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:
Kobee Manatee Climate Change and The Great Blue Hole Hazard
Robert Scott Thayer
2021 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
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Children - Action
Kobee Manatee and his friends, Tess and Pablo, are off on another underwater adventure in Kobee Manatee: Climate Change and The Great Blue Hole Hazard. Kobee and his friends set off from Grand Cayman for their 500-mile journey to his cousin’s cafe in Belize. They’ve been invited to help clean up some plastic litter and to see The Great Blue Hole, part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. On the way they see a turtle trapped in some plastic, which they help remove. Tameeka joins them on their trek to Belize. They discuss the things they see on the way from a Portuguese Man-of-War to coral bleaching. There is a scary moment as they arrive at The Great Blue Hole but Tameeka saves the day. They end their journey at the Seagrass Café, picking up litter and enjoying a delicious meal.
Kobee Manatee: Climate Change and The Great Blue Hole Hazard is an informative and exciting aquatic tale. Author Robert Scott Thayer has included Kobee’s Fun Facts on every page, and they are full of information. They include information on organizations that support oceans and ways that kids can encourage their families and friends to reduce plastic pollution. Lauren Gallegos has created a colorful ocean world with her illustrations. I especially love Tess's beautiful vivid mane! Robert Scott Thayer presents an important environmental message in an engaging story with wonderful characters. Anyone who loves the ocean and wants to help save it should read Kobee Manatee: Climate Change and The Great Blue Hole Hazard. I’m looking forward to the next Kobee Manatee adventure.
Recommend this book:
Stinky Feet Pete and the Mighty Hitters
Cindy Lazann Shirley
2021 Bronze Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Action
Can a baseball team depend on winning with one of their players having extremely stinky feet? This is what Little League Baseball team The Mighty Hitters think about Pete McGee's extra smelly feet and his lucky stinky socks. Just maybe this has been their good luck sock charm that brought them to the final championship game of the season. The game is a tight one and The Mighty Hitters are down 2-0 in the top of the ninth. Two runs score and it's up to Stinky Feet Pete to score the winning run. Can The Mighty Hitters depend on Pete's stinky socks or will the opponent team slide right through all of the stink and win the championship? You will find the answer and fun and excitement in author Cindy Lazann Shirley's Stinky Feet Pete and the Mighty Hitters.
I am a huge baseball fan so this was a fun and entertaining book for me to read and I can say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Cindy Lazann Shirley does an amazing job with building up the excitement in the fans and players for the big game, as well as making sure those stinky sock feet of Pete's were well known. And I love the way illustrator Cleoward Sy captures the excitement on the faces of the characters. The details of the pictures and the vivid colors all make for an awesome way to capture the story in pictures for smaller children. Both Sy and Shirley work together so very well to create an amazing story. Anyone loving a good sports story will love Stinky Feet Pete and the Mighty Hitters.
Recommend this book:
Stranded on Thin Ice
Sharon CassanoLochman
2021 Silver Medal
168 Pages
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Children - Action
Stranded on Thin Ice by Sharon CassanoLochman is a quick read for young adults and a story that will bring warmth to adult hearts as well, a story that combines coming of age and adventure to provide great entertainment to readers. Tanner Phillips is only twelve and, until now, he has enjoyed fishing the Oneida Lake Ice Fishing Derby every year with his father. He still remembers what happened last year when he lost the competition and his grandfather’s gear, and he is determined to make his father understand that he isn’t a small boy any longer, but one who can take the lead. The opportunity comes when, abandoned by his father to search for one of the competitors who goes missing, Tanner and his friend, Richie, get blown across the frozen lake by a snowstorm. Now Tanner has no time to think about proving himself to his father, but only surviving on thin ice.
A brilliantly plotted and intelligently written story that will thrill fans of the genre. Sharon CassanoLochman’s characters are strong and solidly developed. Readers will enjoy following Tanner, whose desire to prove himself fueled his determination to succeed during the competition. When faced with adversity and inclement weather, he learns to be resourceful and to work together with his friend to survive. The reader quickly learns to love the characters, anxious about their fate and rooting for them through every page. The writing is gripping and the scenes are well-written, deft and focused. There is a striking and well-accomplished balance in the writing, which combines interesting dialogues with great descriptions to create a smooth and enjoyable read. Stranded on Thin Ice will keep you turning pages the whole night.
Recommend this book:
The Rise of a Golden Lion
Michael Feng
2021 Gold Medal
231 Pages
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Children - Action
In The Rise of a Golden Lion by Michael Feng, Ranford Tremble is an average biologist, but after an attack by a mutant lion, he changes. This experience gives him supernatural abilities, including superspeed, superstrength, and the ability to sonic roar. Soon, he learns of an ongoing battle between the evil Jacen Lee and a group of secret agents and fellow mutants who aim to stop him, called SHRIKE. The SHRIKE team wants Ranford to join them, but he isn’t sure if he wants to join them or lead an average life. But Jacen Lee is up to something, and the SHRIKE team is desperate for Ranford’s help. Will he join them?
