Free Spirit News

Author News

Free Spirit author Deb Delisle was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to be the nation’s new assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education for the Department of Education. In her new position, Deb will provide overall direction, coordination, and leadership for the administration of programs for K–12 education. Deb has been an educator for more than thirty-five years. She is the coauthor of Building Strong Writers in Middle School and Growing Good Kids, currently a finalist in the 2012 AEP awards, and the author of numerous articles on gifted-child education and reform-based education.

Read more about Deb’s new position.

More News

Free Spirit Blog Launch

We’re pleased to announce the Free Spirit Publishing Blog, an idea exchange about what’s important to you and us—helping kids. We’ll offer tips and tools for supporting the social, emotional, and educational needs of children and teens; keep up with current news and trends; and give an occasional look behind the book-making scenes.

We’re launching this blog to interact with you, so we invite you to contribute to the exchange by leaving comments. Please make our blog a part of your regular reading, and help us spread the word.

Read Judy Galbraith’s welcome post.

Reviews & Accolades

“[A]ppealing to teachers looking for an example of a student essay . . . Libraries looking to support reflective writing in the English curriculum may also find this book useful.”—School Library Journal

“Should be read by all educators and given to any adolescent diagnosed with this disorder.”—VOYA

Do you have a favorite Free Spirit book? Tell us why! Email us at help4kids@freespirit.com.

Author Spotlight

Elizabeth Reeve, M.D.

Elizabeth Reeve, M.D., is a child psychiatrist at HealthPartners in Minnesota, and her clinical work focuses primarily on children and adults with developmental disabilities. In addition to her research and patient care, Elizabeth is involved in teaching, speaks in the community to educate others in the field of developmental disabilities, and helps young adults with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) transition into college and the work force. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Read our interview with Elizabeth and her coauthor Elizabeth Verdick to find out their motivation behind writing The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (And Their Parents) and more.

Advisory Board Members Wanted

Free Spirit seeks grades preK–12 teachers, administrators, librarians, counselors, and social workers to join its advisory board. In order to make our books and other products even more beneficial for children and teens, the advisory board will provide valuable feedback on things like content, text, and art and help us identify what educators need to support the kids they serve.

Free Spirit also seeks young people, grades 6 and up, to join its teen advisory council. In order to keep our books and other products current and relevant, the advisory council provides valuable feedback on such things as the design, art, and content of our resources for young people.