-old enterprise has grown to help encourage learning in a variety of ways. “The BOOK IT! Program offers homeschool, summer, and classroom programs, as well as grants to eligible educators for books and educational resources through our nonprofit partner, First Book,” Morgan further explained to Mashed.

The BOOK IT! Program is the nation’s longest running corporate supported literacy program. It impacts more than 14 million students each year. The BOOK IT! Program offers homeschool, summer and classroom programs, as well as grants to eligible educators for books and educational resources through our nonprofit partner, First Book.

A pediatric psychologist is shedding light on how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting students’ mental health, especially those in underserved populations. Dr. Ariana Hoet joined Action News 5′s Andrew Douglas at the digital desk to discuss how educators are encountering mental health barriers in the classroom and how the pandemic has exacerbated the problem. Dr. Hoet also shared what resources are most need for both educator and students.

As K- 12 students readjust to life back in the classroom, educators are noticing more than half are struggling with mental health issues. A national state of emergency has been issued to raise awareness about pandemic related mental health crisis and the need to help students.

Educators working in low-income schools reported that 53% of students struggle with mental health issues, a problem that was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new survey from educational nonprofit First Book and Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s On Our Sleeves alliance.

Educators working in low-income schools reported that 53% of students struggle with mental health issues, a problem that was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new survey from educational nonprofit First Book and Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s On Our Sleeves alliance.

Students and their families can start building a home library next month as The Carousel of Reading will offer 40,000 new books for children. Norwalk Public Schools, in collaboration with employee unions, has partnered with the international nonprofit First Book to provide children with free books including new releases and best sellers. Norwalk High School will host the event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 21.

In an effort to spark creativity and stimulate the imagination in young minds, students at Kirk Elementary in Southwest Fresno were treated to some new books Friday — many of them featured favorite characters from the World of Disney and Star Wars. Disney has donated millions of books to First Book — a nonprofit that puts books into the hands of educators who serve children in need.

Data analytics has long been used by the private sector to provide a thorough examination of organizational performance in areas such as marketing, sales, and operations. However, the social sector has lagged behind in using data-driven approaches to support organizational goals, and this is also true when it comes to human resources. It is holding the sector back. For more than a decade, First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise, has used data analytics to inform everything we do.

Educators working in low-income schools reported that 53% of students struggle with mental health issues, a problem that was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new survey from educational nonprofit First Book and Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s On Our Sleeves alliance.

Educators working in low-income schools reported that 53% of students struggle with mental health issues, a problem that was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new survey from educational nonprofit First Book and Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s On Our Sleeves alliance. Yet only 20% of the 967 educators surveyed feel prepared to support those struggling students, the study found.

The American Federation of Teachers and Washington Teacher’s Union hosted a “Reading Opens the World” Family Literacy and Book Fair event. More than 40,000 books were available at the event, where families with children of all ages could select a variety of books to take home.

Disney and 6abc are celebrating the Magic of Storytelling, and we’re proud to help get new books into the hands of children in our communities. For every book purchased through Disney through December 31, Disney will donate a book to the nonprofit “First Book.”

What female business person or leader do you admire most? I am deeply inspired by Kyle Zimmer, the CEO of the international social enterprise First Book. Since she co-founded First Book in 1992, First Book has provided 200 million books to children and families worldwide. Kyle’s vision and genius have built a sustainable, market-driven solution to ensure that every child has access to high-quality books and educational resources. My own work to realize equal access to books is less lonely because of Kyle.

Kyle Zimmer talked about First Book, a non-profit social enterprise she founded 30 years ago. Her organization focuses on educational equity for children in need around the U.S. About Books also reported on the latest publishing industry news and insider interviews, and current non-fiction books featured on C-SPAN’s BookTV for the week of of March 20, 2022.

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators presented the awards in a stand-alone program on March 15. SCBWI announced winners live on Zoom, in an event featuring National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jason Reynolds. First up was the award for Picture Book Text, announced by Lift author Minh Lê. Joanna Ho won for Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, illustrated by Dung Ho (HarperCollins), directing her donation to the educational equity nonprofit First Book (“They are the reason I was able to revamp my school’s entire library,” Ho said).

First Book, the Washington, D.C.–based nonprofit that provides books and other resources to classrooms and programs serving children in need, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. To mark this milestone—and ensure future ones—the organization has launched a bold scaling plan seeking $12 million–$15 million in investment funding that will enable it to quadruple in size in the next five to seven years.

First grade students at Rivesville Elementary and Middle School lined up to receive books Thursday that were donated by a national nonprofit. The program aptly named First Book, which is funded by the American Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, donates books to children who may not have the normal means to have books in their homes.

Mrs Wordsmith – The world’s silliest learning company – and DK- the illustrated non-fiction global publisher – have joined forces to bring seven award-winning books and games for kids ages 4-to-13 to bookstores across the United States and Canada. This timely partnership comes after an extended period of virtual learning and homeschooling, where kids, teachers and families are hungry for interactive, curriculum-approved FUN! This launch coincides with a donation of Mrs Wordsmith books and games to First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to ensuring educational equity for children living in poverty. This donation is part of the company’s long-term commitment to fostering a love of reading, and supports First Book’s efforts to provide free and affordable books and resources to educators serving kids in need in order to address barriers to education.

Our CEO, Kyle Zimmer, attended the February 4 “Writing a New Chapter: Advancing Diversity in Children’s Books” webinar coproduced by Too Small to Fail, the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) and Raising A Reader. K. T. Horning, director, Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, provided evidence that the publishing industry has begun to showcase more Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) authors and characters. Furthermore, Michaela Goade recently became the first Native American illustrator to win the Randolph Caldecott Medal for best children’s picture story. However, representation on shelves still doesn’t amount to the demographic makeup of the United States. Here are our takeaways from the webinar.

An all-volunteer nonprofit is calling for help to get books into the hands of elementary school students.. Team First Book, established in 2006, gifts books to children in grades K-2 in New Hanover County. To date, the organization has been able to provide 35,000 children with 80,000 books countywide.

Author Alys Culhane created a nonprofit to save books bound for the shredder, joining partners in a grassroots effort that’s now shared more than 60,000 volumes with readers around Alaska. Milena Sevigny, TOTE Maritime’s community relations program manager, agreed to help distribute books across Alaska as part of the BookWaves program run by First Book, a national organization based in Washington, D.C., with a coalition of partners working to get books to Puerto Rico and Alaska.

