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 - Science/Technology
- 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:
Heavenly Kids
Jeff Orlowski

2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Christian

Heavenly Kids by Jeff Orlowski centers on three young angels—Lucy, Alvin, and Everett—assigned to help Jayden Zielinski, a 12-year-old boy having trouble emotionally following his parents' divorce. Jayden’s insecurities, made worse by issues with his basketball teammates and his father, who is also his coach, manifest in various missteps, including an unfortunate incident where he is persuaded to do something very naughty. Reconciling himself to what he has done, his regret kicks in, especially after he becomes lost in the woods while searching for a missing dog. The angels support Jayden as he works through the physical and emotional trials in the forest. Through their guidance, Jayden begins to understand his mistakes, make amends, and develop resilience, gaining a deeper understanding of forgiveness and love, especially within his fractured family.
Heavenly Kids by Jeff Orlowski does such a lovely job of addressing childhood hardship through the eyes of young angels. The story’s strength lies in its warm, engaging writing that draws readers into Jayden's world. Orlowski’s characters are uniquely well-developed for a piece of children's literature, with the angels’ playful yet thoughtful personalities offering a deliberate contrast to Jayden’s hardships. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of trouble and tenderness folded appropriately into the arc. As a parent, I completely appreciate a story that addresses a child's pain at changes beyond his control and not fully understanding the consequences of one's actions. I love that perseverance, accountability, and compassion are all sensitively explored, with the angels’ guidance serving as support for Jayden. Overall, this story offers a tender, uplifting message about the power of empathy and personal growth. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Last Storyteller
Book Four in The Pearls of Wisdom Series
Catherine Ann Russell

2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Christian

The Last Storyteller by Catherine Ann Russell is a children's fantasy and the fourth book in The Pearls of Wisdom series. In a mythical animal kingdom, Princess Journee, a mischievous mouse, sneaks out of the palace with her friends. They venture into the enchanted Zoe-Chai orchard that provides everlasting food and nourishment. The group experiences a magical moment that gives them supernatural abilities and gifts. Little do they know that the Zoe-Chai tree is preparing them for a war that will see them utilize these powers to protect their people and fight their enemies. The Zoe-Chai tree gives the orchard life and acts as a portal that attracts beings who wish to use it for evil. The only way to seal the portal is by possessing a magical staff forged by the elves. Unfortunately, a swarm of bats drawn to the tree has arrived and is ready to invade the peaceful animal kingdom. Journee and her friends are tasked to retrieve the staff, but will they succeed? Get a copy and find out what happens.
Action, drama, and suspense, The Last Storyteller by Catherine Ann Russell will give you all this and more. Brave animals defending their land and a group of young warriors discovering themselves amid a war kept me glued to the story. I loved reading every intriguing chapter; from the opening scene to the final battle, I was captivated and in awe. Russell does a fantastic job of bringing each character to life. At the back, creative illustrations help us visualize these characters and scenes. This unique story features various animals and mythical creatures living in harmony but ruled by a Mouse King. His size does not matter because his fearless spirit makes him a great leader. Journee's development and realization of her gift is a beautiful plotline. We all are gifted with talents and can choose to use them for good or evil. This story will teach children about love, hope, and never giving up.
Recommend this book:
The Day Time Began
Mary Ellen Roberson

2025 Bronze Medal
34 Pages
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Children - Christian

The Day Time Began by Mary Ellen Roberson is a unique and engaging retelling of the creation story from the Book of Genesis. It stands out with its rhythmic, rhymed stanzas that bring the story of God’s creation to life in a memorable way. It offers a vibrant and delightful read for preschool through second-grade children. The lyrical narrative is easy to follow, making it a perfect read-aloud for parents and teachers. Children will love the poetic flow, which breaks down the days of creation in a simple way. The book captures the essence of the biblical creation account and infuses it with a sense of awe and wonder that will resonate with young readers.
Joanna Garcia’s illustrations are a standout feature, bringing over 160 animals to life on the pages. The realistic yet playful art encourages kids to explore the pages and identify all that God made. What impressed me most about the illustrations is how they look three-dimensional; each page is like looking through a View-Master—they come to life in a way that’s hard to explain. The Day Time Began is a valuable teaching tool for homeschoolers, Sunday School teachers, and Bible Club leaders. Mary Ellen Roberson and Joanna Garcia capture the grandeur of God's creation in a way that will excite children to learn more. I enjoyed trying to find and name all the animals, and it’s an excellent activity for kids to learn about nature and wildlife and how they came to be.
Recommend this book:
Molly's Maze Discovery
Carmen Allen

