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:
Mister Sleepy
Sleeping the Day Away
Jane Alice
2021 Finalist
24 Pages
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Children - General
Mister Sleepy wasn't lazy, he just loved to sleep. He loved naps in the winter, fall, summer, and spring, no matter the weather. Sleeping had always been his favorite thing to do. He still liked other things besides sleeping such as school, space, and when he grew up he did things that adults do. And yet, sleep was always on his mind. During the vacation, he overslept on the train and missed his stop. His goal was to see the world's biggest bed, but instead, he found himself in a place he didn’t know, and yet he still found a place to sleep. After finding a good bench at the train station, he slept all day and night, missing his meals. After more sleep, he decided that he was well-rested and headed back home. Once again though, he missed his train. His wife picked him up and reminded him of his new job...
I thought Mister Sleepy: Sleeping the Day Away was a very adorable book that is a perfect night time read to get the kids ready for bed. I thought the main character was hilarious and yet I couldn’t help but agree with his views on sleep! Author Jane Alice has done a wonderful job of creating a unique story that children will definitely enjoy. The illustrations are gorgeous and colorful which keeps young readers' attention. They also complement the story nicely. Overall, I thought this was a fun read that children will enjoy. It’s definitely a book I would recommend.
Recommend this book:
Scottie on the Space Station
Kaela C Green, Shannon E Green
2021 Honorable Mention
38 Pages
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Children - General
Everyone is different. Some people walk on their own legs; others need the assistance of a wheelchair to get around. Some people speak with their mouths; others need the assistance of technology to communicate. Inside, we’re all the same: we just think and move about in a different way. Ellie and her brother Scottie and little sister Nova live with their parents on a space station. Now, how cool is that! Scottie needs a wheelchair to get around and technology to communicate. But, even with his differences, he’s like many other young boys, especially in his love for superheroes. When an alien family comes to the space station, Ellie instantly makes friends with the young aliens. Only Junpei doesn’t know how to act around Scottie. Ellie solves the problem, like she always does, by pointing out how Scottie does things his way, but deep down, he’s just a little boy with superhero dreams.
Kaela C. Green and Shannon E. Green have produced a charming picture book story, Scottie on the Space Station, that addresses some of the differences we all encounter and how to accept others in spite of their differences. The plot develops with Ellie telling the story, beginning with who she is, who her family is, and where they live. Ellie is a very outgoing, compassionate character who sets the stage to make everything right, especially where her brother Scottie is concerned. The imagination behind this story, complete with the children’s dreams of being superheroes in space, makes this an attractive story for young readers who will certainly relate to these superhero dreams. The illustrations really move the action along. A powerful story with an important message about acceptance.
Recommend this book:
Little Augie and His Trumpet
Augie Haas
2021 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - General
Little Augie loves to play games with his friends outdoors. One day, while playing in the park, he hears something in the distance. It’s a noise he’s never heard before. He goes to investigate and discovers a man blowing into “an unusual, shiny object with sound coming out of one end!” When questioned, the man explained it was a trumpet and he then proceeded to serenade the boy, capturing a passion Little Augie didn’t know he had. What he did know was that he had to have a trumpet of his own and he wanted desperately to be able to make the sounds the man in the park made. Little Augie convinces his parents and he devotes his time to learning the tune the man was playing. It wasn’t easy, but the little boy didn’t give up. And, when he was ready to perform in front of his friends, the strangest thing happened: he was nervous.
Augie Haas has a passion for the trumpet. Little Augie and His Trumpet is a beautifully told children’s story that introduces his passion to young readers. In this charming little picture book, the author/musician leads the young reader through a young boy’s growing passion for music and for the trumpet. Not only does he teach young readers about the instrument and about the power of music, but he also teaches them the power of hard work and dedication and not giving up when the going gets tough. These are vital lessons for young people to learn, even if their passion isn’t music. It’s important for them to realize that the good things in life require a dedicated work ethic. The bright, colorful illustrations emphasize the point of music's power to enthrall us all. From a retired music teacher turned writer, I loved it. This is a beautiful way to introduce young readers to the world of music.
Recommend this book:
The Girl in the Gold Dress
Christine Paik
2021 Silver Medal
33 Pages
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Children - General
Christine Paik's The Girl in the Gold Dress is a story about Hannah, a 12-year-old girl whose family is originally from North Korea. Hannah is preparing to perform in her elementary school talent show. She is doing a traditional Korean fan dance while wearing a Hanbok dress. During the dress rehearsal, Hannah watches some of her other peers do their performances and she becomes nervous and ashamed to do her performance. The next day, on her way to school, she tells her mom how she is afraid and ashamed to dance because of the dress. Her mom tells her the history behind the dress and its importance in her great-grandmother's journey to America while fleeing Korea to give her family a new start.