Disney kicked off its 10th Annual Magic of Storytelling campaign with First Book, a nonprofit organization that puts free or affordable books and resources into the hands of educators who serve children in need.

Disney invites you to join as we celebrate the 10th year of Magic of Storytelling to cultivate the next generation of storytellers. Fans can visit MagicOfStorytelling.com to find out how they can help Disney and First Book provide even more books to educators who serve children in need. As part of Disney’s “Buy a Book, Give a Book” campaign, for every book purchased on shopDisney.com now through December 31, 2022, Disney will donate a book to First Book.

The Build-A-Bear Foundation is coordinating with First Book, a nonprofit that addresses educational barriers for low-income kids, to fight poverty through educational equity. Build-A-Bear is also expanding its programs to provide opportunities and resources and to help its associates grow professionally and personally.

First Book agreed to work alongside the Texas Center for the Book for this year’s Lone Star Día occurring on April 30th, in order to bring multicultural children’s books to Texas Libraries.

The nonprofit First-Book-McLean County recently awarded $22,426 in grants to Children’s Home & Aid – Home Visiting, Healthy Start at the Baby Fold, Heartland Head Start, Gregg Chadwick Marcfirst Pediatric Therapy Center, Sarah Raymond Early Education, Scott Early Learning Center, Sugar Creek Elementary and Unit 5 Early Learning. A total of 5,606 books were presented to children from McLean County.

After releasing her children’s book, The Bench, in June 2021, Meghan announced that she and Harry would be donating 2,000 copies of the book to schools, libraries and more. Archewell Foundation is partnering with First Book nonprofit to distribute the book around the country.

In a joint effort, the Black Employee Networks of Bayway Refinery in New Jersey and Rodeo Refinery in California launched the Gift of Literacy campaign to provide books and supplies to lower-income schools in their communities. The literacy campaign, and other service projects related to the MLK holiday, are part of the Phillips 66 Good Energy program, which encourages employees to volunteer to improve their communities. BEN teamed up with First Book, which will provide books for schools in Union County, N.J., and California’s Bay Area. The books will represent diverse characters and voices.

Available through December 31, 2022, for every BOOK IT! Bundle sold, Pizza Hut will donate $1.00 to our literacy partner First Book, a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring educational equity. The BOOK IT! Bundle includes 2 large, 1-topping pizzas and breadsticks making it the ideal feast for past and present BOOK IT! – loving families.

Available through December 31, 2022 at participating Pizza Hut locations nationwide, for every BOOK IT! Bundle sold, Pizza Hut will donate $1.00 to our literacy partner First Book, a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring educational equity. The BOOK IT! Bundle includes 2 large, 1-topping pizzas and breadsticks making it the ideal feast for past and present BOOK IT! – loving families.

Students from the Allen M. Stearne Elementary School had an opportunity to talk to comedian, actor, producer, entrepreneur and bestselling author Kevin Hart about his new children’s book “Marcus Makes a Movie.” Hart, who attended Allen M. Stearne Elementary School as a student, participated in the virtual event with students last month. Third, fourth and fifth grade students at Stearne received their own copy of Hart’s book. More than 1,000 copies of the book were donated by book publisher Random House and national nonprofit First Book to participating schools for their classrooms and libraries.

In The New York Times‘ latest Neediest Cases Fund article, Rebecca Brinkman, a third-grade teacher, details how she used books and resources from First Book to support social and emotional well-being this school year. Social and emotional learning teaches kids how to handle emotions, develop empathy and positive relationships, set goals, and make good decisions.

Our #GiveaMillion campaign, which strives to provide 1 million new, relevant, high-quality books to kids in need this holiday season, and our Stories for All Project™ was featured in The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund.

First Book, alongside other organizations and companies, was featured as a way to give back on Giving Tuesday.

Build-A-Bear Foundation affirmed its commitment to helping children and families achieve their best futures through its mission to add a little more heart to life by sharing hugs, inspiring creativity, and supporting those in need. As Build-A-Bear enters its 25th year, the Foundation is honored to announce a partnership with First Book, the largest online community of educators serving kids living in poverty, supporting their mission to build a path out of poverty through educational equity. The partnership is part of a renewed focus on childhood literacy efforts, while continuing to deliver teddy bear hugs and financial support to those in need.

The Youth Literacy Fundraiser by dd’s Discounts in Hesperia allowed Mesa Grande to purchase 4,000 books from First Book.

First Book, the largest online community of educators serving kids in poverty, announced the launch of its annual holiday giving campaign to raise $1 million to provide 1 million new, high-quality books to kids in need. Give a Million, the end-of-year fundraising initiative that runs through December 31, sets an ambitious goal culminating in the gift of a new, high-quality book to 1 million children living in poverty to take home this holiday season.

Socorro AFT received a $17,500 grant from First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise that advocates for education for children in need by providing educators with ongoing access to new, low-cost, high-quality books and educational resources. The Socorro American Federation of Teachers, an afterschool program, gave away free children’s books at an Immunize El Paso COVID-19 vaccine clinic.

First Book, alongside 7 other literary and bookish nonprofits, was featured as a way to give back on Giving Tuesday.

The Black Is Beautiful Book Project is one of several Leaders Readers Network projects to promote literacy through representation, an issue enforced by the teachers the organization works with. The network collaborated with First Book, a beneficiary of The New York Times’s Neediest Cases Fund, as part of First Book’s Stories for All project, which promotes the publishing and selling of diverse titles.

Read 7 tips in this article from Pavitra Raja at Schwab Foundation, which features our CEO, Kyle Zimmer, about how institutions need to incorporate an understanding of intersectionality into their policies and practices.

Robbi Behr and Matthew Swanson will be spending the 2022-2023 school year traveling the country in a tiny home school bus, visiting Title I elementary schools in all 50 states and giving away 25,000 books to kids from underserved communities. Through its network, First Book is helping to identify schools for the family to visit.

First Book has announced the appointment of four new board members, each of whom will serve a three-year term. Chequan Lewis is vice president of operations at Pizza Hut; Manish Madhavani is partner in charge of New York financial services at KPMG; Lidia Soto-Harmon is CEO of Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital; and Carla D. Thompson Payton is vice president for program strategy for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Our CEO, Kyle Zimmer, breaks down how nonprofits are tackling humanity’s most complex problems — but without the fundamental infrastructure afforded to private sector counterparts. While the social sector addresses entrenched issues, often ones that have perplexed humanity for generations, a major problem hinders that work: The basic infrastructure that bolsters the private sector is nonexistent for nonprofits.

