150 Award Genres
Children
- Children - Action
- Children - Adventure
- Children - Animals
- Children - Audiobook
- Children - Christian
- Children - Coming of Age
- Children - Concept
- Children - Educational
- Children - Fable
- Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Children - General
- Children - Grade 4th-6th
- Children - Grade K-3rd
- Children - Mystery
- Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Children - Non-Fiction
- Children - Picture Book
- Children - Preschool
- Children - Preteen
- Children - Religious Theme
- Children - Social Issues
Christian
- Christian - Amish
- Christian - Biblical Counseling
- Christian - Devotion/Study
- Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Christian - Fiction
- Christian - General
- Christian - Historical Fiction
- Christian - Living
- Christian - Non-Fiction
- Christian - Romance - Contemporary
- Christian - Romance - General
- Christian - Romance - Historical
- Christian - Thriller
Fiction
- Fiction - Action
- Fiction - Adventure
- Fiction - Animals
- Fiction - Anthology
- Fiction - Audiobook
- Fiction - Chick Lit
- Fiction - Crime
- Fiction - Cultural
- Fiction - Drama
- Fiction - Dystopia
- Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
- Fiction - Fantasy - General
- Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
- Fiction - General
- Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
- Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
- Fiction - Historical - Personage
- Fiction - Holiday
- Fiction - Horror
- Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Fiction - Inspirational
- Fiction - Intrigue
- Fiction - LGBTQ
- Fiction - Literary
- Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
- Fiction - Military
- Fiction - Mystery - General
- Fiction - Mystery - Historical
- Fiction - Mystery - Legal
- Fiction - Mystery - Murder
- Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
- Fiction - Mythology
- Fiction - New Adult
- Fiction - Paranormal
- Fiction - Realistic
- Fiction - Religious Theme
- Fiction - Science Fiction
- Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Fiction - Social Issues
- Fiction - Southern
- Fiction - Sports
- Fiction - Supernatural
- Fiction - Suspense
- Fiction - Tall Tale
- Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
- Fiction - Thriller - Environmental
- Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
- Fiction - Thriller - General
- Fiction - Thriller - Legal
- Fiction - Thriller - Medical
- Fiction - Thriller - Political
- Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
- Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
- Fiction - Time Travel
- Fiction - Urban
- Fiction - Visionary
- Fiction - Western
- Fiction - Womens
Non-Fiction
- Non-Fiction - Adventure
- Non-Fiction - Animals
- Non-Fiction - Anthology
- Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
- Non-Fiction - Audiobook
- Non-Fiction - Autobiography
- Non-Fiction - Biography
- Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
- Non-Fiction - Cooking/Food
- Non-Fiction - Cultural
- Non-Fiction - Drama
- Non-Fiction - Education
- Non-Fiction - Environment
- Non-Fiction - Genealogy
- Non-Fiction - General
- Non-Fiction - Gov/Politics
- Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
- Non-Fiction - Health - Fitness
- Non-Fiction - Health - Medical
- Non-Fiction - Historical
- Non-Fiction - Hobby
- Non-Fiction - Home/Crafts
- Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Non-Fiction - Inspirational
- Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
- Non-Fiction - Marketing
- Non-Fiction - Memoir
- Non-Fiction - Military
- Non-Fiction - Motivational
- Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
- Non-Fiction - New Age
- Non-Fiction - Occupational
- Non-Fiction - Parenting
- Non-Fiction - Relationships
- Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
- Non-Fiction - Retirement
- Non-Fiction - Self Help
- Non-Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Non-Fiction - Social Issues
- Non-Fiction - Spiritual/Supernatural
- Non-Fiction - Sports
- Non-Fiction - Travel
- Non-Fiction - True Crime
- Non-Fiction - Womens
- Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Poetry
Romance
Young Adult
- Young Adult - Action
- Young Adult - Adventure
- Young Adult - Coming of Age
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
- Young Adult - Fantasy - General
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
- Young Adult - General
