search catalog (keyword or item #)
catalog request   quick order
home   contact us

  Info & News!
  Press Kits
  Awards
  Reviews


Free Spirit Reviews
People are talking about Free Spirit. Check out this selection of reviews and media blurbs on our books and authors.

  New Reviews

100 Things Guys Need to Know
Bill Zimmerman 

“A snappy self-help guide with enough of a comic-book flair to appeal to guys.”—School Library Journal

“As you prepare for a new school year, you may want to scan the new 100 Things Guys Need to Know—and leave the book handy for the boys in your life.”—Parenting Press

“Truly a gift to boys and parents. . . . Buy this book for your pre-teen and buy one for the school library where he attends. ”—Eccentric Observer Newspapers

“Great for the guy who needs to know what other guys are thinking, trying to figure out, mad about, glad about, feeling what, getting along, and needs to know about family, friends, being themselves.”—Children’s Literature




The Gifted Kids’ Survival Guide: A Teen Handbook
(Revised, Expanded, and Updated Edition)
Judy Galbraith, M.A., and Jim Delisle, Ph.D. 
“Helps adults become more respectful of the knowledge and abilities that young people have.”—Youthworker


Respect
A Girl's Guide to Getting Respect and Dealing When Your Line Is Crossed
Courtney Macavinta and Andrea Vander Pluym 

“Informative and interactive.”—Chicago Tribune

“The splashy, magazine-style layout, with lots of illustrations and sidebar activities, make this an attractive read for girls.”—Youth Today

“Junior and senior high girls, as well as their older sisters and mothers, will find it challenging and clarifying.”—Voice of Youth Advocates




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 

“A handy resource for all youth workers and educators.”—Youth Today

“It’s not often that on first reading it is apparent that a book is a real winner. Everything about this book is perfect for children.”—Dorothea Ross, Ph.D., author of Childhood Bullying, Teasing, and Violence

“Excellent communication book. . . . Do-able skills written in kid-friendly vernacular”—Youthworker




The Survival Guide for Parents of Gifted Kids
How to Understand, Live With, and Stick Up for Your Gifted Child (Revised and Updated Edition)
Sally Yahnke Walker, Ph.D. 
“Enlightening as well as hopeful.”—Youthworker


What to Do When You're Sad & Lonely
A Guide for Kids
James J. Crist, Ph.D. 
“Excellent . . . provides easy-to-understand coping strategies.”—Renee Burdett, MD, Board Certified Child & Adult Psychiatry


When a Friend Dies
Revised & Updated Edition
Marilyn E. Gootman, Ed.D. 

“A great starting place for young people who are hurting.”—Voice of Youth Advocates

“This compassionate, user-friendly book lists pages of resources and suggested reading, and should be made available to teens.”—School Library Journal

“Non-preachy and compassionate.”—NEA Today

“A tool with compassion and genuine understanding with advice that a grieving teen needs. . . .This book should be on the shelf of any parent, teacher, counselor, or youth worker.”—Youthworker





  Previous Reviews

26 Big Things Small Hands Do (hardcover)
Coleen Paratore and Illustrated by Mike Reed 

"Awesome ABC Book"—Scholastic Instructor Magazine.

“An especially nice choice for a preschool classroom.”—Children’s Literature

“Simple things even toddlers can do for themselves and others.”—Curriculum Review




The Behavior Survival Guide for Kids
How to Make Good Choices and Stay Out of Trouble
Thomas McIntyre, Ph.D. 

“Excellent material.”—Voice of Youth Advocates

“Chock-full of information.”—School Library Journal’s Curriculum Connections




The Bully Free Classroom® (Updated Edition)
Over 100 Tips and Strategies for Teachers K-8
Allan L. Beane, Ph.D. 

“A cornucopia of specific tips for parents.”—USA Today

“A must-have for every school system!”—Parent Council®




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. 

“An informative book for those interested in creating or overseeing service-learning programs.”—Youth Today

“A wonderful step-by-step guide with handy tips and practical advice. An outstanding resource, a must-have.”
Voice of Youth Advocates




Differentiating Instruction in the Regular Classroom
How to Reach and Teach All Learners, Grades 3–12
Diane Heacox, Ed.D. 
“Timely and practical.”—Educational Dealer


Feet Are Not for Kicking Board Book
Elizabeth Verdick and illustrated by Marieka Heinlen 
“Engaging...kids will enjoy the book.”—Children’s Literature



GLBTQ: The Survival Guide for Queer and Questioning Teens
Kelly Huegel 

“An indispensable map through the wilderness, one that should be issued to every queer kid immediately.”—The Advocate

