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:
The Crafter
The Mysterious Game
Dan Sugralinov
2024 Finalist
178 Pages
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Children - Adventure
The Crafter: The Mysterious Game by Dan Sugralinov is a kids’ sci-fi fantasy story. When Kenny arrived in Kansas after living in New York, he expected to find a sleepy town. What he got was something completely different. His life suddenly becomes a game, but it’s nothing like the on-screen games he loves to play. Not only does he have to beat the monsters in the game, but he also has to beat the monsters and bullies he meets in real life. With Whiskers, his cat, by his side and some new-found friends, Kenny feels he can face anything. Every move must score him the maximum points, but it’s also about finding a place in a brand new world, one that will test him to his gaming limits.
The Crafter: The Mysterious Game by Dan Sugralinov is LitRPG at its best and well-aimed at its target audience. This is more than just a role-playing fantasy game, though. It also teaches kids about dealing with real-world experiences, such as a parent leaving or bullies in the schoolyard. It’s about having confidence in yourself and learning how to make friends and work as a team. The book is written in easy-to-follow language with some wonderfully developed characters that most kids, especially gamers, will find easy to relate to. It’s a combination of coming-of-age and fantasy with a narrative that perfectly fits both the real and gaming worlds. There is plenty of action to keep kids interested, and it’s a really inspiring read for them. This is the first in The Crafter series and is a great start. Looking forward to reading the next one.
Recommend this book:
Loris Opens Up His Heart
An Emotional Story For Kids
Dagmara Sitek
2024 Honorable Mention
52 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Cam and Inaya are promoting a charity run to raise money for their friend, Susie, who is recovering from open heart surgery. A new foster brother, Loris, joins their foster home, but he’s too distant and reserved to open up and share in the experience of working together for the common good. In Dagmara Sitek’s Loris Opens Up His Heart, a deeper meaning of open heart surgery emerges as Loris must share his frightening past to find his healing and, hopefully, find some good friends in the process. Loris joins the foster family, but his heart just isn’t ready to accept care, compassion, and love. That’s why he wears a hoodie all the time: to cower and hide. Can he find a way to leave the cocoon he’s created? Can he trust the world again and find the courage to love and be loved?
Dagmara Sitek’s picture book, Loris Opens Up His Heart: An Emotional Story For Kids, is a gentle, soothing, and sometimes sad story about a young foster child who came from a troubled background. The story is told like a graphic novel, complete with bubbles to identify who’s talking and allow the conversation to carry the plot. The plot includes loving, caring characters as well as contrasting mean bullies. There are some difficult issues addressed in this story, particularly child abuse, foster care, and bullies. The author expertly weaves a tender story out of these troubling blights in today’s society. The illustrations are bright, bold, and colorful and help move the story along. Young readers will be cheering on Cam and Inaya as they try to win the charity race, and also Loris who not only runs steadfastly to win but struggles to overcome his difficult past in the process. Beautiful story, yet powerful and raw.
Recommend this book:
Sunday Rain
Lantana Global Picture Books
Rosie J. Pova, Amariah Rauscher
2024 Bronze Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Sunday Rain (Lantana Global Picture Books) written by Rosie J. Pova and illustrated by Amariah Rauscher is a fun and imaginative picture book for young children. A young boy called Elliott moves into a new home with his mum and dad. Elliott likes to spend his time reading adventurous books and getting lost in them. One day, Elliott is reading a rather exciting book about a princess, but what Elliott soon realizes is that there is an adventure to be had outside. After a storm settles, Elliott looks out of his window and sees some children playing in the rain. Will Elliott embark on a new adventure and make some friends in the process? Find out in this book.
Sunday Rain (Lantana Global Picture Books) is a book children are going to love and learn from. It is short, sweet, and entertaining throughout. I loved the title. Children will enjoy reading about Elliott's adventures and learn to have the courage to step outside their comfort zone. I'm certain it will inspire them to pursue new friendships and to go and have fun in the rain from time to time. The writing by the talented Rosie J. Pova is professional, simple, and more importantly, fun! Amariah Rauscher's illustrations are colorful and vibrant and will attract the attention of young readers from the moment they see the cover. I know children far and wide will love reading this wonderful book. Keep up the great work, Rosie and Amariah. I hope to read more soon.
