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:
Benice
An Adventure of Love and Friendship
Metin Karayaka
2019 Gold Medal
218 Pages
Check current price
Children - Action
The wonderful anticipation for any reader of young adult fiction, but an equally difficult challenge for its author, is the always exciting and expectant notion of One … Great … Story. The implication being: The writer had better be a good storyteller. In just such a book, Benice, by Metin Karayaka, one gets two bangs for his expectant buck: One great story, and many wonderful illustrations by Rohan Daniel Eason. Both the story and the illustrations are reminiscent of their classic predecessors - such as Robert Louis Stevenson’s Kidnapped – but without the baggage (for some) of a now considered antiquated style. A mysterious old fisherman, an impressionable young boy, the suggestion of pirates in the wings: These are the elements enticing the aforementioned reader to “Come aboard!”
Ben Ice, a reclusive old gossiped-about fisherman with one hook for a hand, a peg-leg for a leg, a patch for one eye, and a parrot perched on his shoulder is a character who bodes well for Metin Karayaka’s great story, Benice. I’m sure one can speculate on Mr. Ice’s true profession, even without the grand illustrations provided by Mr. Eason. The young boy, Levend, who retells his tale later on in life, comes to the longed-for revelation appetizingly late in his telling. One has come to suspect by then that Ben Ice is but an allegory for old ways and somewhat nasty things, but then the plot thickens, our boat is twisted sideways, and we are suddenly face to face with …. Ah, but there be no spoilers here, matey! This is a story for us kids. Told by one great storyteller. And great expectations are duly rewarded with ample buried treasure!
Recommend this book:
The Pirate Princess and the Golden Locket
Suzanne Lowe
2019 Bronze Medal
123 Pages
Check current price
Children - Action
The Pirate Princess and the Golden Locket by Suzanne Lowe is a marvelous adventure story for children of all ages. It begins with Charlotte, or Lottie for short, in an orphanage. It's the only place where she has lived since her mother died when Charlotte was still very young. Then, on her 12th birthday, she is told by Mrs. Thumble that she has to get her belongings and leave. She has been hired to be the lady's maid for Mr. Henderson's wife. They have to leave right away, because they are setting sail on the ship, The Dorchester. Once they shove off, Lottie finds out that she also has to take Mr. Jacks, their dog, for walks. Shortly after setting sail, the ship runs onto a reef during a storm and sinks. Lottie is able to save the dog and straps herself to some barrels. They finally wash up on the beach of an island. While exploring, she smells food cooking and she finds that pirates are also on the same island. When she gets caught trying to steal food, she is placed in the care of the cook. Then her adventure really begins when the local cannibal tribe pays the pirate camp a visit.
Ms. Lowe does a superb job of bring this adventure story to life, with wide array of characters and events that are vividly described. Redface, the cook, puts her to work alongside Jasper, the cabin boy. Suzanne Lowe weaves this adventure tale with enough surprises to keep you on the edge of your seat. The story moves along at a near breakneck pace, and there is no let-up in the action. For a book that really isn't very long, it is by no means short on all of the elements that make this book action packed. I was immediately drawn into the story. The Pirate Princess and the Golden Locket was just a joy to read from beginning to end, and tough to put down. I would love to see this entertaining masterpiece on the silver screen some day. The Pirate Princess and the Golden Locket by Suzanne Lowe is a page-turner for sure. Brava!
Recommend this book:
Neat Freaks
John Arvai III
2019 Honorable Mention
17 Pages
Check current price
Children - Action
Neat Freaks by John Arvai III is an illustrated story in rhyme. It tells what happens when children go to bed at night and don’t clean up after themselves. As this story explains, the Neat Freaks that live in the couch cushions come out to play. They will play with all the toys, racing in the cars and having a great time with all the toys lying around. The trouble is, after they have been playing for a while, they become hungry. And when they get hungry, you wouldn’t believe what they eat! Suffice it to say that when the children wake up in the morning, all their toys are gone.
This is a great way of telling children to tidy up before they go to bed or they may have to face the consequences – which is losing all their toys. If I was a child, this story would have me leaving my room spick and span every night without fail! The thing about this story is that although the Neat Freaks are very naughty, they also have a likable quality about them, and I don’t think a child would feel angry with them but would laugh with and at them. The idea that they are playing and having fun with their toys is quite funny. Loveable rogues, really. The illustrations are simple yet colorful and draw the eye, and the rhyming is fun in telling the tale. This cute story will have children checking the couches every morning for the Neat Freaks, without a doubt.