With thrilling action scenes and likable characters, The Rise of a Golden Lion by Michael Feng is an enjoyable read. The narrative is very descriptive and makes some interesting and humorous analogies. For example, it describes a character’s facial expression like the one you make when hit by a French baguette. The story is action-packed and filled with exciting battle scenes that keep the reader wondering what happens next. I thought the way the characters gained their abilities was very intriguing and creative. The characters themselves were likable and fascinating, and I liked how each one was unique from the others. For example, some are serious while others are more carefree, which made the story more interesting. This book is an exciting read, and I highly recommend it to people who like superheroes stories.
Recommend this book:
The Mysterious Phone Call
A Mud Street Misfits Adventure
Brian O'Dell & Beth Lauderdale
2020 Finalist
216 Pages
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Children - Action
The Mysterious Phone Call by Brian O’Dell and Beth Lauderdale is book 2 in the Mud Street Misfits Adventure series. Sarah has to move with her family to Chicago but she doesn’t want to leave Ozark. She’s lived there for years and, together with her brother David, and best friends Molly, Connor, and Liam, formed the Mud Street Misfits. She doesn’t want to leave the gang behind but she’s always been shy when it comes to speaking up – this time will be no different. Before she leaves, she discovers that Mayor Scott, a man with no heart, is set on destroying the Orpheum Theater, a beautiful Ozark relic, and she can’t let that happen. With the Mud Street Misfits, Sarah has a fight on her hands to save the building but things aren’t all that they seem to be and the Orpheum Theater is hiding a secret that can't be seen by the human eye. Can the gang save the theater and what will they have to face to do it?
The Mysterious Phone Call: A Mud Street Misfits Adventure by Brian O’Dell and Beth Lauderdale is a fun read, ideally suited to its target audience. I didn’t read the first book but each in the series is based on one member of the gang. This time it’s Sarah and, together with the other characters, she has been well developed into a character you can relate to. This is a cool and fun adventure with a hint of the other-worldly in a plot that keeps you reading all the way through. The story is really well written with lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing and some very unique characters. Great book; this is a series to watch out for.
Recommend this book:
Toad Road
Daryl Sherfey
2020 Honorable Mention
139 Pages
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Children - Action
In Daryl Sherfey's Toad Road, Wart knew he was destined for greatness if only he didn't have to prove himself. Whenever he tried something always went wrong and he became a laughing stock; not that he was ever taken seriously, to begin with. His size had always been a sore point. Smaller than his peers, he felt the need to be accepted, so guard duty was his chance to do just that. The pond had been shrinking, the creek running dry. Only the brave stood guard, which is why he had never been asked, but when Jumbles returned with news about a suspicious plot by the toads, Wart finds himself on his biggest adventure yet. He may be small in stature, but his heart and focus are enormous, and he will need all his courage to face what is to come.
Through the misadventures of Wart, in Daryl Sherfey's Toad Road, young readers are given a glimpse into the natural habitat of frogs, and the environments they thrive in. Great scene setting conjures up vivid images, leaving a firm picture in the mind while not becoming too overwhelming for younger readers. The diverse and entertaining characters not only hold interest and drive the story forward but also have their own messages which a child can easily pick up on and be inspired by. There are so many little pieces of factual information woven in that readers learn without even realizing as they follow the exciting adventure. Food chains, evolution, survival, and character are but a few topics touched upon in this charming children's book. The level makes it suitable for youngsters transitioning from picture books and the involved plot will appeal to older children. But this is not something only to be enjoyed by children; it possesses a whimsical charm that will appeal to adults looking for a fun read to share with the family. Action, adventure, humor, and danger fill each page, propelling you through the wondrous adventure that in some ways reminded me just a little of The Wind in the Willows.
Recommend this book:
Storms and Scarabs
Time Chaser Series Book 1
H.R. Hobbs
2020 Bronze Medal
267 Pages
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Children - Action
Storms and Scarabs by HR Hobbs is the first book in the Time Chaser series. Mitch’s whole life has been uprooted when his family moves to his grandpa’s farm. He’s not looking for a friend or to settle in there when he meets Brock on the bus and is quickly taken under his new friend’s wing. After he searches through the attic, he uncovers a diary and spyglass that belonged to his great-grandpa. He quickly discovers this is the key to the past when it sends him and his new friend through a portal back in time to ancient Egypt. They make new friends and must fit in with their new environment while they search for a way home. Their plans are forced to change when the pharaoh’s son dies and he requests Mitch’s presence at the palace. This allows him to discover a prophecy and to learn of the High Priest’s interest in the spyglass. He and his friend must stay a step ahead if they’re ever going to find a way back to their own time.
HR Hobbs delivers a fast-paced adventure through time as two boys stumble into the past and struggle to find their way home. A coming of age journey is at the root of the story as Mitch struggles with several changes in his life, from living in a new place to going to a new school to forming a new friendship. The story has a strong connection to history which goes deeper than just through the time travel. Mitch digs up his family’s history when he uncovers the diary, which allows him to learn about where he came from and helps him connect on a deeper level to his family.
