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Free Spirit Awards
And the winner is . . .
Free Spirit books have garnered recognition, kudos, and “way to go’s” from respected organizations around the country. Here is a list of our recent accolades.

  New Awards

Be the Boss of Your Body® Kit with Pain Book
Self-Care for Kids
Timothy Culbert, M.D., and Rebecca Kajander C.P.N.P., M.P.H. 

  • GOLD Mom’s Choice Award for 2008 Juvenile Level 2/Body, Mind, and Spirit Category
  • 100 Best Children’s Products for 2007—Dr. Toy
  • 10 Best Socially Responsible Products of 2007—Dr. Toy



Be the Boss of Your Body® Kit with Sleep Book
Self-Care for Kids
Timothy Culbert, M.D., and Rebecca Kajander C.P.N.P., M.P.H. 
  • GOLD Mom’s Choice Award for 2008
    Juvenile Level 2/Body, Mind, and Spirit Category
  • 100 Best Children’s Products for 2007—Dr. Toy
  • 10 Best Socially Responsible Products of 2007—Dr. Toy



Be the Boss of Your Body® Kit with Stress Book
Self-Care for Kids
Timothy Culbert, M.D., and Rebecca Kajander C.P.N.P., M.P.H. 
  • GOLD Mom’s Choice Award for 2008
    Juvenile Level 2/Body, Mind, and Spirit Category
  • 2007 National Parenting Publications Honors Award (NAPPA)
  • 100 Best Children’s Products for 2007—Dr. Toy
  • 10 Best Socially Responsible Products of 2007—Dr. Toy



Be Confident in Who You Are
Middle School Confidential™ Series
Annie Fox, M.Ed. 
  •  Parental Wisdom's Good Parenting Seal for 2008



Building Everyday Leadership in All Teens
Promoting Attitudes and Actions for Respect and Success
(Curriculum Guide for Teachers and Youthworkers)

Mariam G. MacGregor M.S. 
  • Association of Educational Publishers Distinguished Achievement Awards for 2007



Diapers Are Not Forever
Board Book
Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen 
  • 100 Best Children’s Products for 2008—Dr. Toy



The Doggy Dung Disaster & Other True Stories
Regular Kids Doing Heroic Things Around the World
Garth Sundem 
  • iParenting Media Awards Best Product for 2007



Dude, That’s Rude!
(Get Some Manners)
Pamela Espeland and Elizabeth Verdick 
  • iParenting Media Award Winner: Excellent Product for 2007



Everyday Leadership
Attitudes and Actions for Respect and Success
Guidebook for Teens

Mariam G. MacGregor M.S. 
  • Association of Educational Publishers Distinguished Achievement Awards for 2007



Germs Are Not for Sharing
Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen 
  • Midwest Book Awards 2007: First Place 2006
  • Dr. Toy Smart Play/Smart Toy Product of Excellence Award



Germs Are Not for Sharing Board Book
Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen 
  • 2007 MIPA Midwest Book Award—Children 2007
  • Mom’s Choice Award Finalist—Children’s Book–Educational



Get Organized Without Losing It
Janet S. Fox 
  • Midwest Book Awards 2007: Merit Award
  • NAPPA 2006



High IQ Kids
Collected Insights, Information, and Personal Stories from the Experts
Edited by Kiesa KayDeborah Robson, and Judy Fort Brenneman 
  • The Legacy Book Award—The Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT)



I Can Play It Safe
Alison Feigh and illustrated by Laura Logan 
  • iParenting Greatest Products Award for 2008
  • Gold Mom's Choice Award® winner in the Children's Picture Books-Growing Up category



A Leader's Guide to The Adding Assets Series for Kids
Book with CD-ROM
Activities and Strategies for Positive Youth Development
Ann Redpath, Ed.D.Pamela Espeland, and Elizabeth Verdick 
  • Association of Educational Publishers Distinguished Achievement Awards for 2007



Pacifiers Are Not Forever Board Book
Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen 
  • Preferred Choice Award for 2008
    Creative Child Magazine
  • GOLD Mom’s Choice Award for 2008
    Children’s Picture Books/Growing Up Category



The Power to Prevent Suicide (Updated Edition)
Richard E. Nelson, Ph.D.Judith C. Galas, and new foreword by Bev Cobain, R.N.,C. 
  • "Books for the Teen Age," New York Public Library 2007
  • Book for the Teen Age, New York Public Library
  • ALA/YALSA “Recommended Book”