A panel of Forbes Nonprofit Council members – including our CEO Kyle Zimmer – weigh in on the biggest challenges nonprofit organizations encounter when attempting to partner with corporations.

A panel of Forbes Nonprofit Council members – including our CEO Kyle Zimmer – shared a few tactics nonprofit leaders can use to find balance between business growth and the “lean startup” mentality that led to success.

North Carolina Central University’s Jessie Malit has a goal of collecting and donating 1,000 books to the village in Kenya where his mom is from.

Nearly 7.5 million books have been distributed to students nationwide as part of a program that started in West Virginia 10 years ago. The nonprofit First Book launched a partnership with the American Federation of Teachers in 2011 at then-West Side Elementary School in Charleston to offer free books and other supplies to schools who lacked access.

More than $120 billion has been allocated to schools from the American Rescue Plan. But the vast majority of individuals charged with ensuring student success at diverse K-12s and in under-resourced programs—Title I educators—say they haven’t had a voice in how it should be spent. According to a new study done by non-profit First Book Research & Insights, only 17% of classroom leaders who likely should have a say haven’t been asked how they would allocate some of that funding. If it were up to them, books and learning materials, mental health support and a boost to support staff would be top priorities.

Educators serving children in need see books and student mental health as the top priorities for allocations of federal American Rescue Plan funding, a report from First Book finds. Based on a survey of more than two thousand teachers, the report, The Voice of America’s Educators Teaching Children Living in Poverty: Educator Priorities for the American Rescue Plan K-12 Funding (31 pages, PDF), found that a vast majority of respondents prioritized books and learning materials for their own classrooms (99 percent) and the school and community as a whole (86 percent) — books that encourage reading for pleasure (87 percent), help struggling readers (86 percent), reflect diversity and inclusion (82 percent), and promote social-emotional learning (78 percent).

More than $120 billion has been allocated to schools from the American Rescue Plan. But the vast majority of individuals charged with ensuring student success at diverse K-12s and in under-resourced programs—Title I educators—say they haven’t had a voice in how it should be spent. According to a new study done by non-profit First Book Research & Insights, only 17% of classroom leaders who likely should have a say haven’t been asked how they would allocate some of that funding. If it were up to them, books and learning materials, mental health support and a boost to support staff would be top priorities.

Vineyard vines, a lifestyle apparel brand best known for its smiling pink whale logo, announced the return of their annual Whales for a Cause campaign in August 2021. In partnership with renowned publisher Simon & Schuster and First Book, the nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to educational equality, the brands will provide new books to kids in need.

First Book recently sought teachers who were engaged in anti-bias, anti-racist teachings to participate in its “Empowering Educators” project, a video series and guidebook that serve as resources to teachers for discussing race and racism in the classroom.

Ahead of Juneteenth, the holiday celebrating the end of enslavement in the United States, the American Federation of Teachers has announced the launch of the “Stamping Out Racism and Hate” campaign, centered around educators building culturally responsive and inclusive communities for our students, so every child has the educational opportunity to thrive. The campaign is powered by partners including the NAACP and First Book, who join the AFT to extend the reach of valuable resources and tools to support educators in having those conversations.

After releasing her children’s book, The Bench, in June 2021, Meghan announced that she and Harry would be donating 2,000 copies of the book to schools, libraries and more. Archewell Foundation is partnering with First Book nonprofit to distribute the book around the country.

The Duchess of Sussex released The Bench earlier this week. The sweet picture book details the special bond between father and son, which was inspired by her husband, Prince Harry’s, connection with their 2-year-old son, Archie. The couple announced through their Archewell Foundation website that they would be donating 2,000 copies of the book to libraries, schools and many other family gathering places in the U.S. Meghan and Harry are also working with nonprofit First Book to distribute the books around the country.

Meghan Markle is sharing her first children’s book with families across America. Archewell is partnering with nonprofit First Book to distribute the books around the country.

Our CEO, Kyle Zimmer, breaking down barriers to equity in education at First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise.

In this podcast, John Millen shares the story of Kyle Zimmer and First Book in this inspiring conversation.

To help you create a stand-out web presence, a panel of Forbes Nonprofit Council members – including our CEO Kyle Zimmer – share some features nonprofit websites must include to appeal to current and prospective members or supporters. Follow their recommendations to start improving your own landing page.

Kim Franklin, Casa Blanca’s principal, learned about First Book’s Creating Learning Connections initiative that would supply devices and broadband enhancements to schools in need.

First Book, the nonprofit social enterprise devoted to education equity, has created a suite of resources that provides teachers and families with trusted, accessible information about the Covid-19 vaccine.

As part of Disney’s Magic of Storytelling campaign celebrating literacy, ABC13 and First Book will distribute 10,000 free books to every elementary student in El Campo and Wharton ISD.

Local teacher hosts a little free library outside of her home with the help of First Book. The nonprofit First Book provides inexpensive, new books for these types of events – something Katie Wiebe says makes all the difference in a child’s growth.

Free books were available for Pre-K through 12th-grade students at four Palm Beach County locations. The giveaway was sponsored by the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association, Florida’s Young Remarkable Educators, the Florida Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, and the National Education Association through a non-profit organization called First Book.

ABC30, Disney, First Book, and Educational Employees Credit Union all worked together to donate 5,000 books to Fresno Unified.

The partnership between the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the luxury brand will benefit non-profits First Book and Ashoka in a program to empower 50,000 students in low-income communities in the US, with international expansion to follow.

ABC30 is partnering up with its parent company Disney, First Book and EECU to help cultivate the next generation of storytellers with the Magic of Storytelling campaign.

First Book, the nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to educational equity for kids in need, launched #GiveLearningaShot, a new resource and video series to help educators share trustworthy, expert-based information on the COVID-19 vaccine, available in both English and Spanish.

CEO Kyle Zimmer breaking down barriers to equity in education at First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise.

11 members of Forbes Nonprofit Council – including our CEO Kyle Zimmer – discuss how a nonprofit could generate feedback from both donors and customers to better plot the trajectory of the organization going forward.

