The Teen Guide to Global Action by Barbara A. Lewis is a recipient of The 2008 Skipping Stones Honor Award in the Multicultural & International Awareness category. The Honor Awards recognize 26 exceptional books and teaching resources.

To learn more about Free Spirit’s award-winning titles or to request review copies, contact us at publicity@freespirit.com.

The annual Mom’s Choice™ Awards were announced March 21. Free Spirit won a Gold Award in the Children’s Picture Books/Growing Up category for Pacifiers Are Not Forever by Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen. Free Spirit also won a Gold Award in the Body, Mind, & Spirit category for the Be the Boss of Your Body™ series by Timothy Culbert, M.D., and Rebecca Kajander, C.P.N.P., M.P.H.

To learn more about Free Spirit’s award-winning titles or to request review copies, contact us at publicity@freespirit.com.

Trevor Romain’s award-winning books and learning materials, part of the Free Spirit Laugh & LearnTM series, help guide kids and tweens through some of life’s biggest middle school challenges: homework hassles, clique tricks, and battling bullying. Now, young people in Austin, Texas, can see Trevor’s books come to life on the Trevor Romain Show, airing through mid-March on KLRU and KLRU2. If you are in the Austin area be sure to tune in! For those of you outside of the viewing area, contact your local PBS affiliate to request the show. Check out Trevor’s Web site by clicking here.

To interview Trevor Romain or to request review copies of his books, contact us at publicity@freespirit.com.

As young people grow into adolescents, they naturally have questions about their legal rights. Judge Tom Jacobs literally wrote the books on teens and the law, and he recently launched a Web site devoted to this same topic. Askthejudge.info features regular updates from the news, important decisions from the nation′s courts, and online discussions with Judge Jacobs, author of They Broke the Law—You Be the Judge, What Are My Rights? and Teens Take It to Court.

Check out Judge Jacobs’s Web site at: http://askthejudge.info.

To interview Judge Jacobs about teens and the law, contact us at publicity@freespirit.com.

Free Spirit author and expert Thomas Greenspon, Ph.D., is currently featured on Education.com. A licensed psychologist and licensed family and marriage therapist, Dr. Greenspon drew from his book What to Do When Good Enough Isn’t Good Enough: The Real Deal on Perfectionism to contribute to the article, “Is Your Child Her Own Harshest Critic?” Tom’s positive message for parents reassures them that there are ways they can help their kids deal with negative thoughts and perfectionism.

To interview Tom about recognizing and dealing with perfectionism, contact us at publicity@freespirit.com.

Judy Molland, the award-winning author of Straight Talk About Schools Today, recently was invited to host a series of podcasts for Parenthood.com throughout the months of November and December. Each podcast focuses on a specific topic of Molland’s expertise, from dealing with homework, to meeting your child’s teacher, to how to help a student who is struggling in school. Tune in and check it out!

To interview Judy Molland about school readiness and school success, contact us at publicity@freespirit.com

Here are just a few recent clips praising our products.

Straight Talk About Schools Today by Judy Molland

How-To Book of the Week

“Don’t know the difference between a magnet school and a charter school? Wondering who really has access to that mysterious and threatening document, ‘the permanent record?’ This straightforward guide for parents of kids in grades kindergarten through eight has the answers and makes them easy to find.”
—Newsday

Teeth Are Not for Biting by Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen

Word for Word: Add these books about self-expression to your child’s library

“Teeth Are Not for Biting by Elizabeth Verdick gives reasons why kids might want to bite—they’re mad, sad, cranky—and offers a bunch of coping methods, such as getting a hug or asking for help.”
—Parents Magazine

Ready to Rock Kids by Dr. Mac & Friends

“A must-have for elementary school guidance counselors.”
—School Library Journal

Free Spirit authors and experts can help with your next story. Contact us at publicity@freespirit.com.

The return to school can conjure up feelings of anxiety, sleepless nights, and stress—and these feelings can make kids sick. Free Spirit’s Be the Boss of Your Body™ series, written by Minnesota-based medical professionals, helps kids think about their health from a holistic perspective, setting the stage for a lifetime of wellness. Authors Timothy Culbert, M.D., and pediatric nurse practitioner Rebecca Kajander, C.P.N.P., M.P.H., have already captured local and national media attention, sharing their message that kids have the power to control their sleep issues, modify their reactions to stress, and manage their pain.

