Books published by publisher Free Spirit Publishing

Telling the truth isn’t always easy, especially for young children. Everyone is mad at Poppy for not telling the truth, and Poppy feels bad. Join Poppy and her friends as they learn that everyone does something wrong sometimes, and it’s always better to tell the truth.Our Emotions and Behavior seriesThe Our Emotions and Behavior series uses cheerful brightly illustrated stories to help kids understand how their emotions and actions are related—and how they can learn to manage both. At the end of each book, a two-page series of pictures invites kids to tell a story in their own words. A special section for adults suggests discussion questions and ideas for guiding children to talk about their feelings.

What are ADHD? What does it mean to have ADHD? How can kids diagnosed with ADHD help themselves succeed in school, get along better at home, and form healthy, enjoyable relationships with peers? In kid-friendly language and a format that welcomes reluctant and easily distracted readers, this book helps kids know they’re not alone and offers practical strategies for taking care of oneself, modifying behavior, enjoying school, having fun, and dealing with doctors, counselors, and medication. Includes real-life scenarios, quizzes, and a special message for parents.

101 cards, each with three engaging questions, help kids break the ice in new situations and develop social skills as they learn more about their peers. Perfect for use in classrooms, advisory groups, after-school programs, teams, and youth groups. Free Spirit's In a Jar® Products: With unique, engaging topics for varying ages, these go-anywhere, easy-to-use jars make learning fun, portable, and spontaneous. Kids, parents, and educators will enjoy the games and cards at home, at school, at childcare, in the office, while traveling, at parties, in youth groups, and at camp.

A little girl finds she has plenty to share. “I have some special things that belong just to me. I want to get along. What can I do?” So begins this charming book that guides young children to see that sharing is their choice, why they might choose to share, and how sharing can be good for everyone. A little girl thinks about the way her family, her friends, and other children share with her—and how happy she feels when this happens. “I might think, ‘That’s how I want to be!’ I want to show that I care. So I may choose to say ‘Yes!’” Colorful scenes in a variety of settings help little ones see that everyone has “plenty to share.”Learning About Me & You Series Support toddlers and young preschoolers in developing self-awareness and social awareness with these charming board books focused on early social skills. With her straightforward and encouraging style, author Cheri J. Meiners guides little ones to understand how they fit into their world and how other people fit in, too. Children learn about belonging, feelings, playing, sharing, helping, and more. Perfect for group or home settings, each book includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers.

3 - 8 years. We all feel many different emotions every day. For young children, those feelings can be extra strong, and sometimes, children need help finding the words to describe how they're feeling. This friendly and positive alphabet book gives children those "feelings words," and explores the idea that while some feelings are more comfortable than others, all are natural and important. This book invites children to share, express, and embrace their emotions--every day! A section in the back provides tips and activities for parents and caregivers to reinforce the themes and lessons of the book. Paperback. 40 pages.

Early listening skills lead to understanding and belonging. “I hear things all around me. Talking is a special sound I hear.” Listening is a critical communication skill that builds a child’s attention span and leads to understanding. This simple but powerful board book helps toddlers see why listening is important, understand what it means to be a good listener, and recognize how listening benefits everyone. At home and at school, a little girl discovers wonderful sounds, kind words, new things to learn, and a sense of belonging. “When I really listen, I feel like I matter to someone. I show people they’re important to me.” Includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers and downloadable bonus activities.Learning About Me & You Series Support toddlers and young preschoolers in developing self-awareness and social awareness with these charming board books focused on early social skills. With her straightforward and encouraging style, author Cheri J. Meiners guides little ones to understand how they fit into their world and how other people fit in too. Children learn about belonging, feelings, playing, sharing, helping, and more. Perfect for group or home settings, each book includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers and downloadable bonus activities.

When Nora, Dan, and Henry have trouble sharing at school, they all end up feeling mad. With the help of their teacher, the friends learn that when kids get frustrated, there are ways to calm down, share, and play fairly. Our Emotions and Behavior seriesThe Our Emotions and Behavior series uses cheerful brightly illustrated stories to help kids understand how their emotions and actions are related—and how they can learn to manage both. At the end of each book, a two-page series of pictures invites kids to tell a story in their own words. A special section for adults suggests discussion questions and ideas for guiding children to talk about their feelings.

Harry is great at helping others deal with anger. He helps his dad keep cool when his dad is running late for work, soothes his sister's tantrums, and calms down his angry friend using strategies such as taking deep breaths, slowing down, counting to ten, and thinking about something else. But when Harry has to turn off his computer game, it's his turn to be angry. Join Harry and his friends and family to see how he decides to handle his own angry feelings.

Lily is good at noticing when others are feeling shy and helping them overcome their shyness. Lily helps a new student break out of her shell, urges a friend to join in at a party, and coaxes her sister to socialize when her sister's feeling bashful. Then Lily goes to a new club by herself, and it's her turn to feel timid. Can she follow her own example and move past her shy feelings?

Fully revised and updated guide with frank, sensitive information for LGBTQ teens, their families, and their allies.​LGBTQ is the indispensable resource for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning teens—and their allies. This fully revised and updated third edition includes current information on LGBTQ terminology, evolving understandings of gender identity and sexual identity, LGBTQ rights, and much more. Other advice covers topics such as coming out, confronting prejudice, getting support, making healthy choices, and thriving in school and beyond. Resources point the way to books and websites with more information, and quotes from LGBTQ teens (and allies) share stories of personal experiences. Created with input from PFLAG, GLSEN, GLAAD, and others, this book is for young people who are beginning to question their sexual orientation or gender identity, those who are ready to work for LGBTQ rights, and those who may need advice, guidance, or reassurance that they are not alone.2018 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Honorable Mention

Teens often hear about other teens who get into trouble with the law. But they’re seldom asked what they think should happen next and why. A unique introduction to the juvenile justice system, They Broke the Law—You Be the Judge: True Cases of Teen Crime invites teens to preside over a variety of real-life cases. They meet Adam, who makes a threat in school; Erica, who assaults another student and uses marijuana; and more young people who commit crimes and are caught. Like a judge, readers learn each teen’s background, the relevant facts, and the sentencing options available. After deciding on a sentence, they find out what really happened—and where each offender is today. Along the way, readers learn Judge Jacobs’ concerns about each case, reflect on probing questions, and discover that they can’t jump to conclusions. Teens (and teachers) who want more can find role-playing ideas and scenarios related to the stories available as free downloads here on the Free Spirit Web site. Thought-provoking and eye-opening, this book is for all teens who want to know more about the juvenile justice system and the laws that pertain to them and their peers.