WWAY partnered with First Book and Disney’s Magic of Storytelling campaign to provide 500 free books to a local school.

Following Hurricanes Laura and Delta, in hopes of replenishing the damaged items, the Calcasieu Federation of Teachers worked to secure new library books for students to read and enjoy. The American Federation of Teachers along with First Book donated 4,000 library books for students ages 8-12.

Mark Oppenheim leads a discussion on how educators are developing young minds during the pandemic with guests: Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers; Richard Barth, CEO of the KIPP Foundation; and Kyle Zimmer, President, CEO & Co-Founder of First Book.

11 experts from Forbes Nonprofit Council – including our CEO Kyle Zimmer – offer valuable advice on how a nonprofit could rebrand without members feeling alienated as a result.

Local news organization asks their community to nominate a local school to receive 500 books donated by Disney Publishing Worldwide and encourages teachers serving children in need to register with First Book.

10 experts from Forbes Nonprofit Council – including our CEO Kyle Zimmer – look at the concrete steps that a nonprofit can take to work toward a self-funding model and why these strategies work.

The View are thrilled to celebrate the #MagicOfStorytelling with Disney as we cultivate the next generation of storytellers! Learn how you can join First Book to get books to kids in underserved communities at MagicOfStorytelling.com

12 members of Forbes Nonprofit Council – including our CEO Kyle Zimmer – examine the best ways to keep board members motivated and involved so as to better drive the success of the organization as a whole.

Facing challenges wrought by the pandemic, The Fund’s beneficiaries – including First Book – brought help to people and communities. Learn about how the grant money helped Hopi Relief.

Children in remote parts of Alaska receive inspiration, with some books teaching Indigenous students about their cultures.

This Giving Tuesday, MSNBC are highlighting “First Book,” a group has sent nearly 2 million books to children at food banks, shelters, and other community programs. President, CEO and Co-Founder Kyle Zimmer joins Katy Tur to discuss the work that this organization is doing.

Families found support after the coronavirus pandemic disrupted their children’s education.

12-year-old Vanessa provided books to her rural community with the help of First Book.

First Book is one of 10 nonprofits selected by The New York Times as a beneficiary of its 2020-2021 Neediest Cases Fund Campaign.

Pizza Hut and First Book on Wednesday announced the launch of Empowering Educators—a collection of resources developed to provide educators with guidance and actionable steps to create equitable learning environments and navigate conversations about race and racism.

About 3,000 elementary students in six districts will begin the school year with new Chromebook computers and home internet connections, thanks to $1 million in grants from LEGO, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and First Book.

“There’s a well-documented antidote to slow and reverse the summer slide: kids who read, beat the summer slide! When kids don’t read over the summer, they fall further behind. The best thing that parents and caregivers can do is to let kids select books that interest them.

First Book, the nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating book deserts, has organized a network of requests from educators who need funding and book donations to support their students.

Penguin Random House donates 750,000 books to First Book to support children affected by school closures.

The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund, which has raised more than $300 million since its inception more than a century ago, has begun a Covid-19 Relief Campaign. All proceeds will go to four nonprofit organizations that provide assistance to those facing economic hardship: Feeding America, First Book, New York Community Trust and World Central Kitchen.

Remote learning is particularly challenging for low-income children. The nonprofit First Book is aiming to keep them on track.

Publishers and nonprofits are finding ways to get books and information to housebound children worldwide.

“Thanks to the generosity of our publishing partners like Random House Children’s Books and Penguin Young Readers, [First Book] has 7 million free books to distribute to those who need them most, so countless children can have family story times in the coming weeks.”

A slew of notable stars are joining forces to launch a new initiative to encourage literacy, which they’re calling the “Read Together, Be Together” campaign. As part of the initiative, Penguin Random House will also donate 750,000 books to First Book.

“Want to donate to help children? First Book has the goal of delivering seven million books to children in the United States who do not have internet access or home libraries so they can continue learning while schools are closed.

“Several nonprofit organizations could use your time and money to make sure vulnerable populations are cared for during the pandemic.”

“First Book is working on getting 7 million books to kids in need, who don’t have home libraries or Internet access for home learning. You can help here: firstbook.org/cv”

The Tennessee Department of Education has been selected to receive $50,000 in grant funding to purchase 13,000 books for Tennessee students. The grant comes from First Book, a nonprofit focused on equal, quality education for children in need.

“There is a dramatic imbalance of power and lack of real dialogue between funders and social entrepreneurs. Funders’ exertion of power manifests in compromises, ethical knots and budgetary jeopardy. Some funders are showing a willingness to grapple with the power dynamic.

“The stress of poverty has long found its way inside classrooms and programs, but today, those stresses are putting an even heavier burden on our children – and their educators. Refugee experiences, domestic abuse, community violence, food and home insecurity, crime, natural and man-made disasters, and political unrest are impacting millions of children around the world each and every day.”

Disney’s “Magic of Storytelling” campaign made its way to the Bronx on Wednesday to help bring the knowledge of books to kids alongside First Book.

First Book keeps expanding…such growth could only be possible via collaboration and the technology that fosters it.

Corrina Reamer built a personalized library for her 11th-grade English class in Alexandria, Va., by raising money online and applying for First Books OMG Books grant.

Penguin Random House announced Tuesday that it had joined with the former president and former first lady in contributing to First Book in the Obama family’s name.

First Book is aiming to raise $1 million to get 1 million books to kids this Giving Tuesday!

In its 35th year advocating for childhood literacy, Pizza Hut and literacy partner First Book are partnering with Karamo, Culture Expert on Netflix’s Queer Eye and author of the new children’s book “I Am Perfectly Designed,” to introduce a new holiday fundraiser aimed at increasing access to culturally relevant children’s books in communities across the country. Consumers can help support this cause beginning on GivingTuesday through Dec. 31 by adding a First Book donation to their Pizza Hut orders or purchase the First Book Bundle at Pizza Hut, where $1 from every bundle purchased will be donated to First Book.

First Book has launched Give a Million, a Giving Tuesday campaign designed to raise $1 million between now and December 6th to get 1 million new, high-quality books to children in need in time for the holidays.

“The gift of a book is a little that goes a long way. “Bringing new books to kids in need has an immeasurable impact, and for many kids, it will be the first book they have ever owned, or the only gift they will receive during the holidays,” said Kyle Zimmer, president, CEO, and co-founder of First Book.”