- Young Adult - Horror
- Young Adult - Mystery
- Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Young Adult - Non-Fiction
- Young Adult - Paranormal
- Young Adult - Religious Theme
- Young Adult - Romance
- Young Adult - Sci-Fi
- Young Adult - Social Issues
- Young Adult - Thriller
Illustration Award
Recommend this book:
Everville
The Fall of Brackenbone
Roy Huff
2016 Honorable Mention
234 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Roy Huff’s Everville: The Fall of Brackenbone is the fourth book in the Everville series. Two worlds are forever connected; Everville, the magical land of vapor-filled Them, giants, Ubaloos, shape-changing Alarian dragons, Mountain Dwellers, and the natural realm of Earth. Mallory was defeated in the last battle and restoration has begun on both Earth and Everville. Those captured and sent away have returned. However, Owen Sage’s last quest, although heroic, changed history, time as been altered. All must adapt to the new normal. Years have passed in Everville, but on Earth only a matter of weeks. Owen and his friends, Dante and Anika, are eager to resume classes at Easton Falls University. Although evil has been vanquished, there still remains unrest in both worlds. Something sinister is stirring. There is an imbalance, something strange is happening to the element. The fate of the entire world is at stake. The Keeper sends Owen once again on a quest for truth. Owen must find the cause for the reduction in the amount and power of the element. The Fourth Pillar of Truth holds the answer; he must find it before it is too late.
Everville: The Fall of Brackenbone gives a fantastical explanation of the anthropology and evolution of mankind. Roy Huff uses unusual and mystical language to enhance the level of his magical land. His writing style has an artistic flow of words, creating exquisite and poetic imagery. Opening wide the door of imagination, Huff writes delightful and whimsical couplets: “musings and plottings,” “schemings and waitings,” “cunnings and trinkets,” “thinkings without blinkings.” Furthermore, comments such as, “We are between here and there, yesterday and tomorrow, and yet, and yet,” remind the reader that we are not in Kansas anymore. Influences of Tolkien and CS Lewis subtly shadow Huff’s writing style. Moral truths, ancient and sage wisdom are in abundance. Far from being hum-drum or predictable, the setting and action shift in a blink of an eye. Everville: The Fall of Brackenbone is young adult fiction at its best. Roy Huff exposes greed and the lust for power, and defeats them with a quest for truth, knowledge, understanding and wisdom.
Recommend this book:
The Bigfoot Paradox
Rebecca Coyte
2016 Honorable Mention
124 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
The Bigfoot Paradox by Rebecca Coyte will change everything you know —or think you know — about Bigfoot. J.T. is shy and doesn’t have many friends at school, but he does have a fascination with Bigfoot. It’s no wonder. In the town of Onion Weed, Bigfoot is a big deal. With Bigfoot sightings, the once quiet town goes berserk, and noted Bigfoot hunter Billy Matrix makes his presence known in the town in a big way. Soon, J.T. has to deal with Billy Matrix and his associates, a bunch of Sasquatch enthusiasts with personalities almost as huge as Billy Matrix himself. The hunt for Bigfoot is on with crews of people, fancy equipment, and an insatiable desire to find Bigfoot in the woods of Onion Weed. But nobody sees the truth coming, and J.T. is surprised at what is revealed to him about Onion Weed and its connection to the Bigfoot myth.
I loved the story and, overall, The Bigfoot Paradox is a fun, imaginative read that looks into the heart of Bigfoot myths and legends. Author Rebecca Coyte doesn't just give us a typical Bigfoot story; she includes the current reality TV hype and the ridiculous personalities of people who publicly hunt for legendary creatures. Then she adds a bit of a twist that might explain what is really going on, and reveals that through J.T. as he travels with Billy Matrix and crew. J.T. is a great young character, but he is overshadowed at times by the adults in the Bigfoot hunt, especially at the end of the book. Still, he learns a secret, learns a lesson, and perhaps comes out of the adventure with a story to tell and more knowledge than he had before. The Bigfoot Paradox asks us: What is the true story behind Bigfoot?
Recommend this book:
IA
B.O.S.S.