To request review copies or to request an interview with the authors, contact us at publicity@freespirit.com.

Wise Highs: How to Thrill, Chill, and Get Away from It All Without Alcohol or Other Drugs by Alex Packer is a ForeWord Book of the Year Bronze Award Winner for 2006! The winners were announced earlier this month at Book Expo America in New York City. Wise Highs won in the Young Adult Nonfiction category.

Wise Highs describes more than 150 ways for teens to feel great without leaving them burned out or hung over, including exercise and sports, music, gaming, and more natural “highs.” Author Alex J. Packer, Ph.D., is currently president of FCD Educational Services, a Boston-based provider of drug education and substance abuse prevention services to schools worldwide. To read more about Alex and his books, click here.

To request a review copy or to set up an interview with Alex Packer, contact us at publicity@freespirit.com.

The Midwest Independent Publishers Association’s (MIPA) 17th Annual Midwest Book Awards were announced at a ceremony held May 9. Free Spirit won a First Place Award for Germs Are Not for Sharing written by Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen. Free Spirit also won a Merit Award for Get Organized Without Losing It by Janet S. Fox. Both awards were in the Children/YA category.

Working on a story with a back-to-school theme? Preschoolers benefit from learning about germs and how not to spread them. Germs Are Not for Sharing has earned critical acclaim for its simple yet powerful messages: cover your cough, wash your hands, and stay healthy! For older kids, organization can be a challenge, especially when it comes to returning to school. Get Organized Without Losing It includes tips and techniques for conquering clutter, with a light touch.

To learn more about Free Spirit’s award-winning titles or to request review copies, contact us at publicity@freespirit.com.

Dr. Tom Greenspon can help. In his new book, What to Do When Good Enough Isn’t Good Enough, he offers advice and techniques on lightening the load of perfectionism for children and parents.

• Is perfectionism ever helpful?
• Is it true that pushing yourself to do your very best and having high standards are traits of perfectionism?
• What are some other problems that can go along with perfectionism?
• Is it really possible to overcome perfectionism and keep it at bay for good?
• Why is it that some people manage to excel without slipping under the burden of perfectionism? Are some people more prone to perfectionism than others?
• How do parents help or hinder their children who suffer from perfectionism?
• What is the “Putting Your Dummy on Display” experiment?

Contact us to set up an interview or to receive a review copy of What to Do When Good Enough Isn’t Good Enough.

Teaching kids to resolve conflicts peacefully is the theme of several of Free Spirit Publishing’s books, including Hands Are Not for Hitting by Martine Agassi, Ph.D., and Feet Are Not for Kicking by Elizabeth Verdick—two titles in the Free Spirit Best Behavior^TM series. In these gentle board books, little ones learn that violence is never okay and everyone, no matter how young or small, is capable of positive, loving actions.

If you are writing about teaching children nonviolent conflict resolution, Free Spirit has the books and authors you need to round out your package or column. Our books about peaceful conflict resolution include:

The Kids’ Guide to Working Out Conflicts
Speak Up and Get Along!
Talk and Work It Out
How to Take the GRRRR Out of Anger
Words Are Not for Hurting
Raising Healthy Children Day by Day
We Can Get Along
Respect
The Bully Free^TM Classroom

To interview any of our authors or for a review copy of these and other Free Spirit books, contact us at publicity@freespirit.com.

What were Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., or Margaret Thatcher like when they were adolescents? Did anyone recognize and encourage their leadership spark? Denver’s own Mariam G. MacGregor, of Youthleadership.com, busts the myth that only sports stars and student council presidents have the capacity to effectively guide others.

Interview Mariam G. MacGregor

• Mariam G. MacGregor has worked with members of gangs, teen parents, and students struggling with homelessness or substance abuse. According to Mariam, “After participating in one or more of the classes, even students who had dropped out of school recognized their role in making a difference in their own communities. Enrolling in the leadership class exposed kids who were on the wrong path to college-level ideas.” How does a young person who has dropped out of school become part of a leadership class? How will developing leadership skills draw him or her back into school?