2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Christian

Have you ever wandered through a maze? It’s like a treasure map in a way, one that’s marked out by neatly trimmed hedges. Princess Molly is on a hedge-maze adventure behind the palace in Carmen Allen's Molly's Maze Discovery. There’s a rule that declares it’s out of bounds for children under the age of thirteen. Molly is under the age of thirteen, but she’s determined to explore the maze despite the rules. Why not? She discovered a secret map of the maze with a mysterious ‘X’ marking and she wants to know what it means. Is the hedge maze hiding some sort of treasure? Molly and her friends want to find out, but the adventure they encounter is nothing they expected, nor were they prepared for it.
Carmen Allen's middle-grade novel, Molly's Maze Discovery, is another addition to the fun-filled Molly series. Once an orphan, Molly is now a princess and she’s determined to follow one exciting adventure after another. The language is simple for young middle-grade readers. There’s lots of dialogue to make the plot move forward with ease. Illustrations are included to add zest to the plot development. The characters are well-developed and believable. The messages shared are family love, the power of friendship, and the importance and meaning of rules. Plus, young people need to know that they will make mistakes but can learn from them. Perhaps the real treasure is the lessons she learns on this adventure, the most important lesson being about rules and why they’re made in the first place.
Recommend this book:
Frankendork
From Darkness Unto Light
Barney Ludkins

2025 Finalist
84 Pages
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Children - Christian

Frankendork: From Darkness Unto Light by Barney Ludkins is a delightful and meaningful children's book that masterfully blends Christian values with an engaging storyline. Franky is a young boy dealing with the all-too-common issue of a school bully. Things take an unexpected turn when two mischievous monsters appear, coaxing Franky into seeking revenge through a series of pranks. The plot thickens as Franky struggles with the moral implications of his actions, guided by his neighbor George and the quiet yet powerful convictions of the Holy Spirit.
Barney Ludkins weaves biblical lessons into the tale without being overly preachy. The story's core message, inspired by Matthew 5:7 ("Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy"), encourages young readers to understand the importance of mercy and forgiveness, even in challenging situations. Illustrator Ilham Fatkurahman brings the characters to life with bold, vivid colors as Franky deals with Billy, a bully who does all he can to make Franky’s life miserable. After Franky reads the story of David and Goliath with his father and goes to bed, Ludkins introduces Chugg and Snot, two silly-looking monsters that encourage Franky to prank his bully. Each character is well-developed and relatable, especially to children who have been bullied and teased at school. The pacing is well-suited for a young audience, keeping readers engaged while delivering its important moral lessons. Frankendork is a great addition to any child's library, especially for those looking to reinforce Christian values and the power of forgiveness.
Recommend this book:
The Journey
The Underground Book Readers Book 5
Terry Overton

2024 Gold Medal
191 Pages
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Children - Christian

In The Journey by Terry Overton, the Underground Book Readers face mounting challenges as they escape the oppressive control of the World Force. They navigate the treacherous landscape of a dystopian Virginia while being pursued by soldiers and military machinery. Joined by Charlie's grandmother and Howard, a defected Force soldier, the group is determined to reach free land, clinging to their faith and the hope that knowledge—the books they cherish—will ultimately lead them to safety and freedom. As they traverse the land, they meet new allies, learn about their loved ones who left clues in their path, and acquire survival skills. The children confront external threats and grapple with their fears and the profound loss they have experienced, making their quest a poignant exploration of resilience, friendship, and the enduring power of belief.
The Journey is the fifth book in The Underground Book Readers series. It depicts a world where adults are taken away from the kids, Christianity is suppressed, and books are prohibited. Terry Overton does a great job of introducing the characters, making it easy for readers who have never read the previous books to follow the story. Readers will walk The Journey alongside the courageous young protagonists, experiencing their struggles and triumphs as they fight against a regime that stifles faith and intellectual freedom. The narrative intricately weaves themes of hope, friendship, and the transformative power of literature, compelling readers to reflect on the importance of knowledge and community in overcoming adversity. Each character has a unique personality, and I couldn't help rooting for them. The children's fascination whenever they learn about things of old, like libraries, a healthy breakfast, or family, is heartwarming and makes you appreciate the things we take for granted. This is great work, and I hope to read more from this author and series.
Recommend this book:
Samah the Seed
Sarah Gowayed