     




Reach Out and Give
Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed. 
  • Winner, Carol D. Reiser Book Award 2008



Ready for Bed!
A Tale of Cleaning Up, Tucking In, and Hardly Any Complaining
Stacey R. Kaye, MMR, and illustrated by Elizabeth O. Dulemba 
  • Gold Mom's Choice Award® winner in the Children's Picture Books—Growing Up category
  • "Top Ten New Sleep Products for Kids"
    ButYouDontLookSick.com



Ready for the Day!
A Tale of Teamwork and Toast, and Hardly Any Foot-Dragging
Stacey R. Kaye, MMR, and illustrated by Elizabeth O. Dulemba 
  • Gold Mom's Choice Award® winner in the Children's Picture Books—Growing Up category
  • iParenting Media Awards Outstanding Product 2008



Ready to Rock Kids Volume 1 Music CD
Dr. Mac & Friends 
  • Seal of Excellence Award, Creative Child Magazine
  • The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval
  • Dr. Toy Best Product Award Winners for Summer 2007



Ready to Rock Kids Volume 2 Music CD
Dr. Mac & Friends 
  • Seal of Excellence Award, Creative Child Magazine
  • The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval
  • Dr. Toy Best Product Award Winners for Summer 2007



The Step-Tween Survival Guide
How to Deal with Life in a Stepfamily
Lisa Cohn and Debbie Glasser, Ph.D. 
  • Winner, VOYA’s Nonfiction Honor List, 2009
  • ForeWord Book of the Year Award Finalist 2008



Straight Talk About Schools Today
Understand the System and Help Your Child Succeed
Judy Molland 
  • Greatest Product for 2007—iParenting Media Awards



Teaching Beyond the Test
Book with CD-ROM
Differentiated Project-Based Learning in a Standards-Based Age, Grades 6 & Up
Phil Schlemmer, M.Ed., and Dori Schlemmer 
  • 2009 Distinguished Achievement Award for Differentiated Instruction/Professional Development/Adult from the Association of Educational Publishers (AEP)



Teaching Kids with Mental Health & Learning Disorders in the Regular Classroom
How to Recognize, Understand, and Help Challenged (and Challenging) Students Succeed
Myles L. Cooley Ph.D. 
  • AEP Distinguised Achievement Awards Finalist (2008)



Teambuilding with Teens
Book with CD-ROM
Activities for Leadership, Decision Making, & Group Success
Mariam G. MacGregor M.S. 
  • 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award Curriculum/Teaching Resources/Activity Books category—The Association of Educational Publishers (AEP)



The Teen Guide to Global Action
How to Connect with Others (Near and Far) to Create Social Change
Barbara A. Lewis 
  • Winner, VOYA’s Nonfiction Honor List, 2009
  • 2008 Skipping Stones Honor Award



What Are My Rights? (Updated Edition)
95 Questions and Answers About Teens and the Law
Thomas A. Jacobs, J.D. 
  • "Books for the Teen Age," New York Public Library 2007
  • ALA/YALSA “Quick Pick”
  • Books for the Teen Age, New York Public Library
  • ALA/YALSA “Popular Paperback for Young Adults”




What to Do When Good Enough Isn’t Good Enough
The Real Deal on Perfectionism: A Guide for Kids
Thomas S. Greenspon, Ph.D. 
  • ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards Finalist (2007)



Special Savings! Set of 8 Adding Assets Books
Pamela Espeland and Elizabeth Verdick 

The Free Spirit Adding Assets Series for Kids: Student Books

  • Association of Educational Publishers Distinguished Achievement Awards for 2007




  Previous Awards

100 Things Guys Need to Know
Bill Zimmerman 
  • iParenting, Winner, 2005
  • Read, America! Selected, 2005
  • iParenting Media Award's "Outstanding Products" Winner



26 Big Things Small Hands Do (hardcover)
Coleen Paratore and Illustrated by Mike Reed 
  • Creative Child Magazine “Top Creative Toy Award”, Winner, 2005
  • National Parenting Publication Award (NAPPA) Children’s Resources, Honor Award, 2005
  • iParenting Media Awards Holiday Call Winner
  • Creative Child magazine's Seal of Excellence
  • National Parenting Publication Award (NAPPA) Honor Award