Recommend this book:
The Adventures of Dori
A Rescue Pup
Kathleen Conway and Juanita Ellis
2024 Silver Medal
34 Pages
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Children - Adventure
The Adventures of Dori: A Rescue Pup is a heartwarming children's picture book written by Kathleen Conway and Juanita Ellis, with illustrations by TullipStudio. The story revolves around Dori, who is a lovely white puppy living in a cozy cottage by the sea. Dori enjoys spending her days playing and running around the beach with her friends, Benito and Jillian. One day, while playing on the beach, the trio discovers a starfish that needs help. The starfish's limb is trapped in a bottle, and it cannot free itself. Dori and her friends immediately spring into action to rescue the poor creature and release it back into the sea. The incident leaves Dori feeling uneasy, and she decides to team up with her friends and other beachgoers to clean up the trash polluting the beach and the sea.
The Adventures of Dori: A Rescue Pup by Kathleen Conway and Juanita Ellis is a delightful book that teaches children about the importance of environmental protection and helping others in need. Through Dori's adventures, young readers are inspired to be mindful of their surroundings and experience the joy of friendship and working together. The characters are cute and beautifully depicted in the colorful illustrations. I particularly appreciated the tiny details, such as the different colored collars that distinguish Dori and her friends. The book also raises awareness about animal rescue and protection, which is a worthy cause to champion and support. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend adding it to your children's reading collection.
Recommend this book:
Sandy the Service Dog
Lost in a Hurricane (The Adventures of Sandy the Service Dog)
Michelle M. Deyarmin
2024 Gold Medal
39 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Sandy is a service dog. Her little girl, Shelby, has epilepsy and Sandy’s job is to watch over Shelby and warn others when Shelby is about to have a seizure. Sandy can sense when a seizure is coming on. And, with her training, she’s a very special type of dog. But there’s a hurricane coming and living in southern Florida is never safe during a hurricane. In the family’s escape efforts, they board a boat and Shelby’s younger brother, Luke, is swept away. Sandy’s the only one who can save him. She jumps into the water and manages to save Luke before he drowns. Only, in her efforts, Sandy is swept away. She is tossed about and finally finds herself in strange territory, alone and scared. When the storm passes, Sandy meets other creatures, including a dog, Max, who helps her find her way home.
Michelle M. Deyarmin’s early chapter book story, Sandy the Service Dog: Lost in a Hurricane (The Adventures of Sandy the Service Dog), is a compassionate story that will appeal to all young readers. The story introduces the strong bond between a service dog and the one he or she cares for. It also addresses issues like bullying and fear and risking all to help others. The story is told in the first person, from Sandy’s point of view. There is lots of dialogue to help carry this story along and the simple sketches provide a visual aspect to the story. The characters and setting are well developed and described and the plot is well constructed. A charming story of survival and dedication.
Recommend this book:
Maya Moves to a New Country
Pearl Gifty Alimo
2023 Finalist
42 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Maya Moves to a New Country by Pearl Gifty Alimo is a story about remaining optimistic when things change. Maya is apprehensive about moving to Japan, her new country. However, she finds ways to alleviate her fears. The book contains beautifully detailed pictures that show how Maya feels. Her journey starts with the news that she and her family are moving. Maya gets support from her parents and her class teacher. As she learns, she becomes more confident, and her anxiety changes to excitement, contentedness, and then amazement. There are many fun things to see and experience in Japan. She discovers the Japanese language and new places. The ending shows how well Maya has settled into her new home.
Pearl Gifty Alimo has provided a powerful resource. It teaches us about maintaining positive viewpoints at a potentially challenging time. I loved the way the illustrations show the anxiety on Maya's young face so vividly, while the corresponding captions capture the moment perfectly. The large and small text is perfect for expressing emotions to young readers. There are plenty of double spreads that younger children will especially enjoy. The dialogue is suitable for adults and children, making it an enjoyable read for more than one occasion. Maya Moves to a New Country by Pearl Gifty Alimo is a worthwhile book to keep handy. The book aims to help young children whose families are in the military, although the message is universal and encourages readers to look for the best in anything.
Recommend this book:
Pack of the Lost
The Uninviting Forest
Nikita Kapoor
2023 Honorable Mention
179 Pages
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Children - Adventure
The Uninviting Forest by Nikita Kapoor is the first book in the Pack of the Lost series. Living within a small, crooked mountain is a pack of majestic wolves facing the collapse of the cave they call home. The loss of their home separates the pack with two of them - Daffodil and Jasper - becoming lost in the dangerous forest. The two wolves are determined to stay together but when the forest separates them, they embark on adventures that bring them up against many dangers and even shocking betrayals from those they once trusted. As they work to survive the dangers of the forest, they make a surprising discovery when they find a mysterious amulet that connects to their ancestors and Daffodil faces inner darkness.
The dangerous forest is the setting with many dangers that serve as obstacles for the two wolves to overcome. Perseverance is an important theme within their journey in how each wolf keeps moving forward, regardless of the threats they face. A central element in their journey is the concept of starting over. Daffodil is slowly learning responsibility and what a leader does, but this lesson comes with an internal conflict as she’s facing a growing darkness within.
