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 Pond of Reflection
Pearls of Wisdom Series Book 1
Catherine Ann Russell, Brooke Connor
2022 Gold Medal
81 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Princess Journee is a little mouse with a big mission. In The Pond of Reflection (Pearls of Wisdom Series Book 1), written by Catherine Ann Russell and illustrated by Brooke Connor, the princess lives with her royal father. He abhors shallowness and has forbidden mirrors in the peaceful kingdom so that no one will be self-conscious about their appearance. The internal person, the “inside-out,” is of greater importance. But Journee doesn’t know what she looks like and feels she doesn't know enough about herself even though she is aware that the external does not define her. For her birthday, she goes on a quest, traveling through the kingdom with three friends in search of the Pond of Reflection, which can serve as a mirror since the kingdom has none.
With a pristinely flowing narrative and quirky characterization, The Pond of Reflection (Pearls of Wisdom Series Book 1) has a lot of charismatic strength, and the story never falters. A moral fable at its finest, it springboards off a Bible verse, Proverbs 27:19, to build a winsome story about finding true self-respect. It's a beautiful, high-quality fantasy story about a set of four close-knit animal friends who quietly meander through an enchanted countryside and discover life together. A splendid yet understated interior of illustrations and decorative page design makes this book perfect for little readers to savor and read over and over. Catherine Ann Russell’s book is the sort of story I loved to read as a child and I'm sure many young people today will enjoy it too because it depicts the world of children, what they need, and what preoccupies them so sympathetically.
Recommend this book:
When The Sky Roars
Katie Weaver
2022 Gold Medal
31 Pages
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Children - Adventure
When The Sky Roars, written and illustrated by Katie Weaver, is about a boy who didn’t like thunderstorms because they spoiled his activities. They also scared him. He decides to investigate the source of the thunder, hoping he can put an end to the roaring sound. Our young hero takes to the skies, but to his surprise finds fantastical people and creatures. He also finds the source of thunder, at least in a way that satisfies him. Weaver’s book is written in rhymes, such as “I remember that time while with Gramps in the park, large gray clouds moved in fast and the sky became dark.” The book also includes a recipe for “Four Berry Crumb Pie,” which serves “one medium size dinosaur.” Weaver herself illustrated the book with some evocative pictures.
My children would have liked When The Sky Roars when they were young. Author Katie Weaver doesn’t specify an age group that the book is intended for, but I think those under five would get the most enjoyment from it. The rhymes are cute and never forced, and children will find them memorable. Weaver’s illustrations show that she is multi-talented and the images fit the book's quirky ideas perfectly. I laughed out loud at one of the creatures that the boy found as he investigated thunder’s source. I won’t say what the boy learns about why the sky roars because I don’t want to spoil the story, but I will say that author Katie Weaver has a wonderful sense of humor and knows exactly how to appeal to children.
Recommend this book:
A Little Noble
Janet R. Macreery
2021 Honorable Mention
200 Pages
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Children - Adventure
A Little Noble by Janet R. Macreery is a historical fiction story that follows a young teen protagonist, Mercy Laroche, as she travels through Scotland after being dispatched to deliver her uncle's message to a Mr. Kingsnot Silver. Abandoned by her chaperone following a tragic accident that literally had Mercy flying from her coach, she is found by a boy of the same age, Calum, as she attempts to collect herself for whatever is to come. Mercy is bent on completing the mission to ensure the destiny of her own family and is forced to rely on Calum to assist her in finding the nobleman, for whom she only has a name, making their way through the 17th-century highlands and placing them at the real mercy of nature, clans, and the devastating history that Calum himself has endured.
A Little Noble is a well-written book with an extensive display of historical detail that Janet R. Macreery delivers with panache. Mercy is not an immediately likable character, whether this is by design or is just my own personal opinion. She's headstrong and intelligent, aspects of her personality that serve her well as the story progresses, but she also has the defiant and frequently ornery outbursts that make her relatable as a teenager but sometimes put her at odds with the authenticity of the century she inhabits. I'm perfectly comfortable with this and felt it appropriate, even welcome, as Calum is able to counterbalance Mercy for a perfect pairing. This is an excellent adventure story that takes place in a gorgeously depicted landscape that is a great fit in the middle-grade genre.
Recommend this book:
The One Great Gnome
Jeff Dinardo
2021 Bronze Medal
128 Pages
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Children - Adventure
The One Great Gnome is a children’s book written by Jeff Dinardo and illustrated by Jhon Ortiz. The story starts with an 11-year-old girl from bustling Manhattan, New York City, called Sarah. Sarah recently moved to a small town known as Hadley in Connecticut. She was not keen on the move, stepping outside her own comfort zone. However, her efforts to avoid the major move were all for naught, and she found herself in an old farmhouse. Little did anyone know, deep under the grounds of Hadley was a township of gnomes. Join Sarah on an adventure of a lifetime when she befriends a garden gnome and fights off evil trolls to keep her gnome friends safe. It will definitely be a journey that you will never forget!