Christine Paik's The Girl in the Gold Dress is a compelling story of pride in family history and heritage. Hannah didn't know how her great-grandmother fought to escape from Korea to give her family a better life, and the only thing she had was the fine fabrics and her children. Christine did a phenomenal job of portraying how younger generations sometimes take for granted the advantages they have. Hannah didn't see the value in the hanbok dress that she wore. She was ashamed initially because the dress was big, stiff, and uncomfortable, but once she learned the value and meaning of the dress to their family, she wore it and danced with pride. Christine Paik's The Girl in the Gold Dress is a great example for Asian Americans to relate to. The illustrations were beautiful and show the beauty of the vibrant colors of fabrics and dresses. I hope that Hannah--Geum Chun--always takes the opportunity to dance in her gold dress and continues to inspire other young girls and boys to be true to who they are.
Recommend this book:
Right Before Sleep
Miro Tartan
2021 Gold Medal
33 Pages
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Children - General
Milo and Cat are ready for bed, but sleep won’t come easily. Miro Tartan has authored Right Before Sleep, a delightful little book about going to sleep, and it is the story of the various things Milo and Cat try so they can get to sleep. First, Milo reads a book of knowledge showing multiple ways of inducing sleep. Second, Milo and Cat try various methods in the way a child would apply the knowledge. But, no matter what they try, sleep won't come. Milo and Cat try counting sheep, listening to soft music, drinking warm milk, and other methods, but all to no avail. In the end, a simple little trick solves their problem. After Milo falls asleep, Cat figures out what it took to put Milo to sleep.
Miro Tartan knows how to solve one of a parent’s worst nightmares as they so often ask how to get their little ones to sleep. In Right Before Sleep, Miro shares many ways to help children fall asleep whilst also telling a delightful tale for the child reading it. This is a great sharing and learning experience for both parent and child. The illustrations are a delight and will keep the child interested in the story. Parents will want to help their children understand how each technique works, as children often do not understand the nuances of such things. Miro writes in an easy-to-follow and easy-to-understand method. The words are simple enough for a new reader but deep enough to keep an older child’s interest.
Recommend this book:
Punny Jokes To Tell Your Peeps! (Book 1)
Book 1
Lisa Ayotte
2020 Finalist
38 Pages
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Children - General
Punny Jokes to Tell Your Peeps by Lisa Ayotte is a collection of clean jokes illustrated with cute photographs picturing the puns. Lisa didn’t just write down the jokes; she built miniature sets for each one, and put colorful peeps into each set. I’m not going to give away the puns. There are food puns, sports puns, school puns – just about any topic that parents want their children to joke about. But, I do think it’s fair that I describe some of the photographs. Lisa has built a miniature playground, a picnic set, a stereo cabinet, a gingerbread house, a beach, a dentist’s office, a kitchen, a bunk bed, a kitchen, an apartment building, and a school.
Puns work because words that sound the same can have very different meanings. Puns help children expand their vocabularies and their social skills. Punny Jokes to Tell Your Peeps, written and photographed by Lisa Ayotte, will please children who like joke books and their parents who like clean jokes. Parents will also be pleased that they won’t be asked to explain the jokes. Lisa Ayotte has built sets and populated them with miniature props to make the meanings of the puns easy to understand. All the jokes take place in familiar surroundings and use familiar props. The photographed settings may encourage children to build their own sets for their own stories. I recommend this book to pun lovers of all ages. It will fit in at libraries and homes.
Recommend this book:
Tiny Makes a Friend
Eva Schmidler
2020 Honorable Mention
82 Pages
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Children - General
A mouse family lived in an animal refuge park at the end of a friendly forest. Mr. and Mrs. Mouse had seven children and they never had enough food to feed their big family. A tiger lived on the other side of the wall and the mouse children would watch Mr. Tiger being well looked after by the keepers who loved animals. In the Mouse house, the youngest mouse was so small that he was named Tiny by his two sisters and four brothers. Though Mama Mouse told everyone while eating to take their portions, Tiny was always left with crumbs. Tiny was always hungry because he never got enough to eat. He felt hungry looking at the food Mr. Tiger got to eat. His brothers and sisters dared him to go into Mr. Tiger's cage and have some of his food but Tiny's parents told him not to.