Recommend this book:
Landon's First Taekwon-Do Lesson
Victor Teran
2019 Finalist
24 Pages
Check current price
Children - Action
Landon is excited about his first Taekwon-Do lesson and there's nothing to worry about. With great classmates to do exercises with him and his own dad as his teacher, Landon will have a blast! He kicks and punches and, once he's finally ready, it's his turn to break a board with a loud "KIAAA!" Now he can rest up, do his practices and stretches, and prepare for his next Taekwon-Do lesson which will hopefully be very soon.
Victor Teran's picture book for children, titled Landon's First Taekwon-Do Lesson, is an absolute delight to read. I appreciate a children's book that not only provides fun pictures and a cute, pleasant story line but inspires children to ask questions and learn. Within these pages kids will learn about different types of kicks, proper etiquette in a dojo, and why you start with a white belt, which even as an adult I found interesting. There's a lot of great content in here and Teran ends it with a sweet passage to kids teaching them to respect their teachers, which I think is an especially valuable lesson that can often be overlooked when the excitement of learning Taekwon-Do is in the forefront of their minds.
This picture book would be a perfect gift to a child or grandchild who is about to start martial arts lessons. Or you can simply use this as a bedtime story by itself. Landon's First Taekwon-Do Lesson is a home run on all fronts from art to writing and I think you'll find this a worthy addition to any child's library.
Recommend this book:
The Assassin's Pact
Flurry the Bear, Book 6
J.S. Skye
2018 Finalist
218 Pages
Check current price
Children - Action
The Assassin's Pact: Flurry the Bear, Book 6 by J.S. Skye is a continuation of the story of Flurry and his family. Before I even begin talking about the novel and the story, let me just say that the covers of this whole series were simply amazing. I am in love with how detailed and descriptive they are. Now on to the story! The story follows Flurry and his friends. It has been two months since they have defeated the evil pirate and his crew. Now all they have to do is find a way back home.
However, finding their way back home is not as easy as they would like to think. It is high time that this furry family starts thinking like a team and think of a way out of this mess. The way back home is paved with danger and dangerous creatures that are intent on destroying them. They are attacked by a group of cats who seem to be working with Isangrim, the wolf. He is a strong villain who is after Flurry. Now, it is up to Flurry to find his way back home and do it without losing or injuring his brothers. Can he do it? Can they all get back home unscathed?
Intense, entertaining and filled to the brim with action, this sixth novel in the series brings the beloved characters back on an adventurous journey. I loved Flurry; his determination and his ability to take charge have improved. He is now more responsible in the face of danger and I loved him for it. Once again, the characters were given page space to grow and become stronger. The villains were believable and Flurry and his furry brothers were adorable. A brilliant story.
Recommend this book:
The Rising Tide
Flurry the Bear, Book 5
J.S. Skye
2018 Honorable Mention
268 Pages
Check current price
Children - Action
Flurry the teddy bear cub had already been through so much, so he couldn't understand why his mom had been so angry when she found him watching a pirate movie. The adventure was PG13, but tame compared to what he had already experienced in the flesh. The fact that he did something called 'pirating' sounded cool, but his mom had explained why it wasn't. But he still didn't get it. He had developed a taste, an addiction, to adventure and even as he settled down to sleep his mind raced with thoughts of adventure, and how he wished he could experience the thrill again. It's well known you should be careful what you wish for, because when he awoke he was still within the comfort of his own bed, but his bedroom was lost - instead he and his plush bear brothers found themselves adrift in the ocean. An ancient evil is rising, led by the nefarious Black Bear'd, the pirate, and it falls to Flurry and his crew to save the day.
Having read The Land of the Sourpie, which is book 2 in the Flurry the Bear series, I was quite eager to see what misadventures our little teddy bear cub encountered this time. I have to say this series just keeps getting better. As much as I enjoyed the second book, book five, The Rising Tide, is my favourite to date. There's action, adventure, pirates, sorcerers, manipulation, epic sea battles, and dark forces all brought together in a rich and vibrant child friendly world - what is there not to like? J.S. Skye writes in a stylistic manner well-tuned to his target audience, whilst ensuring that any adult would also be drawn into the adventure. I honestly can't wait until my son is a little older because these are, without a doubt, going on his reading list. This is a world of imagination, adventure, and hidden lessons, and any parent should be proud to add this book to their child's library. I found the text size, chapter length, and line spacing ideal for younger readers.
