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:
Rohan and Nyra and Big Sister's Bet
Anthony C. Delauney

2023 Finalist
38 Pages
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Children - Educational

In Rohan and Nyra and Big Sister’s Bet, by Anthony C. Delauney, Rohan’s big sister Nyra teaches him an important lesson about finances. Nyra bets Rohan that she will give him a dollar every time he catches the football she throws to him, but she has one condition—if he drops the ball, he loses all the money. Rohan begins to catch the ball again and again. With each catch, he imagines the treasures and trinkets he can buy with the money he is earning. But should he stop catching the ball or keep going? Is it worth the risk of dropping it and losing all the money he has built up for himself?
Rohan and Nyra and Big Sister’s Bet is the third book in the Owning the Dash Kids’ Book financial series. Like in the story, Anthony C. Delauney always gives an example of an activity that parents can copy at home, or he provides one in the book. And once again, he has done an excellent job of telling a semi-long story in a rhyming fashion. The images are also captivating, bright, and colorful. The story teaches children a valuable lesson about gambling and taking risks. He has demonstrated very well how sometimes taking a risk can be a financial investment and an emotional one, too! When you start building up hopes and expectations for something you have no guarantee of getting, it can be a huge disappointment when you don’t get what you were expecting. Sometimes, it just isn’t worth the risk. Overall, Rohan and Nyra and Big Sister’s Bet is an entertaining story that teaches kids a very important lesson.
Recommend this book:
The Dreamer
The Girl Who Dreamed the War Over
Tzuri King, Julie G Fox, Leonora Bulbeck, René Nel, Natali Barbalat

2023 Honorable Mention
35 Pages
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Children - Educational

The Dreamer is a children’s book by Tzuri King, Julie G Fox, Leonora Bulbeck, René Nel, and Natali Barbalat. Torria lives in a bomb shelter with her brothers, mother, and grandmother as the effects of war rage around them. The attacks are so frequent that the family cannot go outside for a few minutes before another bomb warning is issued. Her only reprieve is in her dreams, where Torria uses the subjects from her grandmother’s nightly stories to envision the people she misses and loves. Mysteriously, each time when she awakens, she finds that, in one way or another, her dreams have come true. The authors provide a place for children to draw and write about their dreams, and the book is part of a series dedicated to promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Using the thread of Torria’s innocent prayers and the vivid subjects of her grandmother’s poems, Tzuri King, Julie G Fox, Leonora Bulbeck, René Nel, and Natali Barbalat have done a brilliant job of weaving together the story. The authors speak to their readers from the copyright page to the end of the book, reflecting their own style of communication, instead of adopting common practices. The vibrant colors will catch the eyes of readers, and the book will be dear to them long after the last page. The story is comforting and gives readers a sense of safety as they understand Torria’s situation. Even though Torria seems to dream her wishes and prayers into her life, the story is realistic, and it provides a happy ending. The Dreamer is a great selection for children who fear the uncontrollable effects of war and wish they had the power to end it.
Recommend this book:
Marky the MAGNIFICENT Fairy
Cynthia Kern OBrien

2023 Honorable Mention
36 Pages
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Children - Educational

Children should learn about diversity from the time they first begin to socialize. At some point, they will either meet people with disabilities, or they may feel different from other children. Parents must explain the subject to them as simply as possible. Marky the Magnificent Fairy by Cynthia Kern OBrien will teach children about empathy and enable parents to discuss diversity with their children. The story concerns a fairy named Marky. Unlike her friends, she cannot fly because one of her wings is too small. However, she loves her wings and knows they are beautiful just the way they are. Some forest creatures tease her about her small wing and her appearance. But Marky begins to talk to them about her qualities and dreams. She also describes how her friends are different and are just as magnificent as she is.
It is often difficult to explain disabilities to children and answer their questions. I liked this story because it is perfect for children to learn how to relate to the world. Marky the Magnificent Fairy is focused on promoting equality and kindness. Cynthia Kern OBrien uses simple language to help children understand differences and disabilities more readily. She also includes questions to promote discussion and reflect on children's behavior in relation to others and how to get them to accept themselves. Parents are also catered for with a guide at the end of the book that will give adults ideas on how to teach their children about people with disabilities. This book will help many children to believe in themselves and to treat others equally.
Recommend this book:
Kodi's Adventures
How I Learned to Defeat the Time Snatcher
Mindy Hudon