“Reach out to others, because someone out there has the experience, knowledge or contacts — or all three — that can help you.”

First Book President, CEO, and Co-founder Kyle Zimmer talks the economic and social justice implications of providing books and resources to kids in low-income communities.

Surprise guests from a galaxy far, far away made a special landing at KIPP Raices Academy in East Los Angeles, brought to you by Disney and First Book.

“There is a presumption..that schools and teachers have what they need to their jobs and the answer is, they don’t.” First Book President, CEO, and Co-found Kyle Zimmer talks with Dr. Molly Ness about getting books into the hands of all kids, no matter where they live or go to school.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama and a local teachers union teaming up for a new community outreach program, funded by First Book’s OMG Books Awards program.

First Book, the nonprofit social enterprise focused on equal access to quality education for children in need, has awarded Urban Librarians Unite and the REFORMA Children in Crisis Task Force nearly $100,000 to provide books to migrant children in foster care and secure facilities, as well as to give to attorney’s offices, support agencies, and into the hands of kids as they are being moved around.

First Book applies model to drive demand for educational materials and shape the market for books, educational resources, and digital learning products.

There is no better way to encourage classroom reading than to give your students books. Yet, we know you don’t have the funds to constantly buy books with your own money. Here are some of our best tricks for finding cheap or free books.

Tips for bringing high-interest, culturally relevant books into your classroom on a modest budget.

“Clinton decided he wanted to make an impact everywhere that football has touched his life. So, he has partnered with First book to put thousands of books in every community where he has played,” said Dan Stokes, First Book chief administrative officer.

Thanks to a $50,000 grant from First Book, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children Pueblo is going to place thousands of books into the hands of youngsters most in need of a literacy boost.

Three-time Pro-Bowler and Chicago Bear Kyle Long is working with First Book to send the books as part of the Chris Long Foundation’s “First Quarter for Literacy” campaign.

“We’re proud that we’ve gotten to the point where people know us and trust us and come to us. We’re devastated because the volume is not going down and all that tells about the chasm of need and what’s going on economically in the country…” Kyle Zimmer, First Book president, CEO, and co-founder

Efforts are taking aim at book inequality. The nonprofit First Book gets books to educators serving children in need.

Pizza Hut and First Book were awarded Engage for Good’s Silver Halo Award for the Literacy Project.

“I had a group of students come in and help select the books so I had them come in and I went right to the FirstBook website and scrolled down and the kids said ‘that one, that one’…What a great thing that North Dakota United is doing for us and helping us out with FirstBook to put books in these kids’ hands.”

A group of 15 girls from Toronto’s C.W. Jefferys Collegiate Institute will have a chance to meet former first lady Michelle Obama on Saturday thanks in part to the efforts of the leader of a special book club they belong to and tickets provided by First Book Canada.

“Representation and inclusion in children’s books are building blocks of educational equality,” said Kyle Zimmer, president, CEO, and co-founder of First Book. “We can work to close the gap in educational resources that plagues American schools, but that isn’t enough. Children need to see from the very beginning that their stories have value, and the stories of those who are not like them have value.”

XPRIZE, in partnership with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, announced that First Book is a finalist and a recipient of its milestone prize, in its $1 million Adult Literacy XPRIZE Communities Competition.

“Small solutions are not going to get us where we need to go. We need great, big solutions that elevate education – because our future depends on it.” Kyle Zimmer, First Book president, CEO, and co-founder

While the concept of “education for all” is advocated as a basic human right, it is clear that poverty is jeopardizing children’s futures, and our own.

Arkansas is considering a bill that would reduce funding to impoverished school districts if its students’ reading scores fall below a certain percentage. What could they be thinking?

“Reading gives kids a chance to discover so many aspects of their lives. Young kids can use books to learn to read, and then as older adults, they can use books to learn about all types of aspects of life: from science to technology, to history, to math, to poetry, and the list goes on and on.”–First Book COO Chandler Arnold.

The educational and social nonprofit First Book is partnering with author Alane Adams’ Rise Up Foundation to supply $130,000 in new books to school districts in Houston and Northern California ravaged by natural disasters.

First Book, the nonprofit social enterprise focused on equal access to quality education, today announced the launch of the First Book Accelerator, an initiative that dramatically decreases the time-to-market for current, evidence-based strategies and resources to reach educators serving children in need – from years to weeks.

“You can’t pick one sector as the solution to all social problems…we all have to lock arms and focus.”

A lot of ink is spilled and awards are bestowed celebrating the success of the social sector – and there is much to celebrate. But the truth is, if innovation is essential to the ultimate achievements of the sector, we should spend less time on success, and more time on failure.

Pizza Hut: The Literacy Project does fundraising drives at Pizza Hut restaurants and invests the funds raised in helping underfunded schools purchase new books.

It’s the third day of Forbes writer Kelly Phillips Erb’s 12 Days of Charitable Giving for 2018. Readers suggested deserving charities over the past few weeks, and December 13th’s charity is First Book!

Yesterday, star running back Todd Gurley surprised students at Worthington Elementary School in Inglewood, CA, for a once-in-a-lifetime book reading in partnership with the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program. At the event, Gurley read his favorite childhood book, The Magician’s Hat, and then unveiled his Nike-customized cleats, as part of his declaration to represent Pizza Hut partner First Book, a nonprofit dedicated to creating equal access to quality education for children in need.

First Book is featured in GLAMOUR magazine’s “31 Days of Giving” for 2018! Just $21 will give a backpack full of books to a child in need, and our partners at Penguin Random House will match your gift throughout the holiday season.

First Book works hard every single day to get books and literary resources into the lives of the kids who need them the most in America.

Pizza Hut is supporting children’s literacy by donating $1 from every “First Book Bundle” order (two large three-topping pizzas and 1 order of breadsticks starting at $20.99) to the First Book nonprofit providing equal access to quality education for kids in need.

As a part of Giving Tuesday, Pizza Hut is selling a First Book Bundle that’s going to fill your stomach (and heart) up with food (and joy).

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Learn how First Book worked with Classy to create a better user experience for donors.

Listen to First Book’s cataloging manager, Yukari Matsuyama, and author Hena Khan discuss diversity and inclusion in children’s books, and why First Book’s Stories for All Project™ is so important.

First Book President and CEO Kyle Zimmer gives us an assignment: We must step up and be part of a child’s success by helping teachers.