2024 Silver Medal
31 Pages
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Children - Christian

Samah the Seed is a children's picture book by Sarah Gowayed. Living inside a half-open pea pod, Samah, a little pea, wants to grow into a big pea plant just like her Baba so she can also produce lots of delicious peas to feed animals and people. But to do that, she must be planted in the soil. When a howling wind blows her away from the pod and she lands in the soil near Baba, Samah believes it's time for her to grow. To her disappointment, however, she continues to be a little pea. She breathes in the air, bathes in rainwater, and embraces the sunlight, yet she doesn't grow. Finally, she listens to Baba's advice and prays to God, and soon, Samah becomes what she has always wanted to be.
Sarah Gowayed intertwines religion and science to tell a beautiful story about growing up. Samah the Seed is a children's tale that integrates botany and faith into the narrative, and it makes for a tale unlike any other. The story doesn't directly relate to any one specific religion. Instead, it showcases how God has a hand in creating and nurturing all that is living, even plants that live on air, water, and sunlight. I think this is an entertaining and ingenious way to introduce the concept of faith to young children. Samah is someone to whom kids will find it easy to relate. The illustrations by Amanda Letcher are the icing on the cake, as they enhance Gowayed's storytelling. This is a heartwarming story that I will gladly recommend to young readers.
Recommend this book:
Molly's Big Decision
Carmen Allen

2024 Bronze Medal
82 Pages
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Children - Christian

Molly's Big Decision is a heartwarming children's storybook written by Carmen Allen with illustrations by Jaime Buckley. It follows Molly, a young girl who lives in an orphanage with other children who are mistreated by their caregivers. One day, as she is looking out of her window, a magical palace suddenly appears in the sky. Although she is surprised by its appearance, Molly remembers her late father's bedtime story about a magical blue and emerald palace that travels to different villages across the country. She wants to see what is inside the palace, but due to the orphanage's restrictive rules, this may never happen. However, on her birthday, she receives an invitation letter from the palace's King to tour the place. After spending an amazing day at the palace, the King offers Molly a life-changing opportunity.
Molly's Big Decision is an adventurous and magical story that teaches transformative lessons. Carmen Allen uses familiar fairytale-like characters to help children understand the importance of compassion, unconditional love, and the kingdom of heaven. She addresses significant issues such as child abuse, adoption, and free will, with the latter being the central theme of the story, highlighting how free will is a privilege that everyone is given, and that it should be used wisely. Accompanying the story are beautiful illustrations that perfectly depict the characters and their surroundings, providing readers with a visual narrative. The book is well-written and visually appealing, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves reading emotionally engaging children’s storybooks.
Recommend this book:
Magic Moon: A Young Boy's Journey (Vol. 1)
Shirley Moulton

2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Christian

In Magic Moon: A Young Boy’s Journey by Shirley Moulton, Magic Moon is a fearsome entity that grants two requests once a month to all who manage to make the journey up the treacherous mountain to visit him. However, there are limitations to these requests. The first request must be to find a lost treasure, and the second must be for something good that will not cause harm to anyone. Although the boy is young, he is also determined and brave. His younger sister begs him to ask Magic Moon to find her beloved toy doll, and although he had wanted to ask Magic Moon where his only and favorite toy had been misplaced, he chooses to make his sister happy. She is overjoyed to be reunited with her dolly, and her brother is content knowing this. When he befriends a new child at school, he returns to see Magic Moon again. Will the omnipotent being grant the boy his second request?
Magic Moon is a lovely children’s story about courage and selflessness. Shirley Moulton wrote Magic Moon with flair. Her prose is simple yet beautiful. It was a pleasure to read this heartwarming tale. The characters in this story are fleshed out well and very likable. Magic Moon, who is initially intimidating, is shown to have a witty sense of humor. The young boy is also very sincere and endearing. His generosity and kindness are commendable traits that children may find inspiring. Marilyn Whitchurch’s glossy full-page illustrations are also a welcome addition to the narrative. Readers of all ages will enjoy this enchanting story.
Recommend this book:
Love Connects Us All
Michelle Medlock Adams

2024 Finalist
32 Pages
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Children - Christian

Love Connects Us All by Michelle Medlock Adams is a beautifully written and illustrated Christian children’s book that teaches young readers about different types of families. Even though everyone’s family looks different, God loves them all the same because love connects us all. This children’s book looks at different family dynamics, from families unrelated by blood to families whose one parent works far away. At the end of the book, the author brings to the attention of young readers that no matter what their family looks like, they are connected through love for each other and the love of God. This is an excellent way to show families who have adopted children that even though they are not connected by blood, they are connected by so much more.
Love Connects Us All is a feast for the eyes, ears, and heart. The illustrations by Sandra Eide are done with a soft undertone and excellently enhance the theme of love. Written in rhyme and with short, easy-to-understand sentences, this children’s book can easily be read by children who are just starting to read. Christian families with different dynamics should get this book for their youngsters. It teaches an important lesson delightfully. The cover charmingly illustrates how love connects us all with a heart-shaped kite, artistically linking the book's theme. It was a delight to read this book and I believe that the point Michelle Medlock Adams wanted to make was done excellently.
