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:
Fraud at Snowfields
Daniel Klock
2016 Finalist
276 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Twelve-year-old Will Burns knows there is no such thing as Father Christmas, but he loves the holiday season for all the other wonderful things it represents. In Fraud at Snowfields by Daniel Klock, Will is amazed the day after Christmas, though, when a surprise guest presents him with an invitation to attend Snowfields – the renowned training school for the highly secret White Christmas Organization, the WCO. Hidden from the rest of the world, Snowfields becomes Will’s home as he and a group of other first-year students learn all about making, storing and distributing Christmas presents and trouble-shooting any problems that would lead to a child’s disappointment. Due to his keen observations and quick thinking, Will stumbles upon a mystery at school that has far reaching effects. Sworn to secrecy, Will helps a task force try to track down the source of illegal magic until everything begins to go wrong on Christmas Eve. Even with everyone helping, can Will and his teachers solve the mystery and prevent the ruin of this Christmas holiday?
For a delightful and entertaining story fit for children who no longer believe in Father Christmas but hold the magic of the holidays in their hearts, Fraud at Snowfields by Daniel Klock is as perfect as the best cookies and hot cocoa. It is easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit as the clever boys and girls go about their lessons and work to make the holiday they love perfect for all children and adults around the world. This book is a delightful mixture of Polar Express and Hogwarts, with plenty of action and a wonderful main character who is clever but not full of himself. It feels like there could be a sequel and I'm sure that it would be well received! This book is truly worth reading, not only for the great story, but for the lessons about generosity, kindness, and dedication to a higher purpose. Well done and thoroughly enjoyable!
Recommend this book:
The FunGkins
The Battle For Halladon
C. Raymond Gray
2016 Finalist
275 Pages
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Children - Adventure
The FunGkins: The Battle For Halladon by C. Raymond Gray is a fantastical tale about FunGkins. This is a magical race of beings that for centuries were enslaved by the evil Leprechauns and forced to mine gold, and suffered many hardships, until they were able to escape. Many of them found their way to America by disguising themselves as rats on board the Mayflower. The story begins with Clara and her family in Pirate's Cove. After picking mushrooms in the forest, Clara's father found a really big one and the FunGkins send Jack One, and Jack Two to retrieve it. It is a special mushroom that contains powerful magic the FunGkins need to supply the magic necessary to maintain their realm. As a reward for helping them, Clara and Aunt Tilly get a tour of the Mushroom Valley. Everything seems wonderful until a tall, dark stranger overhears a tale of little people. When he appears on the Gooday's doorstep, they invite him in. Our heroine, Clara, calls her Aunt Tilly. When Clara spies on him with her magic telescope, she becomes terrified, and sends out a warning to the FunGkins.
The author does an amazing job of describing everything in this tale so vividly that you, as the reader, can picture in your mind as if you are actually there. With all of the splendor, magic and wonder that could put Oz to shame, C. Raymond Gray's story telling reminded me instantly of the great J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. What I really liked was how when our villain appears the writing style became lyrical. By the story's end, you are left hanging in suspense for the next installment. The FunGkins is a wondrous, captivating book that can be enjoyed by all ages. All I can say is ... Wow!
Recommend this book:
Sir Princess Petra's Mission
The Pen Pieyu Adventures, Book 3
Diane Mae Robinson
2016 Honorable Mention
106 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Sir Princess Petra's Mission: The Pen Pieyu Adventures, Book 3 is an epic fantasy and adventure novel for children written by Diane Mae Robinson and illustrated by Michael Bermundo. When Princess Petra is summoned to the royal throne room to appear before her father, the King, she quickly got the idea that the newly enlarged Royal Rule Book and the grin on her father’s face meant she had trouble. Indeed, there was a new royal seal-of-approval mission that she must complete under pain of losing not only her knighthood, but that of Bograt, the bog witch who had been knighted after an earlier royal mission. She is, at least, able to wrest a legal concession from her father on the part of the order that mandates that she travel unaccompanied to the hitherto unexplored land of the Boogy Gobees by citing a previous sealed rule that a knight’s steed and any other knights of the realm would accompany a questing knight on any mission. So, accompanied by Bograt and her dragon friend and steed, Snarls, Sir Petra sets out for unknown parts to capture and bring back a car-panther.
