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:
When I Was a Child
Based on a true story of love death and survival on the Kansas prairie
T. L. Needham
2012 Bronze Medal
258 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
When I Was a Child, based on actual events, is the story of Louis Pfeiffer's life in Kansas during the depression and World War II. It is a story of tragedy, loss, courage, and triumph. The narrative moves back and forth from his childhood and his days as a paratrooper and prisoner of war.
On Ash Wednesday, 1926, Alex and Theresa Pfeiffer left their six children at home alone while they went to Mass. The heavy rain turned into a cold, snowy blizzard. Theresa was found frozen to death, leaving her children without a mother. Louis was only two years old, and his sister, Jerry, was four; they were sent to live with their grandmother. Later, after her death, they returned to the farm and their siblings. Tragedy, such as tornadoes and economic woes, struck again and again. At seventeen, young Louis entered the army where he became a paratrooper; he was captured by the Germans and incarcerated in a prisoner of war camp.
Author T. L. Needham is Louis’ nephew. From the first pages Needham reaches out, grabs the reader and holds tight until the last words as he writes about the courage and bravery of the Pfeiffer children. They had great faith and persevered despite the trials they faced. The author breathed life into his characters, and they jumped off the pages and into my heart. The narrative moves smoothly back and forth between Louis’ childhood and his days in the military. I did not want this book to end. It would have been easy for a lesser talented author to allow the book to be morose and just tragic, but Needham, instead, celebrates the strength, faith and courage of his family. The author is to be commended for this excellent retelling of history.
Recommend this book:
Hatteras Island
Keeper of the Outer Banks
Ray McAllister
2011 Honorable Mention
256 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
I may not have been born and raised in North Carolina; but I have lived in this state for almost four years, and I love everything about it. In Hatteras Island, Keeper of the Outer Banks, Ray McAllister gives the reader an interesting and thorough tour and history of Hatteras Island and some of its neighboring communities.
I've not yet had a chance to visit Hatteras Island, but after reading this book, I want to go now more than ever. I had no idea what an interesting place this was and what a fascinating history it has! I love a well-researched book, and Ray has done a terrific job with his research. He has a love for this place, and each page shows his love. Sometimes books that go into a lot of historical detail about a location can be a bit dry, but I did not find that to be the case with this book. With each page came more nuggets of interesting history and facts about a place that is about so much more than a lighthouse.
Not only is this an interesting and well-written book, it is also a beautiful book inside and out. There are pictures, many of them older pictures, of Hatteras Island that enhanced the reading experience. This book is printed on really nice paper, a huge bonus for a reader like me. Everything about this book was a delight; I'm a Ray McAllister fan now.
Recommend this book:
Potato In A Rice Bowl
Peggy Keener
2011 Gold Medal
416 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
It was the early 1960's; Glen Keener had just graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Asian Studies. The former soldier was quickly hired by the US Army as a civilian in the Intelligence Branch. Glen, Peggy and their two children packed up and moved to Tokyo. She was from Austin, Minnesota; how would she cope with living half way around the world?
Peggy Keener weaves threads together to create the tapestry upon which their lives played out. She deftly describes her adventure sail boating. I will not spoil the scene for other readers. I will say, I always wanted to try sailing; she changed my mind! Her description of their son Percy's diaper was hilarious and brought back many memories. The reader must remember this was before disposable diapers. Percy weighed 30 pounds, and one or two diapers were never enough to keep him dry. It took seven or eight diapers meticulously folded to catch his "jet stream." It was a three day trip to Japan. It took a lot of diapers!
Peggy Keener kept me laughing throughout the entire 407 pages. I believe Peggy's sense of humor was what made her life in Japan livable. Attitude is everything. Her description of the Japanese toilet was hilarious. They were flush with the floor with a six inch reflector shield and you had to bring your own tissue. Peggy's attitude was, "When in Rome do as Romans." So when in Japan, do as Japanese do. It does not have quite the same ring to it. The Keener's adventures are entertaining. I can certainly understand why Peggy became a television star in Japan.
I love this book. Keener brings the city of Tokyo to life. I admire the way she embraced the culture with little complaint. I know the family was happy to return to the states. I'm also sure they look back on their life in Japan with fond memories. Keener is a fantastic writer. Her style is comical and is a cross between narrator and conversationalist. I look forward to reading more books by this talented lady.