Kids will see themselves in these 20 titles, suggested by the nonprofit First Book, and also learn more about each other.

These children’s books celebrate hispanic culture in unique, wonderful ways. Discover your child’s new favorite read in our list suggested by First Book, a nonprofit that provides new books and educational resources to children in need.

First Book is one of 32 organizations included in Charity Navigator’s summary report on Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. First Book, with its public, private, and publishing partners, distributed nearly 1 million books to Harvey-affected areas.

Kids will see themselves in these 20 titles, suggested by the nonprofit First Book, and also learn more about each other.

Now entering its fourth decade, the field of social entrepreneurship is at a crossroads. First Book President, CEO, and Co-founder Kyle Zimmer; and Kristine Pearson, founder and CEO of Lifeline Energy, weigh in on the future of social enterprise.

First Book, Macmillan Publishers, and Jimmy Fallon are bringing 3,000 copies of Tomi Adeyemi’s “Children of Blood and Bone” to kids in need through the Tonight Show Summer Reads program. Watch the announcement below!

“Hope” as Rebecca Solnit wrote, is “an ax you break down doors with in an emergency.” Writer Erin Bartnett highlights nine organizations, including First Book, giving the world a few more axes, and a few more reasons to be hopeful.

First Book recently held a release party for Julián Is a Mermaid by debut author-illustrator Jessica Love. The event included “shell-fies” with mermaid props, sea-inspired snacks, face painting, and a read-aloud of the book.

At the 30th annual New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) Mayor’s Cup, kids played tennis and received free books. Disney, First Book and NYJTL worked together to provide 20,000 books to underserved administrators, children, and families in the south Bronx.

“Our true mission, our true north, is eliminating all the resource barriers between a child in need and an equal, quality education.”–First Book President Kyle Zimmer

In Iowa, summer food programs bring meals and books to kids in need when school is out — including in Davis County, where First Book Network member Stephanie Hawkins stocks a converted school bus with books from First Book and lunch.

Appearing on stage at Imagine on Monday, Carey Palmquist, senior vice president of eCommerce at First Book, told Mark Lavelle and the General Session audience how First Book transforms the lives of children in need.

First Book President, Co-founder and CEO on Medium: We’re setting ourselves up to lose an entire generation of kids based on their ZIP code. Now is when we decide if that’s something we can live with.

Read the full article at Upworthy.

Participants in Mark Cuban’s reading challenged logged seven million minutes of reading time and read 84,002 books, generating a $25,000 from Cuban to First Book.

For every “#shelfie” (a selfie snapped with your favorite book) posted through March 31, Disney will donate a brand new book, all the way up to one million books, for kids in need. First Book CEO, Co-founder and President Kyle Zimmer chats with Whoopi and Chelsea Clinton shares a shelfie on this episode of The View.

Nick Lachey popped into an elementary school in Encino, California this week as part of The Literacy Project, Pizza Hut’s initiative with their nonprofit partner, First Book. Not only did the singer treat the kids to a live reading of the book Secret Pizza Party, but they all got free books (plus pizza for lunch!).

Pizza Hut is the new official pizza sponsor of the NFL. The chain’s Social Impact Manager, Natasha Collins, joins Cheddar to discuss how the new partnership will expand the company’s social responsibility efforts. The company is launching its 2018 The Literacy Project. Its goal is to increase access to books and educational resources for kids in need. Collins explains how low literacy costs the US economy more than $225 billion every year.

Forty thousand new books were donated in the campaign that aims to give away a million books by the end of March. For more information, go to https://firstbook.org/share-magic-storytelling/.

“In a world that seems increasingly disconnected and harsh, LGBTQ youth in particular need the additional affirmation of safe spaces as they learn to lead successful, meaningful lives,” said Andrew Byrd, manager of partnership development at First Book.

Disney is kicking off its fifth annual magic of story telling campaign with First Book–listen to Oprah give the details in this video segment from “Good Morning America”.

VIDEO: First Book and Domtar distributed 40,000 books to educators serving children in need in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.

Now more than ever, the books we read are a movement, a statement, a way to insure that we are exposing ourselves to, and raising up, the stories of diverse communities, of marginalized peoples, and of everyone who wants to move us forward.

This time last year, the top three most misbehaved boys at Equetta Jones’ elementary school were from the same family. As assistant principal, it fell to Jones to figure out how to solve the problem. Other educators might prescribe detentions, suspensions, extra tutoring help, or even a doctor’s appointment to be evaluated for an attention-deficit issue. But Jones sensed that the problem ran deeper — and she had a solution.

“Education is a child’s best path out of poverty,” says Chandler Arnold, First Book’s chief operating officer. “First Book provides educators serving children in need with the books and resources these kids need to thrive. Our model is not traditional, and that is precisely one reason we love what we do so much.”

There were many hardships faced by the people of Houston, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands as a result of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. But one of the more underappreciated ones was damage done to books and other educational materials in home and school libraries. This was not lost, however, on the nonprofit and social enterprise First Book.

The holidays are the perfect time for gifts that give back—it’s the season of giving, after all! Enter a new book initiative from Penguin Random House and online retailer Zulily: From now until Dec. 10, for every book purchased at Zulily.com with the badge “Buy One, Give One,” a donation will be made to First Book, a nonprofit that provides books to children in need.

Last year, librarian Rajeeni Galloway met a student that others had already deemed a lost cause. This student’s record was riddled with suspensions, and her grades had suffered so much that she could no longer keep up. She was failing. Galloway knew all too well what was at risk if the student didn’t get help. She decided to step in.

First Book ranked among the 400 nonprofits that raised the most in private donations in 2016–and among the 225 profits that received gifts of $1 million or more.

Barnes & Noble has made a $1 million book donation to First Book for areas affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The donation includes thousands of children’s books for a variety of ages including chapter books, board books, picture books, and coloring books, and will be delivered by First Book to schools and local charities in both Texas and Florida.

“Education is one of the most powerful tools to combat poverty, further economic competitiveness, expand individual and community opportunities and raise standards of living,” said Kyle Zimmer, First Book’s co-founder, president, and CEO. “But 44% of U.S. children – including half of the children attending U.S. public schools – are growing up in low-income families.

Reading is often taken for granted as a common practice with all families, but according to the latest statistics from First Book Canada a quarter of Canadian households don’t even own a single book.