"If you are a teacher or librarian or youth worker, please read this book, and if you agree with me that it’s terrific, do all you can to make it available to the young people you serve."—Nancy Garden, Lambda Book Report

“A great choice for teens who are gay or questioning their sexuality, or even those who would like to know more about what it's like to be queer. Written in hip language and style, the book covers the basics in GLBTQ 101.”—GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network)

“Sensitively written...speaks frankly and directly to teens.”—Teaching Tolerance

“An honest, sensitive book which addresses the concerns and questions GLBTQ youth face every day.”—Staten Island Advance




Hands Are Not for Hitting
Martine Agassi, Ph.D., and Illustrated by Marieka Heinlen 
“Provides an important point of departure for discussing constructive ways of coping with and resolving strong feelings such as anger, jealousy, and fear.”—School Library Journal


Hands Are Not for Hitting Board Book
Martine Agassi, Ph.D., and Illustrated by Marieka Heinlen 
“Recommended!”—Midwest Book Review


How Rude!™
The Teenagers’ Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior, and Not Grossing People Out
Alex J. Packer, Ph.D. 

“The most incredibly readable, enjoyable, laughable, enlightening, and insightful book.”—Voice of Youth Advocates 

                                                                   
“Surprisingly simple ways for teens to respond to and interact with people to get the best results.”—Youthworker




How to Take the GRRRR Out of Anger
Elizabeth Verdick and Marjorie Lisovskis 

“Chock full of information for kids as well as teachers and parents . . . should be in both school and public libraries.”KLIATT




The Kids’ Guide to Working Out Conflicts
How to Keep Cool, Stay Safe, and Get Along
Naomi Drew, M.A. 
"An outstanding contribution. It is not a stretch to believe that if this book were translated into the world's many languages and disseminated all over the globe, today's youngsters would be tomorrow's peacemakers.  It is highly recommended."—Voice of Youth Advocates


Life Lists for Teens
Tips, Steps, Hints, and How-Tos for Growing Up, Getting Along, Learning, and Having Fun
Pamela Espeland 

“Espeland’s well-organized book has lots of useful information and teen appeal.”School Library Journal




Our Family Meeting Book
Fun and Easy Ways to Manage Time, Build Communication, and Share Responsibility Week by Week
Elaine Hightower and Betsy Riley 

“A thought-provoking book to be used as a guide for discussions.”—What’s New Magazine




Respect and Take Care of Things
Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed. 
“It would be wonderful if these and the other lovely books in the Learning to Get Along series could be dropped from the air by the thousands over every city and town throughout the world.”—Catholic Parent


See Jane Win for Girls
A Smart Girl’s Guide to Success
Sylvia Rimm, Ph.D. 

“Readers looking for guidance and direction will respond positively to the book’s format.”—School Library Journal

 “A useful self-help book and practical guide to life.”—School Library Journal

“Girls wishing to build their self-esteem will enjoy this book, and its suggestions.”—Library Media Connection




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 
“Recommended.”—Voice of Youth Advocates


Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom
Strategies and Techniques Every Teacher Can Use to Meet the Academic Needs of the Gifted and Talented (Revised, Expanded, Updated)
Susan Winebrenner 
“A comprehensive manual with excellent strategies and encouragement. Tell your child’s teacher about this book.”—National Association for Gifted Children


Teeth Are Not for Biting Board Book
Elizabeth Verdick and Illustrated by Marieka Heinlen 
“Lovely.”—Scholastic Parent & Child


They Broke the Law—You Be the Judge
True Cases of Teen Crime
Thomas A. Jacobs, J.D. 

“A refreshing and completely unique resource.”—Youthworker

“An excellent introduction of how juvenile justice works . . . great resource for classroom and group discussions.”—Booklist




What Kids Need to Succeed
Proven, Practical Ways to Raise Good Kids (Revised, Expanded, and Updated Edition)
Peter L. Benson, Ph.D.Judy Galbraith, M.A., and Pamela Espeland 
“A concise, effective book filled with specific suggestions to help kids.”—Education Today


What to Do When You're Scared & Worried
A Guide for Kids
James J. Crist, Ph.D. 
"Will empower children."—School Library Journal


Words Are Not for Hurting
Elizabeth Verdick and Illustrated by Marieka Heinlen 
“This cheerful, instructive title highlights the power of words.”—School Library Journal


Words Are Not for Hurting Board Book
Elizabeth Verdick and Illustrated by Marieka Heinlen 

“Recommended for home, school, and childcare center’s early childhood library resources and character education reading lists.”—Midwest Book Review

“A useful tool for the classroom.”—Children’s Literature