A poignant undertone is incorporated into the story in the phrasing of dialogue such as waiting for the leaders that await us and letting your worries become raindrops that fall away. Magic is underneath the journey, starting with the discovery of an amulet that connects them to their ancestors which in turn connects them to their past. Nikita Kapoor’s style is poetic in how the perspectives of these animals are captured and create a story that is appealing to all ages. The writing is stunning with visuals that capture the reality the wolves are facing. The Uninviting Forest comes to life with beautiful writing that weaves a story about facing inner darkness, survival, leadership, betrayal, and strength.
Recommend this book:
Find Me In Time
Meeting Columbus
L.T. Caton
2023 Bronze Medal
97 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Find Me In Time: Meeting Columbus by L.T. Caton starts with a harmless game of hide-and-seek that turns into a magical time for young kids, discovering something so amazing as a tree house that hides cool tricks to encourage kids to create their adventures. With a magical tree to ride through time in, the possibilities of discovery are nearly endless. But there’s no telling where they will wind up or who they will meet on their journeys. Can they time-travel in this strange tree? Is the time-traveling tree real, imaginary, or something magical? Where should they go? What if something goes wrong? How will they get back?
Find Me In Time is a wildly entertaining story that will keep kids paying attention to every page as they tour history in a brand-new way. The young group of kids traveling in the tree house learns so much more than what a specific place in time looked like. You will be encouraged to learn more about history, like the children in the story. L.T. Caton is either a history buff or has spent some serious time researching the places, times, and history that happen in each location. The story flows smoothly from beginning to end as we are transported through time with the kids while holding on tight for whatever adventure Caton has planned in the following chapters. I highly recommend it to those who are adventurous or who enjoy history. I hope to see many more stories like this in the future.
Recommend this book:
Unicorn for a Day
Golan Vaknin, Margaret Breen (Illustrator)
2023 Silver Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Do you believe in unicorns and dragons and magical creatures? What would life be like if we didn’t believe? That’s what imagination is for – to create these mythical creatures in our minds and enjoy extraordinary adventures. That’s what happened to Abigail and her dad in Unicorn for a Day by Golan Vaknin. A walk home from school took them to a toy store where Abigail finds a magic umbrella that she must have. The umbrella appears to be taking them on a grand adventure when a small white dog rushes past and leads them into the magical forest. At least, it appears magical. Abigail believes she is a unicorn and her dad is her knight and the little white dog is a baby dragon that has injured itself. Dad, the knight, heals the dog’s injured paw and helps Abigail and the dog finish their adventure, find the dog’s owner, and make their way home. But the adventure isn’t over yet. The storm has ended and what do you think etched a ribbon of multiple colors across the sky? Isn’t imagination wonderful?
Golan Vaknin’s picture book Unicorn for a Day is a fun-tastic adventure full of magic and plenty of imagination. Told in simple language with lots of dialogue, this story will appeal to early readers as they can read along easily. Margaret Breen’s bright, bold, colorful illustrations add to the story and help move the plot forward. Each picture has so much detail that young readers will want to spend time studying everything they see. The story is full of fantasy mixed with reality and highlights the fond relationship between a little girl and her father. It promotes the importance of spending time with children and nurturing the love of reading with regular storytime together and enjoying the power of imagination.
Recommend this book:
Aboard the Time Line
Bastian Gregory
2023 Gold Medal
162 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Aboard the Time Line by Bastian Gregory concerns Pete, a young boy who begins his adventures in the classroom. At first, he felt so bored that he believed time was standing still. When he discovered that everything had indeed stopped, he decided to investigate. This was the beginning of a series of fantastic events. He met a dinosaur named Reginald Raptor, and together they embarked on a journey through the Time Line, but with a difference. It was an ancient railway system that made it possible to travel between various locations and across timelines, so they could visit places like ancient Greece or Victorian London. Along the way, Pete made new friends whom he helped as he attempted to resolve his situation. He must also confront the fearsome demons of a world he is just getting to know.
Aboard the Time Line is a fantasy with many historical references. Young readers will be entertained and find the story educational. Bastian Gregory has a creative mind, describing settings in detail as well as all kinds of different creatures. I admired Pete because he represents the virtue of friendship. Even when he is concerned that he can't solve a problem, he does everything he can to help others and never gives up. He moves from one adventure to another, providing fascinating reading. In some parts, the events seem to flow too quickly, but the story remains easy to follow. The book has simple but imaginative illustrations that help you participate in a journey where everything is possible.