Recommend this book:
Monster Problems
Vampire Misfire
R.L. Ullman
2018 Bronze Medal
185 Pages
Check current price
Children - Action
Monster Problems by R.L. Ullman is a stunning story about a young boy named Bram, who has spent most of his life in foster care. But his life changes after he runs away from a foster home and gets attacked by werewolves. Bram soon discovers that monsters are real, and that he is a vampire. He is accepted into the Van Helsing academy, where he can learn about monsters and his powers, as well as make new friends. However, he struggles to use his powers, but with the Dark Ones (the followers of Dracula) on the rise, he'd better learn really quickly. Will Bram be able to put a stop to the Dark Ones?
I absolutely loved Monster Problems by R.L. Ullman. The story is action-packed and fast-paced. The book is well-written, and I liked how it was narrated by Bram, as he has a fun take on things. The characters were all very unique and loveable, as well as great role models as they are brave and smart. The book was very exciting, and I never wanted to put it down. I was hooked by the first page. This book will keep readers wanting to know what will happen next. I liked that some of the chapter titles were puns, and the story is very entertaining and amusing. The plot contains many thrilling and suspenseful scenes that readers will love. The story is very creative, and is an intriguing new take on classic monsters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Monster Problems, and I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.
Recommend this book:
The Kid Who Beat Wall Street and Saved Africa
Complete Edition
Ginger Heller
2018 Silver Medal
267 Pages
Check current price
Children - Action
An intercontinental setting, a brilliant kid, and a world torn apart by greed and war, The Kid Who Beat Wall Street and Saved Africa by Ginger Heller begins with a prologue that follows lanky fourteen-year-old Hakim, saving a boy from kidnappers who turn kids into child soldiers and escaping from them, thanks to his ability to run like the wind and his great swimming skills. A powerful image that evokes the beautiful landscapes of Africa and the misery of the people. But then there is Marco in another world, a twelve-year-old boy who makes over $500,000 in gold mining stock from the comfort of his room. The story gets interesting when it involves pen-pals, and the misery lived by children in Africa because of war. Now Marco has a great plan to make life less miserable for his friends across the world. Follow this tale of adventure, courage, and compassion and discover the difference one caring kid can make in the world.
I’ve read many books for kids, but The Kid Who Beat Wall Street and Saved Africa has no competition. It’s a work apart, intelligently plotted and written to reflect our history and geography, as well as the injustices that children suffer in war-torn countries. Marco is a character that kids will adore, deeply human and compassionate. His sense of adventure is strong and it combines with his visionary spirit to create a character that even grown-ups will love. Ginger Heller’s novel is infused with a lot of wisdom and lessons that can change lives. The contrast in setting, the handling of themes, and the pacing are just few of the elements that will keep readers turning the pages. Deeply moving and hugely entertaining, a story that should be turned into a movie. I just loved it!
Recommend this book:
The Crew Goes Coconuts!
A Captain No Beard Story (Volume 6)
Carole P. Roman
2018 Gold Medal
47 Pages
Check current price
Children - Action
In The Crew Goes Coconuts! A Captain No Beard Story: Volume 6 by Carole P. Roman, readers are taken to a desert island where the ship has dropped its anchor. It is a hot day and the crew is thirsty. They cannot find a pond or a river on the island. They put the blame on Matie the goat, who has had the last juice. They are all angry and Mongo, Polly, and Linus say that they dislike Matie because she talks funny and she smells. Fribbet does not want to take sides. He wants to please everyone. Captain No Beard decides to make the crew say something nice and something not so nice about each of them. They all go to the island because Matie says she has a solution to the drought. What does she do to help the crew to quench their thirst?
This story, like the rest of the books, has a good message for young readers. The illustrations are lively and delightful and readers will love seeing their favorite characters in another setting. Matie the goat is a new character in this story. Do you like her? I like her and the manner in which she helps the crew quench their thirst. The entire series is good for one's personal collection because of the messages it conveys through the stories and the lovable characters that are introduced to young readers. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series to find out what surprises Captain No Beard and his crew have for readers.
