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:
Purpose Passion and Pajamas
How to Transform Your Life, Embrace the Human Connection and Lead with Meaning
Genevieve Piturro
2021 Finalist
202 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Purpose Passion and Pajamas: How to Transform Your Life, Embrace the Human Connection, and Lead with Meaning by Genevieve Piturro is a powerful and inspiring guide to help you overcome struggles and begin a journey into a transformative leadership role. Author Piturro felt like a lot of you do in the world when you're dissatisfied with your station in life because you know you aren't fulfilling your dreams and potential. The author was firmly perched on the corporate ladder of success as a TV marketer, but all of that changed when a little girl posed a heartbreaking question that led Piturro to create the Pajama Program, a nonprofit that began in 2001. She never thought that this would be the road she would detour onto, but it has inspired outreach and caring all around the world. This nationally recognized story--from Oprah to the morning shows--is about more than pajamas, it's about heart, and children reading, and answering a call.
This true story is more captivating and entertaining than a work of fiction. Going from corporate to philanthropy wasn't easy, but she met the challenges with determination and grace. I like how the book chronicles the downs as well as the ups. But besides the author telling her own amazing story, she wants to help others identify their gifts, strengths, and purpose, even when it seems impossible or people tell you it can't be done. Given how easy it is for some to fall into depression during the fallout of COVID-19, it's refreshing to hear that there are people like Piturro willing and able to share valuable tips and tools for making a change in not just a career, but in life too. Leadership comes easier to some than others, but this author shows how just being yourself and reaching out with a caring attitude toward others can propel you closer to a leadership role.
The book offers hands-on advice that you can use in your own goal-setting. For example, know that it often takes more than one person to get something done. You can involve like-minded individuals to help you. As a former social worker, I especially appreciate the author's points on listening to your inner voice, treating others with respect, and striving to connect with others. I also like the relevant current examples of race and injustice that the book covers. The author isn't afraid to talk about these things, which makes this a book that can transform your life. My favorite part is where the little girl asks the pivotal question about pajamas. It will probably bring tears to your eyes too. Purpose Passion and Pajamas by Genevieve Piturro is the must-have guide for living and making monumental changes, starting today.
Recommend this book:
Snow Blind
Recovering After the Random Shooting
William M Johnson
2021 Honorable Mention
280 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Snow Blind: Recovering After the Random Shooting by William M Johnson begins in July 1991 when, at the age of 41, Bill Johnson was shot in the left temple. The bullet passed behind the orbits of his eyes and exited at the right temple. Accepting his blindness, Bill was faced with a list of daily living skills that he would have to acquire. After his discharge from the hospital, Bill was given medications to reduce the risk of seizure, brain swelling, and infection to possibly allow some return of vision. Ray Schaeffer with The State of Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind encouraged Bill to get help and Bill went to Lions World School for the Blind. Bill spent almost five months being cared for by medical and rehabilitation professionals until he felt confident that he was on the right path.
Snow Blind has given me an entirely new perspective on persons with visual impairments and what it must be like to lose one’s vision. Bill Johnson explains how the small things that we take for granted every day can be overwhelmingly difficult for someone who cannot see what the rest of us can. This memoir is smooth flowing from beginning to end, filled with interesting information and facts around injuries that cause blindness as well as the ensuing treatment and rehabilitation. Bill also shares with us his personal, physical, and emotional challenges that led him to the school for the blind and independence. I would recommend this book to all adults and children, especially those who have friends or family members that are visually impaired.
Recommend this book:
Open Heart
The Transformational Journey of a Doctor Who, After Bypass Surgery at 61, Ran Marathons and Climbed Mountains
Akil Taher, M.D.
2021 Honorable Mention
132 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Open Heart: The Transformational Journey of a Doctor Who, After Bypass Surgery at 61, Ran Marathons and Climbed Mountains is an inspirational instructional manual. Author Akil Taher, M.D. underwent open-heart surgery at age 61 and realized he had to change his lifestyle. Only eight months later he ran in his first, but not his last, half-marathon. Furthermore, he engaged in body-testing activities such as running full marathons, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, completing a triathlon, and competing in a 100-mile bike race. In addition to relating his physical adventures, Taher writes about the role diet plays in his now-healthy lifestyle. He revolutionized his food intake, cutting out meat, dairy, eggs, and sugar and replacing them with a plant-based diet. Taher’s book is based on both his personal experiences and reputable sources.
This book is terrific. Author Akil Taher, M.D. is a fine storyteller and his book is part adventure story and part inspiration. Taher’s transformation from being a man with numerous medical problems to a fit, healthy, septuagenarian athlete makes for enjoyable and motivational reading. Not everyone will agree with all of his advice, but Taher lays it out in an easy-to-understand fashion for the reader’s consideration. He notes that changing our diet may be even more difficult than changing our exercise routine, and wisely recommends that readers take “baby steps” to transform their lives. “We are capable of doing much more than we think we can do,” he writes. It’s Taher’s hope that his readers don’t wait until they get into his formerly dire physical strait before taking action. I recommend Open Heart to anyone who is open to improving their physical health.