Recommend this book:
Where the Bluegrass Meets the Mountain
The Chronicles of Kentucky Mormonism
Stephen White
2011 Gold Medal
354 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
Bishop Stephen White was called to write a history of the Mormon Church in Kentucky. After much research (assisted by his wife Susan) and head scratching on how to accomplish such a daunting task, he chose the perfect style. White offers readers not a reference book, but a collection of stories, that when combined, tell the history of Kentucky Mormonism. He skillfully wove together the stories to create a fascinating look at the past. As I read these stories one thing kept jumping out at me: the Mormon's faced the same hardships of others in the area, except on top of that, they faced discrimination and persecution.
White begins his book by sharing some of the history of Kentucky. I found it interesting that the Mormons believe that the Garden of Eden was in Jackson County, Missouri. After killing Abel, Cain was banished from the garden and sent east of Eden. Could scripture be referring to Kentucky? After all, it is east of Missouri! I'd never heard this before and find the thought fascinating. I was always taught that the Indians called this land the "dark and bloody ground." If this is the land Cain was sent to, then it was certainly founded on spilt blood.
Bishop Stephen White was born and raised in Kentucky. He would be quick to tell you how much he loves this state and how much he loves his church. As I read his latest book I can feel his enthusiasm for the project. He writes in an easy-to-read-and-understand manner. Too often history is dry and boring, but White breathes life into his book. He has included much information unfamiliar to me, and I am a Kentucky born-and-raised gal. However, the most important part of his book is the people he writes about, for they tell the story. He allows them to speak through him. No matter your religious beliefs or affiliation you will enjoy and benefit from a look at the history of Kentucky.
Recommend this book:
Mystery, Suspense, Film Noir and Detective Movies on DVD
A Guide To The Best In Cinema Thrills
John Howard Reid
2011 Bronze Medal
468 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
"Step into my parlor," said the spider to the fly!
John Reid has managed to pack over 250 tantalizing DVD movie overviews into these 465 pages. This is a real treasure trove of old favorites that you won't want to be without. Most of the write-ups are black and white mystery, suspense film noir from the 30s, 40s and 50s.
Each film is listed alphabetically and broken down as follows: a thorough list of characters/actors; a list of those credited with directing, producing, etc., copyright information, a synopsis, comments good and bad, followed by a DVD quality rating.
Here are just a few of my favorites just to get you in the mood to watch an old flick...
Bull Dog Drummond with Ray Milland, Charlie Chan's Secret, a spooky old house scare- um, Frozen Ghost, an Inner Sanctum mystery with Lon Chaney Jr,1941`s Maltese Falcon with Bogart and Lorre, Mr. Wise Guy with the Eastside Kids My Favorite Brunette, a star-studded bonanza,1943`s Phantom of the Opera, the best dark romance of all time, Hitchcock`s Vertigo with Kim Novak and Jimmy Stewart and ,last but not least, The Yellow Rose of Texas with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, a darn good mystery!
The last third of the book is jam-packed with detailed information, primarily film noir, 1939 (the best year in Hollywood),the Thin Man series, movies from Ray Chandler`s books, a comparison between Bogart and Ladd, a listing of these movies, DVD suppliers, and a detailed index of over 250 movies in this volume.
Overall, Mr. Reid has done a wonderful job rekindling my love for the old black and white`s of yesteryear. I`m so glad that I purchased this volume and am quite certain that it will become tattered and torn as I leaf through it over and over looking for that special movie on DVD that I can`t wait to buy next. Mr. Reid, I thank you. When is your next volume coming out?
Recommend this book:
The Learners Of Owamboland
The Children of Twaalulilwa School
Gina Hutchins Inman, Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot
2010 Gold Medal
88 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Award WinnerGina Hutchins Inman is a German-American citizen. In her desire to give to those less fortunate than herself, she traveled to Owamboland, Namibia, Africa where she spent 8 weeks with the children of the Twaahililwa School. She enjoyed the simplicity of their life. “The greatest impact of all was the realization that when you give to others, expecting nothing in return, the gifts which come back to you are abundant and lasting.” Inman did not know the language and knew little about the culture, but she willingly gave of herself. She found the people friendly and accepting.
There are 260 'learners' in the school. This book is filled with their photographs. Inman shares notes from the children with readers. The learners were eager to help out. When Inman became tired, they wanted to massage her legs.
Inman stayed with Meme Selma, the principal of the school and the Reverend of the church. Selma was instrumental in the rebuilding of the school after it was destroyed by war.
The photographs bring her experiences to life on the pages. She shares information about the culture: what they eat, how they wash their clothing and how they share with each other.
"The Learners of Owamboland" is a heartwarming book. We need more people like Gina Hutchins Inman, people that care enough about others to take risks.