Everyday life presents many challenges for kids, from home to school to the wider world. No matter how many choices, changes, and opportunities young people face, Free Spirit has had the same mission for over 27 years: to provide children and teens—and the adults who care for and about them—with the tools they need to succeed in life and to make a positive difference in the world.
Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Free Spirit Publishing is known for its unique understanding of what kids want (and need) to navigate life successfully. Their reputation as the leading publisher of Self-Help for Kids® and Self-Help for Teens® is grounded in books and other learning materials that are practical, positive, pro-kid, and solution focused. They are not afraid to tackle tough topics such as teen depression, kids and anxiety, grief and loss, juvenile justice, and conflict resolution. Free Spirit also offers sound advice with a sense of humor on relevant issues including stress management, character building, puberty, school success, self-esteem, service learning, and more. They aim to meet all kids—toddlers, teens, and in-betweens—where they are (not where we wish they were), and support them to develop their talents, build resiliency, and foster a positive outlook on life so they can reach their goals. In early 2007, Free Spirit formed an Advisory Board of Educators, a diverse group of K–12 teachers, counselors, librarians, administrators, and social workers who provide us with valuable feedback about their products. In early 2008, Free Spirit added the Teen Advisory Council, whose members contribute opinions on design, art, and content. With the boards’ input, our books stay current, credible, and extra beneficial for children, teens, and adults.
A Little History
A former classroom teacher and gifted-education specialist, Free Spirit founder Judy Galbraith remembers looking in vain for kid-friendly information that addressed the real-life issues her students faced. In 1983, she made a decision to begin filling that void, starting her own company to offer accessible, contemporary books to help young people develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually. More than two decades later, Free Spirit Publishing continues to be the leader in Self-Help for Kids® and Self-Help for Teens®, building its list from just a few titles to over 285 award-winning books and products, with new titles being published every year.
What People Are Saying About Free Spirit
Free Spirit Publishing has won accolades and notice from educational leaders, the publishing trade, and the general media. Free Spirit Publishing’s books have been critically hailed and honored by:
- The American Library Association
- Parents’ Choice
- Dr. Toy
- Parent Council
- Parent’s Guide to Media
- International Reading Association
- Youthworker Journal
- Gifted Child Quarterly
- CAG Communicator
- Children’s Book Council
- YALSA (Young Adult Library Society of America)
- VOYA (Voice Of Youth Advocates)
- School Library Journal magazine
- Parenting magazine
- Teaching Tolerance magazine
- Early Childhood News magazine (Directors’ Choice Award)
- New York Public Library
- National Mental Health Association
- Learning magazine (Teachers’ Choice Award)
- USA Today
- and many more
As a member of the Green Press Initiative, Free Spirit Publishing is committed to the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Whenever possible, we print our books on recycled paper containing a minimum of 30% post consumer waste. At Free Spirit, it’s our goal to nurture not only children, but nature, too! To find out more about Green Press Initiative go to www.greenpressinitiative.org.