John Darryl Winston
2016 Bronze Medal
260 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
IA: B.O.S.S. is a riveting science fiction novel by author John Darryl Winston, and continues the story of Naz where IA: Initiate left off. Our hero is a fostered orphan whose number one priority is Meri, his beloved little sister, but during the events of Initiate, Naz discovered that there was a lot more going on in the world around them than the simple visible dangers of gangs on the streets. His telepathic and telekinetic skills are growing with the aid of those closest, and leading Naz out into a full-on battle with his enemy, The Incubus Apostles. The fire for revenge is lit in Naz’s heart when his beloved friend Artie is lost.
Having read Initiate some months ago, I knew that I would be stepping back into the beautifully penned yet tragic world of the Exclave with John Darryl Winston’s impeccable writing. I was delighted to find that Naz is still a sensitive and unlikely hero, struggling with his own inner turmoil over his powers, but growing stronger and more confident as he hunts out gang leader Roffio Styles. When Naz is finally forced to begin using his powers, there’s a frightening amount of potential for total destruction, but the depth of how you get to know Naz and his personal struggles means the audience will always root for their teenage street hero. Once again, IA: B.O.S.S. achieves a slick progression of storytelling with deep psychological themes and an urban gang violence atmosphere. Fresh, current and absolutely superb.
Recommend this book:
The Gallery of Wonders
Magora Book 1
Marc Remus
2016 Silver Medal
273 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
The Gallery of Wonders (Magora Book 1) by Marc Remus is a fantasy novel that centers around 11-year-old Holly O’Flanigan. Holly lives with her foster family, the Smoralls, who are uncaring to the point of being abusive towards her. Her only true relationship is with her grandfather, Nikolas O’Flanigan, who has always inspired rumours around town because of his strange and eccentric ways. In reality, as we come to discover, magic is in the air. When a fire ravages the town, Holly is devastated by her grandfather’s death as she looks up to him and wants to be an artist like he was. But to her surprise, soon after, she discovers an unusual, “magical” canvas and paintbrush left to her by her grandfather, which leads to a whole new world. In this world, Holly, along with her friends, can bring anything to life by painting it. As Holly enters this new world, enrolls in an art school, and helps to solve a mystery about stolen paintings, she also learns to love herself and find herself in the process. In that sense, this is a beautiful coming-into-your-own story.
The Gallery of Wonders (Magora Book 1) by Marc Remus is a nicely written fantasy novel. Its theme of magic and creating life through art and painting is unique and appealing. I could almost imagine the vivid colors, brushstrokes, and paintings brought to life as I was reading this book. More importantly, this is a book about courage and about finding oneself through adversity. Holly’s character is well drawn and is universally appealing. The supporting cast of characters and plot make this an exciting and fun read. I would recommend this book for children and teenagers alike.
Recommend this book:
WhipEye
WhipEye Chronicles, Book 1
Geoffrey Saign
2016 Gold Medal
324 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
WhipEye is the first book of the WhipEye Chronicles by Geoffrey Saign. On the one-year anniversary of her mother’s death, twelve-year-old Samantha makes her way to the Endless Pet Store in Minnesota to talk to her favorite parrot, Charlie. After receiving menacing looks from the store manager, Magnar, Samantha finds a way to sneak in to see the bird, but is shocked when Charlie starts having an intellectual conversation with her, demanding that she break him out of the pet store immediately, lest he die at Magnar’s hands. After Charlie’s release, both he and Samantha escape, with Magnar giving chase at a supernatural pace while threatening to kill her. Magnar is stopped by Rose, a newcomer in town, who possesses a magical staff called WhipEye. After being warned by Rose never to touch the alluring staff, Samantha runs home. On her arrival, Samantha and her eleven-year-old neighbor, Jake, become privy to an incredibly dark secret regarding Magnar, Methuselah creatures, and a secret, magical world where Rose, Charlie, and both children are forced to flee Magnar’s evil wrath. When tragedy strikes, ownership of the staff is transferred. Time is not on her side as Samantha, with the help of the WhipEye and her dedicated sidekick, Jake, needs to find a way to defeat Magnar, destroy the golden rings, and release the Methuselahs entombed within – a task far easier said than done, especially for a twelve-year-old. With luck, Samantha will survive long enough to celebrate her twelfth birthday before the day ends.