• How can adults prepare teens and young adults to take on leadership roles? In what ways can adults fully engage youth in leadership opportunities, large or small, in their communities or families?


• To interview Mariam or to request a review copy of her new book, Building Everyday Leadership: Promoting Attitude and Actions for Respect and Success, simply contact us at publicity@freespirit.com.

Free Spirit’s founder and owner, Judy Galbraith, appeared at the CBS studios recently to chat with The Early Show’s Harry Smith about books that help kids cope with bullies, deal with stress, and manage life’s ups and downs. Hands Are Not for Hitting; Too Old for This, Too Young for That; and the Free Spirit Learning to Get Along^® Series were among the books featured and donated to Toys for Tots. At holiday time and anytime, everyone wants to talk about Free Spirit!

To interview Judy Galbraith or for more information about Free Spirit, please contact us at publicity@freespirit.com.

Germs Are Not for Sharing by Elizabeth Verdick is a lively, kid-friendly guide that teaches kids how to avoid catching the crud that runs rampant through schools, homes, and child care centers at this time of year—and major media have taken notice.

Worth the Money
“Before your child sets foot in a classroom, share this book about germs and how not to spread them. It may be the most important book your child reads all school year.”

Halloween is approaching. Are you looking for great tips for parents on how to alleviate Halloween fears in anxious children? Click here for 9 great tips for parents. Makes great sidebar or supplemental material so don’t be afraid to download it for your article.

Did you know that one in 13 kids in the United States has ADD or ADHD?

If you’re planning a story on Attention Deficit Disorder, let us help. Expert author John F. Taylor, Ph.D., offers great advice on helping kids succeed in school, boosting confidence, and using diet and nutrition to help treat ADD/ADHD. Click here to read Dr. Taylor’s answer to parents’ most frequently asked questions.

If you would like to interview Dr. Taylor, or would like to reprint the Q&A, please contact us.

Whatever issue you want to cover, Free Spirit’s expert authors can help.
Contact us about any of the following teen topics:

Kids can have many kinds of fears. Things like moving to a new house, starting school, or spending the night away from parents can cause kids to feel anxious and fearful. When big events like terrorism or natural disasters make the nightly news, some kids worry that these events will directly affect them.

Dr. James J. Crist is the clinical director and a staff psychologist at the Child and Family Counseling Center in Woodbridge, Virginia. His books, What to Do When You’re Sad & Lonely and What to Do When You’re Scared & Worried help kids deal with fears and worries big and small. Dr. Crist can help you with your next story on childhood fears by offering expert advice and tips for parents on how best to help their kids. Contact pr@freespirit.com to set up an interview or to receive a review copy.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®) just announced the winners of this year’s Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award.

The Tails Are Not for Pulling board book and paperback versions were selected as winners in the Nonfiction, Companion Animal category.

The Henry Bergh Award, named after the Society’s founder, will be presented to fourteen books this year. All books were chosen for their outstanding ability to teach young readers new ways to care for the animals and natural resources we all share. A ceremony and afternoon tea celebrating the winners will take place during the annual American Library Association conference in New Orleans in June.

Bully Free bulletin boards send strong, consistent messages that bullying will not be tolerated, that it hurts others, and that there are positive alternatives: peacemaking, kindness, and respect. This book brings key anti-bullying concepts to the classroom in fun, interactive ways: Kids work on displays together, with instruction and reinforcement from teachers. The result is a series of anti-bullying messages for classrooms and hallways that kids will notice, talk about, and retain. Each project includes clear, concise instructions and discussion questions.

To pre-order a review copy of Bully Free™ Bulletin Boards, Posters, and Banners, email publicity@freespirit.com.

Click here to learn tips on how parents can keep kids bully free.

In Respect: A Girl's Guide to Getting Respect & Dealing When Your Line Is Crossed, authors and teen activists Courtney Macavinta and Andrea Vander Pluym offer real-world advice for girls on getting real girl power. It’s not about pink glitter, makeup tips, or sexy clothes. It’s about getting respect—at home, school, on dates, with friends—and spreading it all around.

Click here for the reprintable quiz "Are You Getting Respect?"

Click here to for the reprintable excerpt “Be a Girl on a Mission: Trust your gut, stand up for yourself, be the real you, and make the world a better place."