In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the American Federation of Teachers, First Book, and the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation are coordinating to deliver brand new books and basic needs items to areas affected by Harvey and Irma. This hurricane relief effort falls under the overall mission of the recently announced Essentials for Kids Fund, which is a new national initiative created to address the need for books and materials—including items like hygiene kits, clothing, and school supplies—in public school districts across the country that are underfunded.

American Federation for Teachers President Randi Weingarten, along with Neil and Maria Bush of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, Kyle Zimmer of First Book, and Houston Independent School District Superintendent Richard Carranza, this morning are delivering brand new books and basic necessities to areas devastated by Hurricane Harvey.

Booksellers and publishers from the Houston area and beyond have taken the initiative to help victims of Hurricane Harvey, which struck Southeast Texas this weekend, creating a disaster area thousands of square miles wide.

First Book is transforming the playing field for educators and infusing classrooms and programs with the highest quality brand new books and educational resources through a groundbreaking, award-winning model.

First Book President and CEO Kyle Zimmer joined other prominent thought leaders to reiterate the necessary role of social and emotional learning (SEL) in schools, in response to an opinion piece that suggested SEL was a “hoax.” “Our research shows that when students from low-income communities engaged even peripherally in SEL activities, they were more engaged and confident academically,” Zimmer said. “Lack of social and emotional skills is an impediment to learning, and SEL-specific resources can help.”

Publishers are taking advantage of innovative, non-traditional e-Commerce opportunities, like the First Book Marketplace, to reach new audiences.

Learn from staff what makes First Book a special place to work. “There’s always this sense of there’s another great challenge, there’s another thing to work on, and you’ve got a lot of cool, interesting, smart people to roll up your sleeves with and try to figure them out.”

Candace Radoski, First Book’s senior director for National Partnerships, joined FOX and Friends to discuss Simon & Schuster’s generous campaign to benefit First Book’s network of educators: For every use of the hashtag #takeheartmychild between May 8th and May 15th, Simon & Schuster will donate up to 5,000 Copies of “Take Heart My Child: A Mother’s Dream,” the debut picture book from FOX and Friends co-host Ainsley Earhart, to First Book.

Part one of a two-part series on First Book’s and the NEA Foundation’s commitment to increase diversity and foster inclusion in children’s literature, with a focus on First Book’s groundbreaking Stories for All ProjectTM: “Simply reading children’s books that feature diverse characters with a range of experiences helps kids learn about other cultures, family dynamics, and struggles. Each of these new books elevates our commonality and also contains wonderful insights that surprise the reader.”

For World Book Day, Amazon is working with three not-for-profits, including First Book, that have taken visionary approaches to improving literacy and book access worldwide. The Amazon Book Review spoke to Chandler Arnold, First Book’s chief operating officer, to find out more about our achievements and future goals.

First Book and WWE donated 20,000 books to Orlando-area schools. WWE Superstars Ember Moon, Zack Ryder, Tye Dillinger, Darren Young, and Dasha Fuentes read to students there and presented awards as part of the WrestleMania Reading Challenge.

The Nonprofit Finance Fund helped First Book launch its the First Book Marketplace in 2007; then, in 2015, it provided $2.75 million to upgrade the technology that supports its online platform, enhancing distribution, improving First Book’s ability to collect and analyze data, and helping expand the reach and impact of the marketplace.

In Leon County, 2,000 community members signed a petition asking First Book to provide books for free. On Saturday, April 1st, First Book, the Florida Education Association, the Leon County Teachers Association, the American Federation of Teachers, and the Leon County School District responded with 40,000 free books for children and educators.

The Florida Education Association, the Leon County Teachers Association, and the American Federation of Teachers are partnering with the Leon County School District and First Book, a national non-profit, to give away than 40,000 books on Saturday.

Listen to First Book President and CEO Kyle Zimmer discuss the beginnings of the organization, the social enterprise model, and her own path from lawyer to nonprofit founder.

Hundreds of D.C. public schoolchildren packed into the gym at Walker-Jones Education Center on Thursday, eager to become first-time book owners. The kids each got to take home three books for free — courtesy of the professional services company KPMG and First Book.

Penguin Random House will publish two books by Barack and Michelle Obama, and will donate one million books to First Book in the Obama family’s name.

Penguin Random House will publish coming books by former President Barack Obama and the former first lady Michelle Obama, and will donate one million books in the Obama family’s name to First Book.

Penguin Random House will publish two books, one written by former President Barack Obama and one by former first lady Michelle Obama, and donate one million books in the Obama family’s name to First Book.

In a major publishing coup of the year, Penguin Random House said it has acquired world rights to separate books by former U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. It will also donate one million books in the Obama family’s name to First Book.

Penguin Random House has netted separate, lucrative book deals with former president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, who plan to write about their time in the White House. The publisher will also donate a million books in the Obamas’ name to First Book.

First Book’s President and CEO Kyle Zimmer spoke to Katherine Klein, management professor and vice dean of the Wharton Social Impact Initiative, about the hybrid business model First Book has adopted that is key to its success.

First Book gets a mention as Upworthy shares tips for ordinary people who want to support public education.

First Book’s President and CEO, Kyle Zimmer, joins Denver Frederick on The Business of Giving podcast, highlighted byThe Chronicle of Philanthropy. The two discuss the history of First Book, where First Book is going, and the impact of social enterprise.

Publishers Weekly tells the story of how ‘They All Saw a Cat’ came to be and the success author and illustrator Brendan Wenzel’s book has had, including an event with First Book and UFT in New York City.

First Book’s #GivingTuesday partnership with Penguin Random House and Zulily was featured in Galley Cat, the publishing industry focused blog in the Adweek network.

Forbes features companies that are partnering with good causes this holiday season including children’s gear retailer Zulily, who is generously matching book purchases with a donation to First Book.

Digital Book World highlights the Open Ebooks partnerships and the role First Book is playing in bringing digital content to kids in need.

First Book is proud to take part in Pizza Hut’s new literacy campaign, Pizza Hut: The Literacy Project. Read more to learn about the exciting partnership and how the two organizations plan to make a positive impact on the lives of children in need.

Look to the Stars tracks and reports on everything from the world of celebrity giving. They thought so much of Simon & Schuster’s recent donation of 20,000 books by author Jason Reynolds that they chose to highlight the generous donation to kids in need.

