Teacher Created Materials (TCM) has acquired Minneapolis-based Free Spirit Publishing for an undisclosed price. The purchase involves about 300 titles, most focused on social and emotional learning for young people.
Free Spirit was founded in 1983 by Judy Galbraith, a former classroom teacher and gifted-educational specialist. “Nearly 40 years ago I identified a need for accessible, contemporary books that would help young people develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually," Galbraith said in a statement. "I am proud of the award-winning products Free Spirit has published.” She will remain a consultant to TCM/Free Spirit through 2022.
Rachelle Cracchiolo, founder and CEO of TCM, said that Free Spirit’s early childhood and professional resources complement TCM’s existing lines.
Free Spirit will continue operating from Minneapolis. Kyra Ostendorf will remain Free Spirit’s publisher and the publisher’s editorial, sales and marketing, and operations teams will merge with TCM’s counterparts in Huntington Beach, Calif. New titles will continue to be released under the Free Spirit imprint.