Tiny Makes a Friend by Eva Schmidler is a beautiful story of friendship, kindness, compassion, sharing, caring, respect, courage, and dealing with life. The book is divided into four chapters, and each chapter focuses on a different thing. The last chapter is all about family, reunion, and separation, and the unique friendship of Toby Tiger and Tiny Mouse conveys important life lessons to readers. The story is heartwarming and the friendship between Toby and Tiny will remain in the hearts of readers for a long time. The author conveys good messages through these two characters, knitting them into the story seamlessly, giving a good pace and fluidity to the action. The book is perfect for tutors and parents to teach children important messages and how to tackle life in its various stages. The character portrayals of Tiny and Toby are real, relatable, memorable, and children of ages will enjoy reading about their unusual friendship. The questions at the end of the book are useful and will help readers reflect on their lives, situations, and circumstances.
Recommend this book:
I'll Lend You My Daddy
A Deployment Book for Kids Ages 4-8
Becky King
2020 Bronze Medal
32 Pages
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Children - General
I’ll Lend You My Daddy is tailor-made for children of fathers in the military, but it could also be used for children of military mothers. Additionally, it would be wonderful for young nieces and nephews, or friends and classmates of children whose parents are serving our country. This story is told in the voices of children who are experiencing the sacrifice of a father serving our country. They point out how much they miss their fathers, but they focus on activities such as soccer and school plays. They also show how they stay in touch with internet communication, sending drawings and even a piece of birthday cake. In the children’s book, I’ll Lend You My Daddy, written by Becky King and illustrated by Valerie Valdivia, a realistic and poignant portrayal of the sacrifices made by military families is depicted.
A great feature of this book is the inclusion of every branch of the armed forces as well as different races and cultures present in the military. The detailed illustrations are beautiful; these drawings will fascinate young children for hours. This book will be a useful tool for parents to discuss the challenges of being a military family, and it will help children to cope with not having a parent at home for long periods of time. Author Becky King has crafted an exceptional children’s book that will be a great addition to many children’s libraries in I’ll Lend You My Daddy. A perfect gift for youngsters in special families!
Recommend this book:
Brave For My Family
Davidson Whetstone
2020 Silver Medal
48 Pages
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Children - General
Brave For My Family by Davidson Whetstone is a compassionate and loving story of a young boy and his father. As a soldier, his father spends time on duty for his country and away from his family. His experiences, although far away, deeply affect the family and require life changes for each of them in his absence and upon his return. The story shows the importance of God in the family during these times of difficulty and the faith it takes for families as they endure the unknown. It also shows the importance of extended family as soldiers are gone and those left behind must lean on relatives and friends for support. This story exemplifies the true nature of a soldier's life and the experiences they must endure.
Davidson Whetstone has created a delightful picture book in Brave For My Family that touches on a difficult and sensitive topic for young children. His own personal experience makes this an engaging book for children of servicemen and helps kids feel validated in their own emotions during uncertain times. The interactions between the young boy and his dad and mom help students see the value of family and paying respect to those who sacrifice for America. This book brings to light areas that are not often discussed in general classroom settings, but it would be an excellent book for educators to have on hand. This book also is a great read for families as they talk to their children about the difficulties of war.
Recommend this book:
This Book Is Alive!
Justine Avery
2020 Gold Medal
39 Pages
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Children - General
This Book Is Alive! is a short work of fiction for children focusing on positivity and interactivity, and was penned by author Justine Avery with illustrations by artist Daria Yudina. Within these forty pages of sepia-toned magic and beautiful text, young readers are introduced to the book in their hands. It speaks directly to them, proclaiming its central message that it is alive. What follows is a celebration of all the wonderful possibilities of being a book, and being alive, and from that young readers receive messages of positivity about all the possibilities ahead for them in their lives too. An overall feeling of joy, empowerment and the importance of reading forms the final takeaway.
Though it isn’t written in a rhyming style, the lyrical flow of the words within This Book Is Alive! still feels poetic. In the hands of author Justine Avery, the book speaks to its readers with light fantastical dialogue, asking direct questions that are thought-provoking and fun, but also revealing many different voices and endless possibilities within its pages. The flow of the work continues really well to build on ideas and make its final, empowering point with great organization and a well-timed reveal of the main concept. The illustrations by artist Daria Yudina give a magical old-time feel to the text, playing with facial expressions and line drawings to make it look as if the personalities are emerging from the pages rather than just being slapped in there. Overall, This Book Is Alive! is a delightful and empowering picture book to cherish.