Jeff Dinardo has outdone himself with The One Great Gnome, which is easily one of the most memorable storybooks out of the vast selection within the children’s fiction genre. Jeff’s writing is very descriptive, which captivated and transported me instantly into Sarah’s world along with the exciting adventures with the gnomes! I truly enjoyed the twists and turns of Sarah’s journey in saving her friends. The One Great Gnome also teaches the important lesson of adapting to changes and new environments, as reflected in Sarah’s own situation. Sarah is a prime example to young readers that we should always be open-minded to new experiences within our lives, leave our comfort zones, try out new things, and meet new friends.
Recommend this book:
Gramps & Me in the Galaxy
Anna Lamson
2021 Silver Medal
43 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Gramps & Me in the Galaxy by Anna Lamson is a colorful and whimsical book for children. The story is told by a little boy and the adventure he solved with Gramps. While traveling the galaxy, the King of Mars asks for their help. A hideous monster from Neptune is making its way toward Mars and from there the whole galaxy. As they travel to Neptune, they meet many curious creatures that plant seeds of fright in the grandson’s mind. Gramps understands the active thoughts of children and the doubts they have of the unknown. The young grandson is in charge of Gramps’ briefcase that holds mysterious supplies. Do they have what they need to defeat this dreadful monster?
Anna Lamson writes in a poetic rhythm that will enthrall parents and children alike. Gramps & Me in the Galaxy will have children mesmerized with the creative pictures and funny situations in which the grandfather and grandson find themselves. The variety of creatures ignites an inventive imagination. This is a book that children will request continually and would make a splendid gift to youngsters. Other than the flow of the words, my favorite part was the Kung Fu fighting cat. It made me laugh every time I came to that part. This book is an excellent start to more adventures with Gramps. Every good children’s book is characterized by the illustrator’s creativity and technique. David Stedmond turned Gramps & Me in the Galaxy into a distinguished work that emphasized the skill of the author by blending the pictures with the characters.
Recommend this book:
The Search for the Scepter
Julie Dinges
2021 Silver Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Two young princesses, Rosalie and Scarlet, are awakened one night when a thief breaks in and steals the King’s scepter! These two girls find their courage when they see a clue pointing them in the direction the thief may have gone. Genies and mermaids, wizards, and unicorns are just a few of the helpful beings that Rosalie and Scarlet encounter on their quest. Despite the mystical beings offering help to the two young princesses, they always seem to be one step behind the thief. Will princesses Rosalie and Scarlet be able to get the scepter back to its rightful owner? The Search for the Scepter by Julie Dinges is an enchanting tale that will bring a bit of magic into your home.
As a frequent reader of children’s literature, I am always pleased to see rhyme so excellently executed. Author Julie Dinges has created a beautiful story about two young princesses, Rosalie and Scarlet, who set out to do the right thing, even though it’s a little scary. Children’s books often incorporate elements of magic and wonder, but few do so as beautifully as The Search for the Scepter. Rosalie and Scarlet encounter many mystical beings during their search for the elusive thief, all of which are wonderfully designed and uniquely imaginative. The illustrations, done by Nazar Horokhivskyi, colorfully bring the story to life. Julie Dinges has created a one of a kind work in The Search for the Scepter, and I look forward to seeing if Rosalie and Scarlet find themselves in more adventures in future books. Well done!
Recommend this book:
Mission: CONTROL!
A Big Feelings Adventure
Nan Arkwright
2021 Gold Medal
39 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Joseph is busy watching TV with his dog Gretchen. While he is having fun, his mother interrupts and says it is bedtime. Joseph reacts as many children do with pitching a tantrum. Nan Arkwright in her book Mission: Control! shares how Joseph learns to control his anger and his emotions in general. Joseph’s mother responds to Joseph’s anger in a positive and helpful manner. Her calmness in the storm is contagious and helps lead to calmness in Joseph. Sit down with your child, snuggle up close, and read this wonderful little book to your child. Joe Bauman does a fantastic job of illustrating each page of this book.
Mission: Control! A Big Feelings Adventure gives insights on how to teach your child to control their feelings (control, not bury them). As a parent, you will see a wonderful way to handle conflict. You can use this book as a tool to open communication with your child that leads to peace in the home. Nan Arkwright has written a treasure in Mission: Control! As a pediatric occupational therapist, she has years of helping children learn to control their emotions with the help of their parents. Children will love hearing and reading about Joseph’s adventure as he learns to control his anger. They will love the wonderful artistic work by Joe Bauman. Nan knows how to deal with children in a loving and kind way, to teach them about emotions and how to deal with them. This book opens a myriad of possibilities for the parent to explore feelings with their child(ren).