Diane Mae Robinson’s epic fantasy and adventure tale for children, Sir Princess Petra's Mission, is the third book in this original and highly acclaimed series about a princess who’d really rather be a knight. However, readers new to the series will find enough background information in the accompanying synopses of Books One and Two to enable them to enjoy this book on its own. I’d be somewhat surprised, however, if those new readers don’t find themselves planning to read the previous books after finishing this one. Sir Princess Petra is a brilliant role model for both girls and boys who may feel somewhat out of the mainstream with their goals, attitudes and ambitions, and she fulfills that function marvelously. Robinson’s series is also a perfect introduction to epic fantasy for children that is never patronizing and always filled with the imagination, action and adventure that make epic fantasy work so well. Michael Bermundo’s illustrations bring Petra and Snarls to life so well. I loved seeing the variety of expressions on both their faces in the illustrations presented throughout the book. Sir Princess Petra's Mission: The Pen Pieyu Adventures, Book 3 is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Taste of Snow
Stephen V. Masse
2016 Honorable Mention
207 Pages
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Children - Adventure
"The Taste of Snow" by Stephen V. Masse tells the story of Nicole, a young girl in Austria who receives a magical candy cane from a shopkeeper during the Christmas season. Nicole is skeptical at first, but then decides to take the candy cane and begins to think constantly about the idea of magic. After tasting the candy cane, some unusual things begin to happen to Nicole, some of them good and some of them not so good, and Nicole cannot decide whether this is the result of the magical candy cane or nor. Is the candy cane the reason for Nicole’s sudden outbursts? Will the magic that is held in the candy cane be enough to keep Nicole safe through a terrifying night alone in an Austrian blizzard? "The Taste of Snow" follows Nicole through some truly harrowing circumstances, and also celebrates the magic that is Christmas.
"The Taste of Snow" by Stephen V. Masse is a beautiful and well-crafted story. Stephen Masse has a gift for language that is rich but easily understood even by young readers. The reader can easily imagine life in Austria with all its rich holiday traditions. I was drawn to both Nicole, the older and supposedly wiser sister, as well as her younger sister Ashley, who is full of mischief and spirit. Young readers will like Nicole because although she tries hard to do the right thing most of the time, she still makes mistakes and young readers will identify with that. The story is full of vibrant and well-drawn characters, and readers will feel highly compelled to read on to see what awaits Nicole next. "The Taste of Snow" is a wonderful, magical story that introduces readers to a new culture and will leave them rooting for the spunky heroine as she learns about true magic.
Recommend this book:
A Pigeon's Tale
S. A. Mahan
2016 Bronze Medal
290 Pages
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Children - Adventure
In A Pigeon's Tale by S.A. Mahan, a baby pigeon was forced out of the coop before he was ready, into a dark night full of ruthless predators. Away from his family, he flew alone in search of a safe place to call home again. After a very tough journey, he finally found his home with a flock of pigeons in a far away town. Young Squeaker was taken in by the leader of the flock - Old Dude - who would go on to raise him as his own and teach him great life lessons. Under Old Dude's strict orders, Squeaker would later leave his new family in search of a human family. Squeaker's wonderful journey started at old George's farm, to his next pigeon family under Old Dude's protective wing, to his goose family and then to the most exciting chapter with his human family. Come follow the brave pigeon as he learns about life and takes on endless challenges; and be a witness to his mighty role in saving the world from extinction.
