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:
Ready, Steady SAIL!
J C Perry

2022 Finalist
40 Pages
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Children - Adventure

Hedgehog has made plans to take a sailing trip to three islands. He is busy loading supplies on his vessel when Squirrel overhears his plans. Hedgehog had planned a relaxing trip, but Squirrel finds that boring, so he challenges Hedgehog to a race to the three islands and back. Away Squirrel speeds as Hedgehog takes his time and relaxes. While Squirrel wants to win the race, Hedgehog decides he would rather enjoy the trip as he had intended. Tasting the local food and enjoying the local entertainment meant Hedgehog had a great time. Unfortunately, Squirrel tries to get as far ahead as possible and falls asleep. You will have to read Ready, Steady Sail! by J. C. Perry to find out how Hedgehog saves the day. The race was not crucial to Hedgehog, but friendship was. Friendship is not a competition, but it is one of the most essential things in the world.
Some people forget there is joy in the journey. My wife had to teach me to slow down and enjoy the trip. Some of us think the destination is the critical object. Hedgehog knows how to enjoy the journey. Squirrel is more focused on the goal. Hedgehog has a lot to teach Squirrel through their experience in what Squirrel insisted became a race. Hedgehog took his time and enjoyed the journey. Through a fortunate accident (yes, I said fortunate), Squirrel learns what is important. Life is not about who is fastest, most prosperous, or prettiest. In Ready, Steady Sail! by J C Perry, children will learn that life is about friendship, love, and acceptance. Take time to read this book to and with your children while teaching them the importance of loving others. If you destroy others in your attempt to win, you gain a hollow victory. True victory is working together in acceptance and harmony.
Recommend this book:
Eudora Space Kid
The Great Engine Room Takeover
David Horn

2022 Finalist
96 Pages
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Children - Adventure

Eudora Space Kid: The Great Engine Room Takeover, written by David Horn and illustrated by Talitha Shipman, is a supersonically exciting sci-fi adventure for early readers, set in outer space on the AstroLiner Athena. Especially geared toward elementary school readers who are addicted to dreaming about outer space adventures, the book should appeal to youngsters from a wide range of cultures, as the beings who populate the AstroLiner world, though largely human in emotion, are anything but so in appearance. Eudora, who narrates this adventure, and her sister, Molly, are human kids who were adopted by Wilma Jenkins, a member of a lovable dog-like species named Pox, with “the softest fur of any mom” that Eudora knows, and Max Jenkins, who is a member of an octopus-like species from the planet Pow. Despite their outward features, both parents are human both in heart and mind, and such endearing souls that any young person should feel drawn to them from the very first pages, making the outer reaches of space an extremely welcoming place.
In David Horn’s Eudora Space Kid: The Great Engine Room Takeover, the central heroine, Eudora, makes an outstanding female role model for any young child. With her math and science expertise, she truly is a whizz kid, who is forever trying to prove her worth to those around her. This inevitably lands her in hot water, whereupon she is sent to the brig (jail). Ironically this is actually her home as her mom, who is a lieutenant commander in the Astrofleet, runs the brig on the Athena. Many young girls reading the work will find it especially thrilling when Eudora sets out to prove herself, with her abundant supply of enterprise and sheer gusto for life. An exciting read that is quite different to the majority of early readers that one comes across, Eudora Space Kid: The Great Engine Room Takeover is bound to win the hearts and minds of a new generation of readers, and we can only be pleased that this book is intended as the first in a series of similar works - bring on the rest!
Recommend this book:
Four Bears in a Box
Back to the Beach
Dreama Denver

2022 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
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Children - Adventure

