Minneapolis' Free Spirit Publishing offers many books that help kids understand their feelings. A part of Teacher Created Materials, it focuses on supporting youngsters' social, emotional, and educational growth. Free Spirit Publishing aims to empower children to think for themselves, face challenges, and positively affect the world. Free Spirit Publishing uses fun illustrated picture books to aid children and teens in dealing with emotions, fostering independence, and meaningfully changing the world. 

Here are some self-help books from Free Spirit Publishing.

Sometimes When I'm Worried by Deborah Serani

The book 'Sometimes When I'm Worried' discusses dealing with fear. It shows how a kid feels inside and how their body acts when worried. Readers see the character learn ways their family teaches them when they are afraid, such as counting to 10 or deep breathing because thoughts and emotions can be hard to control, but finding something to control can help them calm down.  

The book has a part for adults, explaining how kids at different ages show worry and anxiety. It offers guidance on how they can help children deal with these feelings in constructive and empowering ways. This section acts as an informative resource, giving adults strategies for different age groups to encourage healthy emotional growth in children.

Paula's Patches by Gabriella Aldeman

'Paula's Patches' is about how Paula's ripped pants caused her mom to sew them up, leading the class to share tales of fixing their clothes. It turns out that mending someone's clothes can spark new friendships. The book also provides valuable tips for repairing stuff, such as lunch bags if they tear, and good advice on making and fixing different things, as shown at the end.

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I Think I Think a Lot by Jessica Whipple

Taking inspiration from Author Jessica Whipple's journey with coping with obsessive-compulsive disorder, 'I Think I Think a Lot' gives people a glimpse inside a mind that cannot stop thinking. The main character lets readers see themselves on each page, helping them feel okay being who they are instead of always feeling lacking for who they are not. 

By opening up about scary thoughts and different ways of seeing life, this book aims to understand people's diverse perspectives and how we interact with the world in our own ways. Questions are more welcome than comparisons when learning about a condition that fills the mind with worries, leaving room for readers to find what connects them.

Dear Dad; Love, Nelson by Margarett McBride

Inspired by Author Margarett McBride's experience of her family being incarcerated, the book aims to raise recognition and nurture understanding. The book talks about various issues, such as emotional responses to incarceration, celebrations without a parent, keeping in contact, offering question guides, and steering on letter composing in the finishing piece of the guide.

'Dear Dad; Love, Nelson' gives a glimpse into Nelson's experiences, showing the lives of over five million US kids impacted by a parent behind bars. Through caring notes to his dad, Nelson shows his emotions, thoughts, and everyday events - from communal parties to individual accomplishments, hoping his father will return home. 

Blaze Your Own Trail by Justin Ashley

'Blaze Your Own Trail' guides teens through discovering who they are and what they want from life in three parts - the inner path, the outer path, and the onward path. This book talks about figuring out one's feelings and relationships with others and setting goals for the future.

This book comes from what award-winning teacher Justin Ashley learned, asking teens what they need help with. It helps teens discover what makes their lives feel important and balanced. The chapters are brief and can be done in any sequence. It is not just a guide; it also encourages teens to consider the journey ahead, guiding them in becoming the person they want to be. 

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