A Pigeon's Tale by S.A. Mahan is an immensely inspiring tale about life, love, kindness and courage as seen through the eyes of a mighty brave pigeon. S.A. Mahan's flawless writing brought this beautiful story to life through a style that was fun, natural and just right for the theme. It is amazing how these contrasting characters were blended into one compelling story. The book portrays the most beautiful, most caring and most inspiring relationship between Squeaker and Old Dude, Squeaker and Henry, and then Squeaker and his human family. It was simply incredible the way Old Dude and those after him took the young pigeon under their protective wing like he was their own blood; it is the kind of love I wish existed for the countless abandoned and suffering kids around the world. The story is a one of a kind children's book with great lessons for children and for adults too. From kindness and being good to one another - even to complete strangers - to listening to the wisdom of the elders and believing in God, to sustainable energy, we can all learn a lot from this moving story. A Pigeon's Tale by S.A. Mahan is one of the most flawless and compelling children's books I have read.
Recommend this book:
Jodie and the Library Card
Julie Hodgson
2016 Bronze Medal
144 Pages
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Children - Adventure
The year is 2075 and library cards allow school children to travel through time to witness important historical events firsthand. Young Jodie Broom has a predilection for finding and collecting real books (banned in favor of eReaders) and for using her library card creatively, much to the chagrin of her nemesis, the evil librarian Ms. Noble. In the process of exploring various eras and significant events - including World War II, the sinking of the Titanic, and the Carnation Revolution in Portugal - Jodie learns some of the pitfalls of time travel, solves some formidable problems with the help of her friends Pacman and Kai, and meets a few new friends who help her to find a way to cope with what might well turn out to be the End of the World. The hows, whys, and wheres wait for eager young readers to discover all this in a thrilling adventure that they most assuredly will not be able to put down.
Jodie and the Library Card by Julie Hodgson is a highly imaginative, utterly enchanting fantasy for “tween” readers. Jodie’s adventures teach important values, morals, and personal accountability in a painless and thoroughly engaging way. Julie Hodgson has drawn finely detailed and richly layered characters, so real that they seem to pop right off the page. Jodie’s futuristic world and her firsthand encounters with history will enthrall, educate, and entertain readers of all ages in ways few modern writers have mastered.
Jodie and the Library Card by Julie Hodgson is a consummate page-turning adventure, replete with all of the requisite hair-raising moments and plot twists characteristic of the finest classic children’s literature. Jodie Bloom is a perfectly conceived and impeccably crafted heroine for young readers longing to sort out their own place in a complicated and rapidly changing world. This is a must-read fantasy for young readers, offering real-world wisdom and ideal opportunities for meaningful discussions about important life skills and life lessons.
Recommend this book:
Sophie and Scottie's Adventures of the Monarch Mystery
The Adventures of Sophie and Scottie - Volume 1
Cindy C Murray
2016 Silver Medal
160 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Sophie and Scottie's Adventures of the Monarch Mystery: The Adventures of Sophie and Scottie - Volume 1 by Cindy C Murray is a fascinating story that revolves around the adventures of Sophie and Scottie. The 10,000 acre Shear Heaven Ranch is an ideal place for Sophie and Scottie to grow up. It's summertime now and they are hoping it's going to be fun and exciting. Scottie has a feeling that this holiday is going to be different from others. It begins with Aunt Jill's special gift that tells them that it will show them many new places. Will Sophie and Scottie decide to jump into the magical crystal frame and travel to another land?
This story, filled with mystery and adventure, will enthrall kids and tell them about the Mexican culture and places. The excitement of the two girls while eagerly opening their gift and watching the changes in the frame is palpable to readers. All the characters woven into the story line, along with Scottie and Sophie, are exciting. The book has everything that will attract young readers - action, mystery, adventure, and lots of interesting facts about Mexico. The narration is detailed and vivid and it also teaches children to believe in themselves, have perseverance, and how to take care of the environment. It's a fun read with good pace and movement. The teamwork of Sophie and Scottie will encourage many children to work as a team. The story is magical and enchanting and that's what makes it appealing to readers.