After You Lose Someone You Love
As told by Amy, Allie, and David Dennison 
  • Books for the Teen Age, New York Public Library
  • New York Public Library’s “Books for the Teen Age” Selection
  • Our Dad Died authors Amy, Allie & David Dennison, winners of the Daily Point of Light Award, Points of Light Foundation



Be Polite and Kind
Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed. 
  • Learning Magazine’s Teacher’s Choice Award Finalist



Bringing Up Parents
The Teenager's Handbook
Alex J. Packer, Ph.D. 
  • Midwest Independent Publishers Assn. Best Self-Help Book (MIPA)
  • “Book for the Teen Age,” New York Public Library
  • Read, America! Selection
  • Midwest Independent Publishers Assn. Best Self-Help Book

     




Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain
Trevor Romain 
  • Read, America! Selection



The Bully Free Classroom® (Updated Edition)
Book with CD-ROM
Over 100 Tips and Strategies for Teachers K-8
Allan L. Beane, Ph.D. 
  • Learning Magazine’s Teacher’s Choice Award 2000
  • Parent Council® Selection 2000

 




Bully Free® Bulletin Boards, Posters, and Banners
Creative Displays for a Safe and Caring School
Allan L. Beane, Ph.D., and Linda Beane 
  • ForeWord Book of the Year Awards, Finalist, 2005



The Complete Guide to Service Learning
Proven, Practical Ways to Engage Students in Civic Responsibility, Academic Curriculum, and Social Action
Cathryn Berger Kaye, M.A. 
  • Seal of Excellence, Council for Service-Learning

     




The Courage to Be Yourself
True Stories by Teens About Cliques, Conflicts, and Overcoming Peer Pressure
Edited by Al Desetta, M.A., and Educators for Social Responsibility 
  • ForeWord Book of the Year Award, Finalist, 2005



Feet Are Not for Kicking Board Book
Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen 
  • Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Book Award
  • Creative Child magazine's Seal of Excellence
  • Read, America! Selection
  • Dr. Toy's Smart Play/Smart Toy Products Winner



Freeing Our Families from Perfectionism
Thomas S. Greenspon, Ph.D. 

 

  • National Parenting Publication Award (NAPPA) Parenting Resources Gold Award 2002
  • Parents’ Choice® Approved Award Winner 2002

     

 




GLBTQ: The Survival Guide for Queer and Questioning Teens
Kelly Huegel 
  • Independent Publisher Book Awards Winner
  • Benjamin Franklin Book Awards Winner
  • ForeWord Book of the Year Finalist, Foreword Magazine
  • Books for the Teen Age, New York Public Library
  • ALA/YALSA “Popular Paperback for Young Adults”, Selected, 2006



A Gebra Named Al
A Novel
Wendy Isdell 
  • A “Children’s Books Mean Business” Selection, American Booksellers Assn.
  • Best Children’s Book Award of Merit, Midwest Independent Publishers Assn.

     




The Gifted Kids’ Survival Guide: A Teen Handbook
(Revised, Expanded, and Updated Edition)
Judy Galbraith, M.A., and James R. Delisle, Ph.D. 
  • Read, America! Selection



Growing Good Kids
Book with CD-ROM
28 Activities to Enhance Self-Awareness, Compassion, and Leadership
Deb DelisleJames R. Delisle, Ph.D., and illustrated by Ken Vinton, M.A. 
  • Parent Council® Selection



Hands Are Not for Hitting
Revised & Updated Edition
Martine Agassi, Ph.D., and Illustrated by Marieka Heinlen 
  • iParenting Media Awards

  • Parent Council®  Selection



Hands Are Not for Hitting Board Book
Martine Agassi, Ph.D., and Illustrated by Marieka Heinlen 
  • Dr. Toy’s 10 Best Socially Responsible Products
  • Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Book Award
  • Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Special Needs Award
  • Dr. Toy’s Best Children’s Products
  • Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence Winner

     




How Rude!®
The Teenagers’ Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and Not Grossing People Out
Alex J. Packer, Ph.D. 
  • ALA/YALSA “Popular Paperback for Young Adults”
  • Book for the Teen Age, New York Public Library
  • ALA/YALSA “Quick Pick”

     




The How Rude!® Handbook of Family Manners for Teens
Avoiding Strife in Family Life
Alex J. Packer, Ph.D. 
  • Books for the Teen Age, Selected, 2006