“We might be different, but that’s what makes our friendship so exciting. We can learn from each other.” Clyde’s words are so true and introduce readers to Four Bears in a Box: Back to the Beach by Dreama Denver. He’s the oldest of four bears; the others, Sadie, Dee, and Boo, love to join Clyde on adventures. They’ve just woken up from their long winter’s nap – it’s called hibernation. Now they’re raring to explore some more in their magical box. This time they’re headed back to the beach on the island where the kind man in the red shirt lived. Instead of finding Giggle-in (that’s what the other critters on the island call him), they meet new friends: King Crab and Lovey Turtle. It’s a learning adventure, one that’s full of imagination, diversification, and empathy.
Dreama Denver’s picture book, Four Bears in a Box: Back to the Beach, is full of fun and imagination – just what you want in a read-along bedtime story. The language is simple, so young readers can learn to follow it. The plot follows the four bears' journey back to the beach and the new friends they meet. The dialogue is entertaining and engaging and the illustrations are superb. There are some tender, touching moments as the four young bears interact with each other and their new friends. They learn from one another, just as young readers will also learn from this story. Although this is not an environmental story, there is some suggestion of the need to care for our planet as King Crab explains the purpose of his front legs (or pincers): “I can free them [his sea friends] from plastic and other floating dangers.” A clever insert on the dangers of single-use plastics. This is a delightful little story full of imaginary fantastical adventures.
Recommend this book:
Brandon Goes to Hong Kong - Xiānggǎng (香港)
Eugenia Chu

2022 Bronze Medal
90 Pages
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Children - Adventure

Brandon Goes to Hong Kong - Xiānggǎng (香港), by Eugenia Chu, is an 80-page adventure-filled children’s story starring Brandon and his family who travel to Hong Kong where lots of fun and adventure await. This American-Chinese family is from the States, and they visit relatives in China and travel to different places and learn about China’s wonderful culture. This is the third book I’ve read by Chu and it is by far my favorite. Her writing skills continue to improve with each book she writes, and this one was hard to put down. She mixes the exciting sights that China has to offer, along with a bit of mystery that Brandon is determined to solve. He loves dragons and it seems like they are showing up when he least expects them. Can he solve the mystery before his family has to leave for home?
For me, the most important message that Eugenia Chu gives is one that transcends the daily news bites we receive through the media on a constant basis. We are often given a slanted view of other countries, often based on the political ties or conflicts that exist between nations. And unfortunately, often that is all people are able to process. On the other hand, this book provides a safe passageway to another country, filled with kind people who don’t have strong political motivations that try to influence one against the other. The people are just people, plain and simple. Chu’s ability to bring this to the reader is outstanding, and the positive characters she creates make Brandon Goes to Hong Kong - Xiānggǎng (香港) a shining star and clear winner for readers of all ages. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Chocolate Clouds
A magical journey through a world of chocolate, sweets and all kinds of delicious food.
Marc Remus

2022 Silver Medal
242 Pages
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Children - Adventure

One day in the Gingerbread mansion, a young boy named Henry wakes up to find something horrible has happened; the chocolate clouds have vanished. This causes panic within his family's empire and sparks fear among the workers. Luckily, Henry notices something that his mother failed to see; a trail of chocolate! Henry tries and tries to show his mother, but as always, she ignores him. So with everything on the line, Henry makes the decision to find the chocolate clouds himself, along with the help of his cat Tiger, who can lend his keen sense of smell. Will Henry manage to track down the chocolate clouds and restore what his town has lost? And will Henry be the same boy he once was? Find out in this highly entertaining book, The Chocolate Clouds by Marc Remus.
The Chocolate Clouds was a joy to read. The storyline is engaging and leaves you wanting more. It is written flawlessly and keeps you riveted to every page. Not only is this book fun to read, but it is also educational because it shows what can happen when you eat too many sugary foods. I feel this book will prove to be extremely useful when teaching children about the importance of eating healthily as it shows the benefits through the character of Henry. I loved the illustrations as they are a perfect fit for the book and help bring the characters alive, as well as visually show what eating healthily can do. A lot of thought and effort has gone into The Chocolate Clouds and it is now one of my favorite children's books that I've had the pleasure to read. I urge anyone with or without children to buy a copy, because either way, you will enjoy this wonderful story. Good luck, Marc Remus. I hope to read more of your stories in the future.
Recommend this book:
The Pond of Reflection
Pearls of Wisdom Series Book 1
Catherine Ann Russell, Brooke Connor

2022 Gold Medal
102 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.
