We know how hard our members work for the kids they serve, their schools or programs, and their communities. The First Book Network strives every day to put high-quality, diverse books into the hands of kids in need — books that might encourage a reluctant reader, reveal distant worlds, or open eager minds to new ideas. Books help reinforce students’ interests and celebrate their strengths.
The Concierge Services team at First Book is here to help members who need a larger quantity of books. For events large and small, we provide the kind of high-touch, hands-on service that relieves you of the burden of logistics and allows every child you serve to find a book they love.
We are available to work with educators and program leaders to create a book list or collection that will fit your program’s needs and reflect the diversity of the population you serve. As experts in children’s books — with backgrounds in children’s literacy, education, and publishing — our team can guide you through the process.
If you are:
- Planning a book fair
- Building classroom libraries
- Sending home books as part of an after-school/summer program
- Creating a shared reading experience, or
- Distributing school supplies or basic needs items
We can provide you with a range of book choices for any age group, create an affordable package, and track the order right to your doorstep.
Over the next few months, the First Book blog will highlight some of the work Concierge Services has done to connect kids in need with stories and characters that they love. We are here to make things a little easier — to equip you with the resources you need to do the essential work of changing your students’ lives.
If you serve children in low-income communities and need a large quantity of books or resources at the best possible price, reach out to First Book’s Concierge Services at [email protected] or call the Member Services Team at 866.732.3669 and ask for Concierge Services.
The post First Book Concierge Services: A Helping Hand For Large Orders appeared first on First Book Blog.
In the early morning of 6 June 1944, thousands of men stood in Higgins boats off the coast of Normandy. They could not see around them until the bow ramp was lowered — when it was time for them to storm the Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah, and Omaha beaches. Over 10,000 of them would die in the next 24 hours. The largest amphibious invasion the world has ever seen took place seventy years ago today.
In the videos below, Craig L. Symonds, author of Neptune: The Allied Invasion of Europe and the D-Day Landings, discusses the planning and execution of the invasion. Numerous, often contentious, discussions took place behind the scenes between the United States and the United Kingdom regarding the D-Day invasion strategy. And while most people believe that strategy is the key focus on winning a war, this is not often the case. Rather the concept of logistics often plays a key role in victory, and in this instance, in helping forces succeed in the storming of Normandy beach. Symonds also reveals why it’s so important to learn about the personal histories of those involved in and affected by the allied invasions of World War II, and the story of a remarkable lieutenant by the name of Dean Rockwell who played a pivotal role in the D-Day invasion. You can also learn more by entering our giveaway for signed copies of Craig Symonds’ new book.
What was the Anglo-American debate over invasion strategy?
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Why did logistics trump strategy on 6 June 1944?
Click here to view the embedded video.
Why are lesser known personal accounts important to understanding the history of D-Day?
Click here to view the embedded video.
Were there any individual accounts that demonstrated the circumstantial pressures of the invasion?
Click here to view the embedded video.
For the 70th anniversary of D-Day, Oxford University Press is giving away 15 signed copies of Neptune: The Allied Invasion of Europe and the D-Day Landings, by Craig L. Symonds. The contest ends on June 6, 2014, at 5:30pm.
Craig L. Symonds is Professor of History Emeritus at the United States Naval Academy. He is the author of many books on American naval history, including Neptune: The Allied Invasion of Europe and the D-Day Landings, The Battle of Midway and Lincoln and His Admirals, co-winner of the Lincoln Prize in 2009.
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The post Reflecting on the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings appeared first on OUPblog.
How do you track your reading and reviews and everything? What about your to-read list?
I have a pretty good system--a notebook. The only problem is, it's almost full. If I write small, it should last through the end of the month, which would be really nice because not only does it give me time, but this particular reading journal started with May 2006, so if I can get to the end of April, it will be 3 complete years.
My system is, when you open it one way, it's my "have read" list. I write down the name of all the books I read. When I post the review, I put in a little check mark. This is how I ensure that I review everything I read. If you flip the book over and open it the other way, it's my to-read list and then I just cross off titles as I read them. Eventually, the two lists meet in the middle.
Reasons that I love this notebook:
Unruled paper. Seriously, I do not like lines.
You can't tell which is the front and which is the back. The front and back covers are identical and there's no upper margin on the paper, because the paper is unlined.
The size. It's only 5 x 3, which means it doesn't take up any room in my bag. I like doing this on paper instead of online (notice how I haven't touched GoodReads in months? Yeah.) I find titles I want to read everywhere and the book is handy for jotting them down. Also, I read everywhere, so I finish books everywhere. I get an abnormal amount of pleasure from adding them to the list as soon as I finish.
The spiral things are plastic so they don't get bent out of shape the fact it's spiral allows me to keep the book open when I'm doing housekeeping stuff for the blog.
The reason I'm asking is... this notebook is discontinued. I can't find another Roll-a-bind book that's the same size with all blank pages. Yes, they make slightly bigger ones with "blank" pages, but there's this little bit at the top to label the page, which means it will be at the bottom when I flip the book over. (Yes, I'm anal. DUDE, I'm a LIBRARIAN. We put stuff in order for a living.)
The first 2 reasons (indistinguishable front and back, blank pages) are the most important qualities, which rules out my usual favorite, Moleskine. (The back cover has a pocket and is embossed. Even though they do come with blank pages.)
The spiral, while nice, isn't a deal breaker. I do want it to stay small, but I'm not stuck on the 5 x 3, but I will say, no bigger than 5 x 7.
I have a closet full of lined Moleskines left over from school that I know I will suck it up and use, but, what's your system?
The first picture is of one of the covers, my "have read" side. The second is of my "to read" side. The third is showing a page spread from the "have read" side, the last picture is a page spread of the "to read" side...
I'm with you on the blank paper thing. I actually keep these lists (mostly) on the computer, but I really like my notebooks to be unlined. I also like being able to use a notebook from both sides. Oh yeah, and small, so I can fit it in my purse. My favorite right now the Ru, made by Xonex — it does have a pocket in the back, though. Nice blank paper; it's not spiral bound but it opens pretty flat.
I found this blog review while googling for the name of the notebook: http://www.blackcover.net/?p=10
My "to-read" list is on Amazon.ca True, it's not easy to access when I am on the road, but I look at it so often I almost know it by heart! :)
I like your journals. I track everything on Microsoft Word. I just find it easier. I have a folder for just book lists and reading logs and challenge updates. I also have a wishlist on Amazon.com and BookMooch. But I try to keep everything on my computer. I do everything this way. I would be lost without my laptop!
I asked this very question today on my blog! :) I am overwhelmed with the amount of books that i have and need a way to track what's been read/unread/reviewed, etc. I think the notebooks are a great idea. If someone comes up with a better idea, please let me know!