The How Rude!® Handbook of School Manners for Teens
Civility in the Hallowed Halls
Alex J. Packer, Ph.D. 
  • Books for the Teen Age, Selected, 2006



How to Do Homework Without Throwing Up
Trevor Romain 
  • Read, America! Selection

     




How to Handle a Hard-to-Handle Kid
A Parent’s Guide to Understanding and Changing Problem Behaviors
C. Drew Edwards, Ph.D. 
  • Independent Publishers Book Awards
  • Parenting Category Finalist 2000
  • Parent Council® Selection 1999



How to Take the GRRRR Out of Anger
Elizabeth Verdick and Marjorie Lisovskis 
  • National Parenting Publication Award (NAPPA) Children's Resources Honors Award



How to Talk with Teens About Love, Relationships, & S-E-X
A Guide for Parents
Amy G. Miron, M.S., and Charles D. Miron, Ph.D. 
  • iParenting Media Awards

     




I Like Being Me
Poems for Children About Feeling Special, Appreciating Others, and Getting Along
Judy Lalli, M.S., and Photographs by Douglas L. Mason-Fry 
  • Parent Council® Selection

     




Join In and Play
Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed. 
  • Learning Magazine’s Teacher’s Choice Award Finalist



The Kids’ Guide to Working Out Conflicts
How to Keep Cool, Stay Safe, and Get Along
Naomi Drew, M.A. 
  • iParenting Media Awards, Winner, 2005
  • Honor Award, Skipping Stones Multicultural Magazine, Winner, 2005
  • Nautilus Book Awards, Finalist, 2005
  • National Parenting Publication Award (NAPPA) Children’s Resources Winner



Life Lists for Teens
Tips, Steps, Hints, and How-Tos for Growing Up, Getting Along, Learning, and Having Fun
Pamela Espeland 
  • National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval 



Listen and Learn
Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed. 
  • Learning Magazine’s Teacher’s Choice Award Finalist



No B.O.!
The Head-to-Toe Book of Hygiene for Preteens
Marguerite Crump, M.A., M.Ed. 
  • Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media Award
  • Books for the Teen Age List, New York Public Library
  • MIPA (Midwest Independent Publisher’s Association) Book Award



Perfectionism
What’s Bad About Being Too Good? (Revised and Updated Edition)
Miriam Adderholdt, Ph.D., and Jan Goldberg 
  • Parents’ Choice Approved Award Winner
  • Parent Council® Selection

     




Quick and Lively Classroom Activities
Book with CD-ROM
Meaningful Ways to Keep Kids Engaged During Transition Time, Downtime, or Anytime
Linda Nason McElherne, M.A. 
  • Parent Council® Selection
  • Learning Magazine’s Teacher’s Choice Award



Respect
A Girl's Guide to Getting Respect and Dealing When Your Line Is Crossed
Courtney Macavinta and Andrea Vander Pluym 
  • iParenting Media Awards Greatest Products, Winner, 2005
  • ForeWord Book of the Year Awards, Finalist, 2005



School Power
Study Skill Strategies for Succeeding in School (Revised and Updated Edition)
Jeanne Shay Schumm, Ph.D. 
  • Read America! Selection 2001
  • MIPA 2001
  • Books for the Teen Age 1993



Share and Take Turns
Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed. 
  • Learning Magazine’s Teacher’s Choice Award Finalist



Speak Up and Get Along!
Learn the Mighty Might, Thought Chop, and More Tools to Make Friends, Stop Teasing, and Feel Good About Yourself
Scott Cooper 
  • Read, America!, Selected, 2005



Stick Up for Yourself!
Every Kid’s Guide to Personal Power and Positive Self-Esteem (Revised and Updated Edition)
Gershen Kaufman, Ph.D.Lev Raphael, Ph.D., and Pamela Espeland 
  • National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval
  • Parent Council®  Selection



Stress Can Really Get on Your Nerves!
Trevor Romain and Elizabeth Verdick 
  • Parent Council® Selection

     




The Survival Guide for Kids with LD (Learning Differences)
(Revised and Updated Edition)
Gary Fisher, Ph.D., and Rhoda Cummings, Ed.D. 
  • ALA’s Top 20 LD Resources for Libraries List 1999