The journey to ancient Egypt is full of action and suspense, leaving you wondering if they’re going to make it home or if they’re going to get caught. The mystery is a key element of the story as the trip into the past opens a deeper mystery that involves the High Priest and this mysterious spyglass. The story has a primarily light tone with humorous moments but also has plenty of heart throughout and genuine growth for Mitch. Children will be immediately captivated by ancient Egypt and a time travel adventure that will allow them to explore the history of a stunning and fascinating place. Storms and Scarabs is a delightful read that blends time travel, mystery, humor, friendship, and coming of age in an action-packed adventure.
Recommend this book:
Doomy Prepper's Complete Guide
How to Survive Fifth Grade and the Apocalypse
Amie Borst
2020 Silver Medal
186 Pages
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Children - Action
Amie Borst created adventurous characters and a fun, action-packed novel in Doomy Prepper’s Complete Guide: How to Survive Fifth Grade and the Apocalypse. Doomy Prepper is a logical fifth-grader, whose family is actively prepared for any crisis, disaster, or the apocalypse. He has rules set in place to maneuver through his life in an organized fashion. One of those rules is to ignore the lights in the sky. No one knew what they were or where they came from. It draws Doomy’s curiosity when the lights change colors and start flashing. The only one who will listen to him is his best friend, Peter, and a few of his classmates. Could the lights have anything to do with the people in his town who have gone missing?
Doomy Prepper’s Complete Guide: How to Survive Fifth Grade and the Apocalypse by Amie Borst is a refreshing read that middle school students will love. Borst organizes each chapter with three enticing rules, which gives clues to what Doomy will face in that chapter. Borst uses a variety of characters and personalities and shows kids that being different is acceptable. Each of the five students contributed what they could without ridicule. Overall, the author is creative and humorous, while keeping the story on track for the targeted age. I love how the author generates a complex web of mystery and suspense. The story twisted uniquely, surprising the reader in the direction it took. Another plus to this fantasy is Sean Bova’s illustrations. He brings the story alive with his inspiring art.
Recommend this book:
Dwarf Story
Professor W. W. Marplot
2020 Gold Medal
429 Pages
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Children - Action
Dwarf Story by Professor W. W. Marplot is a mythological fairy tale for kids. Arty never misses school and the day he does, there has to be a good reason. Maybe he is gravely ill or just maybe his backyard is the scene of war. On that fateful Wednesday morning, Arty finds a warrior dwarf in his garden, swinging an ax and scaring the dogs. Soon, his other friends begin to find strange creatures appearing – elves, pixies, even a dragon. The big question is, why have they all appeared? And can you give aspirin to a pixie? Arty joins forces with his friends to try to find out what’s going on, but things are taking a sinister turn as the mythical beings begin to take sides. The Gwyllion, the Old Woman of the Mountains, has turned the neighborhood into a battleground and it just needs one more thing to make it perfect – young heroes. Can Arty and his friends save the day?
Dwarf Story by Professor W. W. Marplot is a fascinating tale of humans meeting mythology in a huge battle, not just a physical one but a battle of wits too. It is a well-written story, perfectly aimed at its audience, and is full of action. Each chapter is from the perspective of a different character, all of whom have been well-developed into likable, relatable characters – at least, the human ones have. It’s a fun story and I understand there may be more to come. I hope so because I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. The story jumps right into the action on page one and it stays there, never letting up until the very end. Great story and I'm looking forward to the next one.
Recommend this book:
A Capitol Abduction
Fairies in Flight
JB Michaels
2019 Silver Medal
188 Pages
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Children - Action
A Capitol Abduction: Fairies in Flight is an action and adventure thriller for young adults and preteens written by J.B. Michaels. After the tumultuous events that marred this last Christmas season, Jane wanted nothing more than to rest and restore her flagging energy -- and give her wings the time they needed to recover from the damage incurred by traveling to the South Pole. It seemed that she had just fallen asleep when she was woken by her phone’s vibrations against the floor where it had fallen. The tenor of Admiral Pixie’s voice clearly signaled the urgency of his call, and she quickly realized that the fourteen hours she had actually slept were a gift. Still, however, her wings ached, and the headache she’d been trying to ignore was nearly a migraine. The Fae Fairy was used to pushing aside her own bodily discomfort as part of her role in inspiring and leading others, and so she quickly dressed and flew over to the hangar where Admiral Pixie’s office was located. The news he had to impart was stunningly grave: three of the Tannenbaum Tailor teams had lost their Fairy Flyers while the teams were tending their trees. Those Fairy Flyers had simply vanished without a trace.
J.B. Michaels’ action and adventure thriller for young adults and preteens, A Capitol Abduction: Fairies in Flight, is a fast-paced and exciting tale that follows Jane and her sister Kath as they battle sinister and unseen forces -- and each other. While the author gives enough background information to allow this book to be read on its own, I would strongly recommend that readers begin with the first volume in the series, The Tannenbaum Tailors and the Secret Snowball, to more fully appreciate this imaginative and entertaining continuing saga. Michaels’ stories transcend the basic presumption of belief in Christmas, the North Pole and Santa, and build instead an epic fantasy structure that works on so many levels. His characters are credible and complex, and his plot is tidy and clever. A Capitol Abduction: Fairies in Flight is most highly recommended.