From the very start, Geoffrey Saign’s well-written adventure had me hooked on every word. With a vast cocktail of emotions spread throughout, WhipEye was well-balanced with humor, action, adventure, tragedy and drama, forcing the lead character to lower the walls she had built since her mother had died, while also learning to believe in herself again. A brief moment of Samantha’s father snapping out of his melancholia in order to protect his daughter was a refreshing surprise, especially after he had barely interacted with her for so very long. While the story was quite busy, each scene blended seamlessly into the next, creating the perfect recipe for any great children’s book. All of the characters were fully explained, enabling younger readers to keep up at all times. I very much enjoyed WhipEye, which is easily one of the most imaginative tales I have read in a very long time. I recommend it to all readers who enjoy the theme of good versus evil in a majestically magical battle which trumps any fantasy tale I have ever read.
Recommend this book:
Tommy Topper and the Pixie Princess
Joe Corso
2015 Finalist
208 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Tommy Topper and the Pixie Princess by Joe Corso is the story of a young boy called Tommy Topper who is no ordinary boy. When he turns 14, his parents tell him that they are wizards. They had escaped from an evil emperor called Ling Cam. They come from the land of Kranta, but they had to leave that place to save their lives. He will soon come of age; this means that he will experience changes that (sometimes) cannot be explained. To become a wizard, he would have to be trained.
He needs to overthrow Ling Cam’s rule and bring back King Andrew to the throne. With the help of Verlan, a great wizard, he will have to attain the five magical objects that were stolen by Ling Cam. He will be joined by Princess Ryanna of Pixie Land to not only save Kranta, but Pixie Land as well. Only these five items can bring back the peace of their land. Once they are separated, there will be nothing but discord and conflict. Can he become the hero his people want him to be? Or will Tommy crumble under the pressure and fail?
There are very few children’s books that are truly appropriate for children. When writers use teenage heroes in their stories, the language and the content of the novel become adult. Tommy Topper and the Pixie Princess is not like that. It is purely satisfying. The story is engaging and actually teaches some very valuable lessons. I recommend it to any child who likes to read about a good adventure, some amazing magic, lots of action, and a hero worthy of being called a hero.
Recommend this book:
Chermpf
William S. Russell III
2015 Honorable Mention
272 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Chermpf is a children's fantasy written and illustrated by William S. Russell III. Grace was busy drawing a flying tarantula when Grandpa Sal roared up in his Corvette. He was carrying a cardboard box when he walked into the house. Ann, Grace's mother, and Grace both wanted to see what was in that box, and it turned out to be a small tabby kitten. For some reason, that box signaled something momentous would be happening to Grace, and she wasn't quite sure how to reconcile that feeling with the small kitten inside that said, "Chermpf" when she asked its name. Then there was that strange sparkling in its mouth when it yawned. No one seems terribly impressed with Grandpa Sal's surprise, especially Roscoe, the house cat who just happens to be Grace's personal friend.