The Survival Guide for Teachers of Gifted Kids
How to Plan, Manage, and Evaluate Programs for Gifted Youth K–12
James R. Delisle, Ph.D., and Barbara A. Lewis 
  • Legacy Book Award Winner, Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented



Tails Are Not for Pulling
Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen 
  • ASPCA Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award, Winner, 2005



Tails Are Not for Pulling Board Book
Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen 
  • Dr. Toy’s Best Children’s Products, Winner, 2005
  • Dr. Toy's 100 Best Products winner
  • ASPCA Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award, Winner, 2005
  • Dr. Toy’s 10 Best Socially Responsible Products, Winner, 2005
  • iParenting Media Awards Greatest Products, Winner, 2005
  • Read, America!, selected, 2005



Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom
Book with CD-ROM
Strategies and Techniques Every Teacher Can Use to Meet the Academic Needs of the Gifted and Talented (Revised, Expanded, Updated)
Susan Winebrenner, M.S. 
  • Learning Magazine's Teacher’s Choice Award Finalist 



The Teenagers’ Guide to School Outside the Box
Rebecca Greene 
  • MIPA Book Awards 2001



Teeth Are Not for Biting Board Book
Elizabeth Verdick and Illustrated by Marieka Heinlen 
  • Dr. Toy’s 10 Best Socially Responsible Products
  • Dr. Toy’s Best Children’s Products
  • Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Book Award
  • Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence Winner

     




They Broke the Law—You Be the Judge
True Cases of Teen Crime
Thomas A. Jacobs, J.D. 
  • ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Awards Finalist
  • ALA/YALSA “Quick Picks for the Reluctant Young Adult Reader”, Winner 2005
  • ALA/YALSA “Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults”, Selected, 2006



Too Old for This, Too Young for That!
Your Survival Guide for the Middle-School Years
Harriet S. Mosatche, Ph.D., and Karen Unger 
  • Parent Council®  Selection
  • National Parenting Publications (NAPPA) “Parenting Resources Award”



Too Stressed to Think?
A Teen Guide to Staying Sane When Life Makes You Crazy
Annie Fox, M.Ed., and Ruth Kirschner 
  • The Good Parenting Seal—Parental Wisdom



Understand and Care
Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed. 
  • Learning Magazine’s Teacher’s Choice Award Finalist



What on Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies?
Trevor Romain 
  • Parent Council Selection 1999



What to Do When You're Sad & Lonely
A Guide for Kids
James J. Crist, Ph.D. 
  • iParenting Media Awards Greatest Products, Winner, 2005



What to Do When You're Scared & Worried
A Guide for Kids
James J. Crist, Ph.D. 
  • iParenting Media Awards Winner



When a Friend Dies
Revised & Updated Edition
Marilyn E. Gootman, Ed.D. 
  • Recommended Books for the Reluctant YA Reader--American Library Association
  • Books for the Teen Age--New York Public Library
  • ALA/YALSA “Quick Pick”



When I Feel Afraid
Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed. 
  • Learning Magazine’s Teacher’s Choice Award Finalist



When Nothing Matters Anymore (Revised & Updated Edition)
A Survival Guide for Depressed Teens
Bev Cobain, R.N.,C. 
  • Suicide Prevention Voices of Education (SA\VE) Reading List selection



Wise Highs
How to Thrill, Chill, & Get Away from It All Without Alcohol or Other Drugs
By, Alex J. Packer, Ph.D. 
  • ForeWord Book of the Year Bronze Award 2006
  • ALA/YALSA Quick Pick
  • Read, America! Selection
  • “Children’s Choice” International Reading Association/Children’s Book Council
  • “Book of the Year” Independent Publisher Book Awards
  • NY Public Library “Book for the Teen Age”
  • National Parenting Publication Award (NAPPA)



Words Are Not for Hurting Board Book
Elizabeth Verdick and Illustrated by Marieka Heinlen 
  • Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence Winner
  •  iParenting Media Awards “Hottest Products” Winner
  • The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval Winner
  • Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Book Award Winner, 2005



You Know Your Child Is Gifted When…
A Beginner's Guide to Life on the Bright Side
Judy Galbraith, M.A., and Illustrated by Ken Vinton, M.A. 
  • Parent Council®  Selection
  • Parents’ Choice Recommended



You’re Smarter Than You Think
A Kid’s Guide to Multiple Intelligences
Thomas Armstrong, Ph.D. 
  • AEP Awards Program/Golden Lamp Finalist