First Book’s President and CEO Kyle Zimmer authors a guest blog post for Reading Village in which she discusses the impact of books on children and their communities.

Books can be prohibitively expensive. Indian Country today highlights several ways to make books affordable (or free) including First Book and Open eBooks, a recent partnership between Digital Public Library of America, The New York Public Library, and First Book.

GW Magazine highlights First Book’s work with specific programs and explores the organization’s history while profiling President and CEO, Kyle Zimmer, a George Washington University alumna.

Washington Post education reporter, Lyndsey Layton, describes how First Book is using market forces to bring a full range of books, educational resources and basic necessities to support educational equality and help educators and programs meet the challenges of serving children in need.

Nonprofit Finance Fund highlights First Book’s work to circulate more than 130 million books since 1992 to benefit children in underserved communities.

A dozen semi-tractor trailers carrying half a million new books for kids made their way to a Tucson warehouse this week.

Ford Motor Company Fund and the Houston Area Ford Dealers partner with First Book to donate 10,000 new books to nearly 100 schools and programs serving low-income communities.

Classroom, Inc. and First Book launch a partnership to provide Title I schools access to Classroom, Inc.’s Read to Lead literacy game series.

Thousands of free books given to organizations around the country that serve children thanks to First Book, with 220,000 books staying in Tucson, Arizona.

First Book featured as one of the 15 literary nonprofits to donate to this #GivingTuesday by Bustle.

Karen Furlong, the founder of Starr Readers, receives books for area children from First Book.

Six schools in the Killeen Independent School District received more than 4,000 free new books Tuesday, thanks to First Book and the Blackboard book drive.

Students at a New Brunswick school received new books last week, thanks to donations from a nonprofit group and an area business.

First Book and Wipro kick off their partnership with a reading celebration and donation of books in Jefferson City, Mo.

In partnership with Middlesex Savings Bank and CBS Ecomedia, First Book provided 10,000 new books to six elementary schools in Massachusetts.

Publisher Lee & Low interviews First Book President, CEO and Co-founder Kyle Zimmer about First Book’s Stories for All Project™ as part of their How We Did It series, spotlighting people and organizations doing important work to support diversity in publishing and beyond.

Books-A-Million, Penguin and author Brad Metzler announce a new partnership to benefit First Book.

An editorial in the Kansas City Star shares the significance of the upcoming, largest-ever book distribution in the Kansas City area.

WNCT Channel 9 reports on a recent book distribution in Greenville, NC conducted in partnership with Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

Representatives from The Reading Connection, First Book, Boeing and other partner agencies stuff more than 900 backpacks with school supplies and books for local children in need.

The World Economic Forum speaks to President and CEO of First Book, Kyle Zimmer, as part of a blog series on Social Entrepreneurs.

First Book joins White House officials and nonprofit partners at Eddie’s Hair Design in Washington for a read-along with local kids, emphasizing the need for age-appropriate books in community gathering places where kids spend time.

First Book volunteers in Philadelphia provide new books to hundreds of children across the city through the local Playstreet program.

The Springfield Federation of Paraprofessionals challenges educators to sign up with First Book to bring 40,000 brand new books to students before the new school year.

First Book fills backpacks with STEM Books for kids in several San Diego Schools as part of the U.S. STEM Solutions Conference.

School Library Journal details the 2015 Stories for All Project title selections and how First Book is making them available to kids in need and beyond.

Education Week shares findings of a new report, Read for Success: Combating the Summer Learning Slide in America, which followed rural or low-income students in 16 states for two years to see if summer learning loss could be mitigated.

The Ozarks Literacy Council (OLC) receives one thousand new books from First Book. The books will be provided to kids in the region through OLC’s existing backpack program.

Students from 21 Jefferson County, Colo. schools are taking home new, diverse books to read this summer thanks to a donation from First Book and community partners. Each school also received 100 new books for their library.

In their May 11 podcast, Book Riot highlights First Book’s Stories for All Project and why they are proud to have selected the organization as their 2015 charitable partner. Tune in at 13:40.

Kathleen Culliton of Bustle shares why First Book’s Stories for All Project matters: “kids who love to read are kids who can relate to the books they are given.”

GalleyCat shares First Book’s latest Stories for All Project effort to make 60,000 children’s books featuring diverse voices and experiences available in trade paperback format for the first time ever.

Publishers Weekly breaks the First Book’s announcement to make 60,000 diverse, inclusive books available to kids in need through the Stories for All Project.

Kyle Zimmer, First Book President and CEO, and Jane Robinson, CFO, discuss the achievements and challenges of impact investing, which were on display at Oxford University’s Said Business School this month at a gathering of investors, social entreprenuers and other stakeholders.

Slate details the launch of the Open eBooks, an initiative designed to provide high-quality e-books to children from low-income families.

Riot New Media announces First Book as its 2015 charitable partner.

Shelf Awareness reports on James Patterson’s donation of 100,000 copies of his new middle-grade book Public School Superhero to under-resourced schools and youth programs through First Book.

The Commercial Appeal recognizes Frist Book’s partnership with Literacy Mid-South and the collaborative donation to several schools and libraries in Memphis.

Associations Now announces First Book’s partnership with @hotdudesreading on Instagram and highlights the benefits of the social media platform in engaging with nonprofit networks.

First Book joins other great organizations on The Huffington Post’s list of the 10 best organizations that help to get books to kids.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy describes the charitable online platform, Viewers to Volunteers, mentioning First Book’s involvement as a nonprofit affiliate.

CBS/WREG News Channel 3 announces First Book’s partnership with literacy Mid-South and collaborative donation to Memphis schools and libraries.

NBC/WMC Actions News at 5 reports the 500,000 book donation to Memphis area provided by First Book and Literacy Mid-South partnership.

The Chew announces the partnership between @hotdudesreading and First Book and shares the Magic of Storytelling campaign.

First Book COO Chandler Arnold appears on The View to announce the Hot Dudes Reading for a Cause campaign to promote the Magic of Storytelling.

Right This Minute speed reads in support of First Book and Disney ABC’s Magic of Storytelling campaign.

Mercer County Community College (MCCC) announces partnership with First Book, Burlington County College (BCC), the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education and the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) to deliver more than 40,000 free, high-quality books to children in need.

Ginger Zee kicks off First Book and Disney | ABC’s Magic of Storytelling campaign with a call for #sheflies on Good Morning America.