Recommend this book:
You've Got Some Nerve
The Battle Back from an Invisible Injury
Derryen Plante
2021 Bronze Medal
210 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
You've Got Some Nerve: The Battle Back from an Invisible Injury by Derryen Plante is the author's story of how her life changed when, while completing a unit check at a juvenile prison, she was attacked by an inmate who furiously struck her many times in the head and face. That attack damaged not only her body and her mind but also her future. The author's life story gives glimpses of the trauma that caused unseen injuries, and how she managed to pick up the damaged pieces of her life and rebuild them. This memoir can be related to by many readers and will give them much-required assistance in their healing process. The book is not only for trauma survivors but will also help caregivers when it comes to understanding their friends, family members, colleagues, doctors, and nurses.
Derryen Plante's story is nerve-racking and she is very honest and straightforward when it comes to sharing her story with readers. It is heartbreaking to read how her dream of working as an investigator for the federal government was shattered when she was assaulted. She also speaks about the atmosphere in the unit on the night of the assault and though it was not too calm, she did not suspect any tension in the air. What stands out in the author's story is her determination, courage, and hope when it came to redefining her life after addressing her problems. She also encourages readers to be there for all those who are suffering from injuries that are not visible to others, and how she found her support during her times of hope and despair.
Recommend this book:
The Angle of Flickering Light
Gina Troisi
2021 Silver Medal
228 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
The Angle of Flickering Light by Gina Troisi is a powerfully moving memoir of a woman losing herself, finding herself, and having the insight to put it into perspective. The author recounts what it was like to live with verbal abuse from her father, psychological abuse from her mother, and her father's infidelity. Her pain turned inward, into self-torture involving an eating disorder, physical workouts, and control issues in hopes of disappearing. Her self-destructive attempts at escaping through hallucinogenic mushroom tea and snorting pills were not enough to heal the scars. A positive force in her life was her terminally ill grandfather, a father figure, and she found love with a heroin addict named John. When running from herself took her from the east coast to the west coast, she realized how much she missed John and what he represented to her--home.
Troisi brings us her story that many can connect with--of feeling misused, lost, and yearning for home and true love. Going from pillar to post wasn't satisfying enough, and she deserved more for herself than she realized. It takes a lot of courage to tell a life story honestly, but this one has something more, and it's the author's gift for introspection and storytelling. There are themes of hitting rock bottom and recovering, but it is wrapped in a well-written memoir that reads like a good piece of literary fiction; absorbed like a fine film. The writing is deep and poetic. One of my favorite parts was her relationship with John--complex, deep, and real, in spite of the pitfalls. The Angle of Flickering Light by Gina Troisi is a modern fairytale, and Troisi's carriage ride is bumpy, emotionally satisfying, and inspirational.
Recommend this book:
The Boy Behind the China Cabinet
A Memoir about Addiction, Hollywood, Mother Teresa and Me
Paul LaGreca
2021 Gold Medal
290 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
The Boy Behind the China Cabinet by Paul LaGreca is a beautiful memoir about one man's journey in coming to terms with himself. Born into a large Italian family living in the Bronx, Paul has been raised the Catholic way all his life. Paul begins the book by recounting his first personal encounter with God as a child, trying to find his way home on a cold night. Whether it's navigating an acting career as a Hollywood star or pursuing the life of a missionary in the Sacred Heart Convent, Paul weaves a memorable story of self-discovery and faith. Filled with engaging stories about the Hollywood elite, meeting Mother Teresa, and persevering in troubled times, this memoir will inspire you.
Memoirs can be pretty hit-or-miss, depending on the author. I am happy to say that Paul LaGreca hit the ball out of the park with The Boy Behind the China Cabinet. His life story is unique, and Paul's charming, genuine voice shines through his storytelling. Paul has a way of conveying the emotions he felt at the time, allowing the reader to connect emotionally to his story. I sympathized with him when he struggled to adjust to life in a convent, separated from his family. When I read this book, I remembered thinking how God could use our worst moments to further His purpose. Because of the pain of watching his brother spiral into drug addiction, Paul grew to deeply love the drug addicts he served at the Queen of Peace soup kitchen. For those still finding their life's purpose, The Boy Behind the China Cabinet is the book is for you!
Recommend this book:
Best is Temporary - Be Better
Joe Jekel
2020 Finalist
284 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Who am I? Why am I here? What is my purpose? How did I get here? What can I do to better my life? These are questions we all ask ourselves at one time or another. We are all on a road to self-discovery but each of us has our own unique way of reaching self-actualization. Throughout this guide, you will learn how your expectations, choices, and thoughts determine your outcome. What are the four types of communication and how can you execute each one more effectively? What are cognitive biases and distortions, and how are they affecting your life? Why are you failing to reach your goals and how can you create an action plan that you can follow? Unlike other self-help guides, Best is Temporary - Be Better by Joe Jekel requires a greater deal of participation by the reader, but in doing so you will understand the workings of the human mind, giving you all the tools you need to reach your greatest potential.
