First Book

 “Access to books and educational material is the single biggest barrier to literacy development in the United States and beyond. If we can solve the problem of access, we will be well on the road to realizing educational parity – a goal which has eluded this country for generations.”
- Susan B. Neuman, Ph.D. University of Michigan, Ctr. for Improvement of Early Reading Achievement

On a rainy day, or lazy Sunday afternoon, one can likely find me curled up reading one of my favorite classic books, or even a sappy love story. I have a true joy and passion for reading and have always considered reading as a hobby and an activity that all have the opportunity to partake in; however, through my work in a local after-school program and schools throughout Mississippi, I have learned that reading is actually a privilege that should not be taken lightly.

First Book is an organization that provides new books to children in need addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books. By providing new books to children in preschools, after-school programs, mentoring and tutoring programs, day care centers and more, First Book is providing resources to empower teachers, administrators, and volunteers. With access to these resources, these caring leaders of our communities across the nation can better teach, plan curriculum, and even more importantly impart a love of learning, elevating the quality of the programs and opportunities available to children in need.

 First Book has distributed more than 80 million new books to children from low-income families in thousands of communities across the United States. Although First Book is national in scope, it is local in impact! There are more than 275 First Book Advisory Boards forming an extensive network of volunteer community leaders serving as ambassadors dedicated to fundraising and therefore supplying millions of children in need with new books.

By promoting First Book, it is my mission to give children the opportunity to not only have the resources needed to further one’s education, but also give children the opportunity to share in the same joy I receive from reading.

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go." — Dr. Seuss, "I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!"