Recommend this book:
The Secret of the Magic eyePad
Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures–Book 1
Marsha Tufft
2021 Gold Medal
232 Pages
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Children - Adventure
The Secret of the Magic eyePad by Marsha Tufft is a beautifully written story for fourth to sixth graders, featuring an interesting female protagonist: Putney Hicks. She is an imaginative twelve-year-old girl with a magic eyePad, an aspiring artist who is worried sick over her move to an experimental STEM school. Apart from other worries, there is Sue Wexford, the girl who taunts her, and this time around, she might end up in a far worse situation with her. But can Sam, her magic mentor, be of any help? There is a lot of fun in this book. The fact that the protagonist has to move to a new town is already a huge challenge for a youngster like Putney. This means she has to make new friends and start again all over, and there are things to get scared about with the unfamiliar terrain.
Marsha Tufft does an incredible job of writing about science, curiosity, and self-discovery. Creating Sam, the friend and mentor who appears as a hologram, brings some magic into the story and expands the world of the protagonist. I loved the way they get to know each other. There is something magical in this book and readers will enjoy that part of the story. But the part about product design is written in a fun way and packed with information and insight that will fuel the problem-solving skills of young readers and ignite their imaginations. The Secret of the Magic eyePad is written in the first-person narrative and it is a humorous voice that reflects the thoughts and feelings of a young character. It is filled with fun activities, interesting characters, and lessons on solving problems. It is as realistic as it is magical.
Recommend this book:
Beverlee Beaz the Brown Burmese
Regan W. H. Macaulay
2020 Finalist
46 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Beverlee Beaz the Brown Burmese by Regan W. H. Macaulay is a story about an imaginative brown Burmese cat. Everything she sees becomes something even more amazing. For example, a black and orange butterfly becomes a parrot and her meadow becomes an emerald-colored jungle. Her imagination takes her all over the world and lets her see many wonderful creatures. But sometimes her imagination gets her into trouble. Beverlee’s imagination takes a form that Beverlee can see and touch.
Author Regan W. H. Macaulay was in the sixth-grade when author Emily Hearn visited as a guest instructor and guided Macaulay’s class through an assignment where they each created picture storybooks by hand. Macaulay's story has changed quite a bit since then, but that was the beginning of Beverlee’s adventures. Thanks to Alex Zgud’s drawings, the young reader can see what Beverlee sees. If it’s real for Beverlee, it’s real on the pages. This probably isn’t a bed-time story because after seeing Beverlee Beaz’s imagination at work, children will want to talk about the fun they have with their own imaginations.
In this tale, Beverlee’s imagination gets her into trouble in the real world. The coolest thing is that the cat, Beverlee Beaz, doesn’t seem to figure out where the world stops and her imagination begins. The combination of real-world and imaginary animals leads to a dramatic rescue at the end, which wouldn’t have been possible without Beverlee Beaz’s imagination. After making sure this adventurous cat is safe, the animals discuss the fun of imagination, too.
Recommend this book:
Oink and Gobble and the Men in Black
Norman Whaler
2020 Honorable Mention
28 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Oink and Gobble and the Men in Black is a children’s picture book written by Norman Whaler and illustrated by Mohammad Shayan. Oink the pig and Gobble the turkey are the best of friends on the farm at Little Bottom. When strange men (both dressed as Men in Black) arrive after an unusual event had taken place, the animals investigate the event. During this investigation (unbeknownst to the Men in Black), Oink and Gobble speculate what the unusual event may have been, as well as look into what the Men in Black are up to. After looking too suspicious, Oink and Gobble return to the farm after which a shocking and hilarious truth finally reveals itself.
I very much enjoyed the humor in this delightfully entertaining tale. The ironic ending had me both laughing and in shock, which does not happen very often. I believe it is the talented Norman Whaler’s writing style which kept me immersed in the story from beginning to end, with each turn of the page leaving me wondering which exciting details were about to be discovered next. Oink and Gobble definitely make such an unlikely pairing of best friends, but their detective skills are quite hilarious, as is their ability to blend in with the background. Readers will find themselves turning each page with a smile and laughter as Oink and Gobble get themselves into deeper and deeper trouble with the farm’s visiting duo. I highly recommend Oink and Gobble and the Men in Black for younger audiences aged from 5-12, not only as a book to be read to them, but it would also be ideal as a book for beginners to practice fun reading skills on their own.