I was literally blown away by the contents of Best is Temporary - Be Better by Joe Jekel. It contains so much information regarding personal development. This is definitely not a book for someone who just wants a simple self-help book to find the motivation to change. This guide really digs deep into the human mind so you will understand the meaning behind every thought and action. I loved the self-efficacy and self-confidence comparison and the explanation of intuition and empathy. The Nine Interrogatives analysis was explained in detail but so clearly that anyone would be able to follow. This will help anyone make more informed choices. The teachings of Maslow, Jung, and Madzook really enhanced this guide and again explained so clearly. The questionnaires and exercises at the end of the guide were just the icing on the cake for me. It enabled me to bring all that I had learned throughout the book together. This is definitely not a guide for someone who likes to be told how to improve their personal development. If you want more than a self-help guide and to discover the true meaning of the human psyche then this guide is for you. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
My Bliss Book
An Inspirational Journal for Daily Dream Building and Extraordinary Living
Sheri Fink
2020 Honorable Mention
114 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
My Bliss Book: An Inspirational Journal for Daily Dream Building and Extraordinary Living by Sheri Fink is a book that people who want to transform themselves need, and there is no better way to start the year than with an inspirational journey. It is beautifully designed to help users define their daily priorities and this is important when it comes to working towards goals. At times, it is easy to forget what really matters when caught in the turmoil and the hectic schedules of the day, but with this tool, readers can define the areas on which to anchor their lives every day. This tool helps readers to identify things they can do every day to nurture themselves, how they want to feel in the day, and the person they want to be. One of the elements of the journal that I loved the most is “My Bold Ask,” which prompts the user to go for something out of their comfort zone.
This book is excellent for personal growth and self-care, a great companion to accomplish big goals by working with daily priorities and taking significant steps. The author explains top priorities as: “These are your absolute, non-negotiable top 5 things that you want to accomplish today. These are your top priority actions for today. If you take these 5 actions, you’ll go to sleep happy knowing that you made progress on your most important goals.” It is designed in an intelligent manner and filled with tools that readers need every day. My Bliss Book: An Inspirational Journal for Daily Dream Building and Extraordinary Living is what you need to transform your life and the best gift to offer to family and loved ones. A highly recommended journal for people who want to make a difference.
Recommend this book:
When God Says NO
Revealing the YES When Adversity and Loss Are Present
Judith Briles
2020 Bronze Medal
264 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Dr. Judith Briles’ When God Says NO is an inspirational book about her life and the many adversities she faced. With exceptional strength, Dr. Briles lets us in on how she overcame the hurdles life threw her way and teaches us how to see God’s yesses amidst the seemingly never-ending noes. Be it a loss of a loved one, a setback in your livelihood, or a relationship struggle, you will find inspiration on how to deal with these upheavals. When God Says NO will surely warm hearts and inspire us to keep putting one foot after the other despite any challenging situation. There will always be a YES lurking in all your noes.
Dr. Judith Briles’ When God Says NO is a must-read and I am glad I did. This book spoke to me on a personal level, having had my fair share of loss of loved ones, betrayal of a close friend, and career hurdles. Her experiences could’ve turned anyone into a bitter person but here she is, inspiring millions. Dr. Briles made me cry, made me laugh, and most of all, she inspired me. When God Says NO taught me not to be afraid to start over, to listen to my inner voice. It taught me a lot of things that I should know but for some reason take for granted. I will surely re-read this book several times to remind myself to look for the yesses. I must admit that I mostly have a negative outlook on life, especially during times of adversities. Dr. Briles gave me a different perspective at looking at my life and for that, I will always be grateful.
Recommend this book:
Heart of a Lion
Our Journey of Faith and Courage
Willie Burton, Brenda Burton, Barry Kienzle
2020 Silver Medal
160 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Inspirational
Heart of a Lion: Our Journey of Faith and Courage by Willie Burton, Brenda Burton, and Barry Kienzle explores the miracle of daring and courage. It is the story of Willie Burton, born with cerebral palsy, and how his strong spirit and determination pushed him to overcome the limits imposed on him by his illness. Someone whose youth was punctuated by numerous surgeries and therapies, Willie signed up for the wrestling team at Fairdale High School where he dreamed of winning a single match on the mat. Follow his journey and discover how he triumphs over his disability to grab the attention of many.
This story explores the heart of a born fighter. Readers enter the life of someone born with a disability but who refuses to be defined by that disability. Going to Fairdale High School might have been a challenging thing for young Willie, but it turns out to offer the support he needed to overcome his fears, connect meaningfully with others, and find a purpose. The book is beautifully written, and the prose is gorgeous. The reader cares about Willie, exploring the way the relationships develop in the book. The role that his adoptive mother plays in his life is invaluable and her faith in him pushes him to build his resilience and to believe in himself. Heart of a Lion: Our Journey of Faith and Courage by Willie Burton, Brenda Burton, and Barry Kienzle is a unique gift to readers who doubt what they can do. It inspires, it builds hope, and it moves the reader to believe in the impossible.