William S. Russell III's steampunk fantasy, Chermpf, is listed as a children's book, but don't let that stop you from reading this marvelous and original fantasy. It's got cats in it and a feline city called Nova, and the Ergasi, cunning little metal engineers who are mechanical marvels. I wasn't really sure what to expect from what appeared to be an animal-related children's fantasy, but Chermpf mightily exceeded any expectations I may have had. The characters quickly became friends, especially the little tuxedo cat, Mimyat, and Bear, but I'd be hard pressed to discount any character's part in making this book work so well. Russell's story-telling skills are honed well indeed if this ingenious metaphysical children's fantasy is at all indicative of them. I was also quite pleased to discover that this is just the first volume of a series. Chermpf is a first-rate steampunk fantasy and it's most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Rise of Agnil
Agnil's World Volume 1
Susan Navas
2015 Bronze Medal
60 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
The Rise of Agnil is Book 1 in the Agnil’s World series, written by Susan Navas. Aggie, who is also called Agnil, is excited because her father is finally allowing her to go fishing alone. She falls into the water and is dragged away by a change-forming elf named Garallil. Aggie is shocked when Garallil tells her that her mother, Estil, isn’t dead and is a princess from the kingdom of Aberrian, where they are going. Aggie meets the king and queen, who are her grandparents. She is even more surprised to discover that she’s half mortal, so is the only one who can rescue Estil from the evil wizard Vedron. The bracelet Aggie’s mother left her has magical powers which will help defeat Vedron. Aggie is coached on how to accomplish this feat, but she must remember to follow all the instructions to succeed. If she fails, Vedron will destroy Aberrian and the elves who live there.
Susan Navas has written a very creative story which includes elves, wizards and magic. It also has a realistic side as it shows how Aggie copes being raised by her father, before discovering her mother is actually alive. This brings lots of mixed emotions and I understand why. The plot is very interesting and the writing is very descriptive, allowing me to watch the events in my mind's eye. The Rise of Agnil, Book 1 is an enchanting fantasy that will have preteens, especially girls, yearning to read more books from the Agnil’s World series.
Recommend this book:
Xavier
St Griswold College for Abandoned Boys
E.M.Cooper
2015 Silver Medal
288 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
In this brilliant novel, Xavier: St Griswold College for Abandoned Boys, the story is told of thirteen-year-old Xavier Jones who seems to have a normal life with his parents and younger sister. But one day, for no apparent reason, his parents drop him off at St. Griswold College For Abandoned Boys. All Xavier knows is that there seemed to be some financial problems and his parents then made the decision to dispose of him. Now he clings to an old photograph of the four of them that becomes a reminder of simpler, happier times. This condition of abandonment pushes Xavier into a whirlwind of fear and a host of other negative emotions that threaten to destroy him. Sensing his vulnerability, bullies rush in and Xavier struggles to stay strong. And in so doing he discovers the voices, the Celestial Power, and strange encounters between forces. In the end, Xavier is caught in the middle of an adventure that turns into the timeless battle between good and evil.
E.M. Cooper is a superb writer who has mastered the ability to capture the reader’s attention and to deliver unpredictable plots. Cooper uses language that is appropriate and easy to understand for young and old. His knowledge of how a thirteen-year-old boy’s mind works adds credibility to the story. The characters are easy to relate to and one can easily visualise each one of them while reading. Cooper’s unusual plot relies on his ability to play with words in such a way that the reader can’t keep from turning the pages. The ending of this story leaves room for a sequel that will surely impress fans and leave them begging for more.
Recommend this book:
Cecile and The Future of Dragons
Mystic Heroine Adventures
Marilyn Churchill
2014 Honorable Mention
114 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Cecile and The Future of Dragons: Mystic Heroine Adventures by Marilyn Churchill is a fascinating tale filled with fantasy and adventure that will take readers on an enchanting journey of whimsy, wizards, new lands, a world of dragons and much more. Sixteen-year-old Princess Cecile is also known as 'Protector of Magical Creatures.' She finds a pair of dragon eggs, and ends up getting caught between two wizards in a life and death battle over their future. Written for a seven to twelve-year-old audience, Cecile and The Future of Dragons will enthrall readers with adventure and enchantment.
A perfect story book for children, the plot will leave them spellbound. With all the twists and turns, the story is fast paced. The illustrations are beautiful black and white sketches, and they make the scenes more effective and real. Readers can connect well with the characters. The narration is detailed and descriptive and there is never a dull moment in the story. All the characters are well developed and they complement each other and the plot superbly. The plot is easy to follow, despite being intriguing, and it is a must-read for those who love dragons and dragon tales. It is also a good addition to one's personal collection of dragon stories.