Recommend this book:
Circulus de Potentia
Magicae Mathematica Book 2
Jim West
2016 Gold Medal
232 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Circulus de Potentia is a magical children’s fantasy adventure written by Jim West, and it forms book two of the Magicae Mathematica series. In a world where magic is derived from the archaic patterns and symbols of Latin and Mathematics, our young hero Alex has already been through plenty of adventures with the great Archimedes (see book one, Libellus de Numeros). Now, a terrifying new challenge awaits as Alex witnesses the Circulus de Potentia in use, an incredible golden band which gives its wearer unbeatable powers. Amid a fantasy world filled with labyrinths, deadly creatures and dark woods, Alex must meet a brand new wizard – the inimitable Pythagoras – in order to solve the riddle and put a stop to the chaos all around her.
Author Jim West has taken an incredibly brave risk to base a story for children on the complex principles of ancient Greek mathematics, but it really pays off in Circulus de Potentia. The vivid depiction of philosophers and forward thinkers as real characters in a visceral fantasy world makes all the difference as readers watch their incredible minds figuring out the problems that lie ahead. Alex tips this balance perfectly as a quirky youngster who is keen to learn the answers and put them to practical use, realising that their principles are what stops the whole world falling apart. Overall, this short novel packs a huge wallop of content with brilliant description, stellar character development and a highly unique and educational plot line for readers of all ages.
Recommend this book:
A Wild Ride
The Adventures of Misty & Moxie Wyoming
Niki Danforth
2015 Finalist
193 Pages
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Children - Adventure
A Wild Ride: The Adventures of Misty and Moxie Wyoming by Niki Danforth centers on Moxie Wyoming who is turning ten. She had always wanted to be like Granny Rose and imagined herself barrel racing and winning first prize, just as Granny Rose had done long ago. On her birthday she got a horse, but Misty was not what she expected. Misty had a sway back, was more than thirty years old, and reigned as the queen of the herd. In her day she would always be out front, leading the herd back to the corral, but now she was retired from the Darwin Ranch near Jackson. One day Moxie and her best friend, Pickle, heard about some wild Mustangs in the surrounding areas. She and Pickle embarked on an adventure to find out more about these wild Mustangs. In the meantime, Moxie began to learn more about Misty. One day she discovered that Misty is no ordinary horse; she has magical powers. Misty, Moxie and Pickle decide to work together to see how they can help free the wild Mustangs ... and the adventure begins.
A Wild Ride: The Adventures of Misty and Moxie Wyoming by Niki Danforth is a great children’s book because it takes you to another world, from ranch life to Misty the magical horse. I also like how Niki provided some illustrations to help tell the story. These illustrations help you to better visualize the essence of A Wild Ride. This book is ideal for those readers who also want to learn more about some of the elements of ranching.
Recommend this book:
Baffin's Desire for Fire
Dragonasaurus Tales
Josephine Young
2015 Honorable Mention
50 Pages
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Children - Adventure
Baffin’s Desire for Fire is another wonderful book in the Dragonasaurus Tales by Josephine Young. Uncle Max is cooking his sausage by blowing fire on it through his nose, and Baffin wants his marshmallow toasted. Grouchy Uncle Max refuses and tells Baffin to do it himself. Baffin tries, but his nose only blows smoke. He packs a bag and heads off to Fire Mountain to see a magic bird who will fix his nose. But danger looms as he approaches Trembly Woods. It’s the home of the grotesque Grong. This foul, smelly monster has the head of a wolf and the feet of a chicken. Baffin doesn’t know about the monster and continues his journey. He is ambushed by the Grong who thinks Baffin will make a fine meal. Baffin wants to escape, but can he overpower the Grong who is bigger than him?
I read Baffin’s Desire for Fire to a child and he loved the story! The book is from a terrific series called Dragonasaurus Tales by Josephine Young. Baffin is half dragon, half dinosaur, hence the name “Dragonasaurus.” It just shows how imaginative the author can be, and how talented she is. This is the second book in the series I have read and I love the story which is written in an amusing rhyming format. You really get good visuals from the story as it is is very descriptive. The characters came to life, and the lovely illustrations enhanced the plot. I recommend this great series for kids.