Recommend this book:
The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper
Book 3: The Chronicles of the Stone
Fiona Ingram
2017 Honorable Mention
318 Pages
Check current price
Children - Action
The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper: The Chronicles of the Stone, Book 3 is an action and adventure novel for children and young adults written by Fiona Ingram and illustrated by Lori Bentley. Adam, Justin and Kim knew they’d be questing for the third Stone of Power when Aunt Isabel made the arrangements for their travel documentation, but she and archaeologist James Kinnaird had wanted to keep their actual destination a surprise. The three kids were thrilled to discover that they’d be searching for a lost Mayan city buried deep within the Lacandon jungle. They had no idea, however, that the carefully planned expedition would take a sudden turn towards the unexpected when an afternoon’s flyover of the jungle with James piloting their leased plane ended in disaster.
The Cessna had malfunctioned and crashed into a canopy of trees, leaving the three kids hanging upside down from their safety belts and James bleeding and unconscious. Their first priority was to get out of the wrecked plane, which was a matter of some urgency as the fumes that filled the cabin made them increasingly nervous. The trio did make it down to the jungle floor, with a bit of maneuvering, and they were considering how they would get James out of the plane when they realized that they were not alone. Adam couldn’t believe it -- here they were lost in the middle of a vast jungle, one filled with snakes, venomous insects and jaguars, which James had described as apex predators. Even more discomforting, however, were the distinctly humanoid eyes gazing at them from behind a large grove of bushes. Suddenly, tribesmen appeared, garbed in loincloths and adorned with tribal face paint, tattoos and scarring. They were carrying spears, which they didn’t hesitate to use to block Justin when he attempted to stop them from climbing up to where James was still lying in the wrecked plane. The three young teens wondered at the natives who seemed to be ignoring them as they worked to free James and then began to carry him off. Seeing no option other than to follow them, Kim, Adam and Justin decided they’d probably be better off going along with the natives rather than staying alone and without supplies in the jungle. At least, they hoped so.
Fiona Ingram’s action and adventure novel for young adults and preteens drops the reader, along with Justin, Kim and Adam, right into the thick of the action, and I can’t think of a better place for a reader to find himself in. I’ve read the preceding books in this series and find myself more and more impressed with each subsequent volume. While you can read this one on its own, don’t do it. There’s an underlying thread that connects these books that shines out brilliantly as you follow the three adventurers as they meet each challenge and master it. Aunt Isabel and James Kinnaird are marvelous guides and mentors and, under their tutelage, each of the three young characters is seen as they face fears, develop new skills and learn how effective they can be as a team. I was thrilled to learn that this third quest would take place in the Lacandon jungle and that the team would be searching for a lost Mayan city, but I had no idea how detailed and informative this book would be. I especially enjoyed meeting the uncontacted tribe along with Adam, Kim and Justin, and seeing how they interacted with the three marooned kids.
Ingram’s story educates as it entertains. That description might initially put off some prospective readers, but don’t let it. It’s not nearly as ominous as it sounds at first. Each of the books in this series is a learning experience involving interaction with different cultures, history and, yes, adventure -- lots of adventure! Following the tradition of classic adventure writers such as H. Rider Haggard, Jules Verne and Robert Louis Stevenson, Ingram makes the varied locales in which she sets her stories come alive so fully and vibrantly. Seeing her three young heroes grow as they learn, explore and solve the succession of challenges, setbacks and puzzles that come their way, in those far-flung locales, is a grand experience indeed. In The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper, Adam, Justin and Kim find their own individual strengths, and they each come of age in unique and special ways. They complement each other so very well and are truly a team worth watching -- especially in this book where they are, for the most part, on their own. Ingram’s work also highlights the plight of the uncontacted tribes in this area of the world, where commercial and agricultural interests are destroying ages-old cultures and communities.
Looking for a grand adventure series for a child or young adult? Do consider Ingram’s The Chronicles of the Stone series, but bear in mind that these books are grand and illuminating entertainment for adventurers of all ages, including those fortunate adults who still thirst for adventure and the thrill of the undiscovered. I’m so pleased that Ingram’s series revolves around seven Stones of Power and I’m looking forward to books 4 through 7. The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper: The Chronicles of the Stone, Book 3 is most highly recommended.