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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

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

    Boy v. Girl?
    How Gender Shapes Who We Are, What We Want, and How We Get Along
    George Abrahams, Ph.D., and Sheila Ahlbrand 
    • Books for the Teen Age, New York Public Library
    • Minnesota Book Awards Finalist
    • Midwest Independent Publishers Association (MIPA) Book Awards




    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




    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


    		•

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



    The Bully Free Classroom® (Updated Edition)
    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

    Cool Women, Hot Jobs
    . . . and How You Can Go For It, Too!
    Tina Schwager, P.T.A., A.T.,C., and Michele Schuerger 

    • Read, America! Selection
    • National Parenting Publication Award (NAPPA) Parenting Resources Honors Award
    • Books for the Teen Age List, New York Public Library

     

    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


    		•

    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


    		•

    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

    Fighting Invisible Tigers
    Stress Management for Teens (Revised & Updated Third Edition)
    Earl Hipp 
  • “Pick of the Lists” American Bookselling Association 1995


    		•

    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.




    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 Off My Brain
    A Survival Guide for Lazy* Students
    (*Bored, Frustrated, and Otherwise Sick of School)
    Randall McCutcheon 
    • Book for the Teen Age, New York Public Library
    • Read, America! Selection




    Get Organized Without Losing It
    Janet S. Fox 
  • Midwest Book Awards 3007: Merit Award
  • NAPPA 2006


    		•

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



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



    Gutsy Girls
    Young Women Who Dare
    Tina Schwager, P.T.A., A.T.,C., and Michele Schuerger 
    • ALA/YALSA “Quick Pick”
    • ALA/YALSA “Best Book for Young Adults”
    • Book for the Teen Age, New York Public Library
    • Independent Publishers Book Award, Sports & Recreation category Finalist
    • ALA/YALSA “Popular Paperback for Young Adults”
    • Read, America! Selection
    • California Collections




    Hands Are Not for Hitting
    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

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


    		•

    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

    More Than a Label
    Why What You Wear or Who You’re With Doesn’t Define Who You Are
    Aisha Muharrar 
    • Books for the Teen Age, New York Public Library
    • Read, America! Selection



    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

    Our Family Meeting Book
    Fun and Easy Ways to Manage Time, Build Communication, and Share Responsibility Week by Week
    Elaine Hightower and Betsy Riley 
    • iParenting Media Awards
    • National Parenting Publication Award (NAPPA) Parenting Resources Honors Award
    • What’s New Magazine Awards Portfolio Selection

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


    		•

    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




    The Power of Positive Talk
    Words to Help Every Child Succeed: A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Other Caring Adults
    Douglas Bloch, M.A., and with Jon Merritt, M.S. 
    • Independent Publisher Book Awards Finalist
    • Nautilus Award Winner
    • Midwest Independent Publisher’s Association (MIPA) Book Awards Winner

    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”




    Psychology for Kids Vol. 1 Book and CD-ROM
    40 Fun Quizzes That Help You Learn About Yourself (Updated Edition)
    Jonni Kincher 
  • “Best Small Press Psychology Book,” Benjamin Franklin Book Award 1991


    		•

    Quick and Lively Classroom Activities Book and 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



    Ready to Rock Kids Volume 1 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 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


    		•

    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

    The Right Moves to Getting Fit & Feeling Great!
    Tina Schwager, P.T.A., A.T.,C., and Michele Schuerger 
    • Book for the Teen Age, New York Public Library




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


    		•

    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


    		•

    Stand Up for Your Gifted Child
    How to Make the Most of Kids’ Strengths at School and at Home
    Joan Franklin Smutny 
    • National Parenting Publications (NAPPA) “Parenting Resources Award”




    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



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

    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