2023 Bronze Medal
108 Pages
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Children - Educational

Kodi’s Adventures: How I Learned to Defeat the Time Snatcher by Mindy Hudon and illustrated by Barbara Szepesi Szucs is about a young boy named Kodi who, as far back as he can remember, always had his time snatched away. The story starts on his first day at middle school. Kodi’s relationship with his mom is plagued by his tardiness, as she must disrupt her busy schedule as a working mom to take him to school whenever he misses the school bus. He is known at school for being a latecomer and is teased mercilessly about it by his classmates. He also leaves school projects till the last moment. In short, Kodi has a major problem; he is a dreamer and constantly imagines different situations in which he and others are involved. He is also easily distracted from the tasks at hand.
In Mindy Hudon’s Kodi’s Adventures, the turning point comes when a speech-language pathologist is a guest speaker in Kodi’s class. The way she helps Kodi and his mom defeat the Time Snatcher highlights the importance of such a professional within the school environment, making their post accessible to middle schoolers. Their presence provides reassurance for students having problems that a professional may be able to help solve. Time management and planning, the role of brain and executive functions, time estimation, and a time challenge, are all discussed in easily understood language concerning Kodi’s daily routine. The book ends with several helpful exercises on time management and organization that readers can do. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has done a fine job with Kodi’s Adventures to promote and clarify the role of the speech-language pathologist in schools. It should be a true asset in any school-related resource center, but especially at the middle school level.
Recommend this book:
Meeting Exceptional Friends
Lindsey Larsen

2023 Bronze Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Educational

When children's books address topics that are usually difficult to explain to little ones, they offer tremendous value to all of us. This is why I suggest you read Meeting Exceptional Friends by Lindsey Larsen. In this illustrated children's book, the author invites us to make acquaintance with children with physical and mental disabilities. We are at the playground with Charlotte and her sister Madelyn, a little girl who wears earmuffs because loud noises bother her. We will also meet other remarkable children, including a little girl born without a hand and a boy who cannot speak but has a wheelchair with light-up wheels. Do you want to ask them a question about their medical conditions or disabilities?
Meeting Exceptional Friends encourages children to be sensitive when asking questions about the conditions of the people they meet so that they can learn to relate to them. Lindsey Larsen had an excellent idea when setting her story in a fun and cheerful place like the playground because it is in places like these that it is easier to interact with others. I think it is sometimes difficult for adults to talk to our children about disabilities, but there are things children need to know to treat others with the respect they deserve. I am sure that this tale will make it possible, so I highly recommend this wonderful book to parents and educators who want to address this issue and have no idea how to do it.
Recommend this book:
In My Heart
A Book About Kindness
Julie Nichole, Blueberry Illustrations

2023 Silver Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Educational

In My Heart: A Book About Kindness by Julie Nichole, illustrated by Blueberry Illustrations, is an adorable children’s picture book. The story follows Katelyn and her dog Toby on an adventure as they explore ways to be kind to others. It can be a simple act of kindness like smiling at someone to help them have a happy day, taking time out to stop and comfort someone sad, asking someone sitting alone to join, comforting someone who is having a sad day, or forgiving a friend who may have hurt your feelings. It also teaches young readers the importance of self-love. You will find yourself rooting for Katelyn and Toby as they embark on their journey of spreading kindness and making the world better.
Julie Nichole’s In My Heart is a delightful children’s picture book that reminds us how all acts of kindness can significantly affect someone’s day. The pleasing rhymes and colorful illustrations make the story engaging and captivating, especially for young children. Told in simple, easy-to-remember, rhyming text, it encourages young readers to be kind to others. It reminds us that every act of kindness can significantly impact those around us, no matter how small. The message is both simple and profound. Ultimately, it is a lovely story that will inspire young readers to embrace kindness and self-love. It will be a great addition to any child's library and should become a favorite for parents and children.
Recommend this book:
Saving Tally
An Adventure into the Great Pacific Plastic Patch
Serena Lane Ferrari

2023 Silver Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Educational

Saving Tally: An Adventure into the Great Pacific Plastic Patch by Serena Lane Ferrari is a fun and enjoyable children’s picture book aimed at teaching children about plastic pollution and the ocean. Tally Turtle is a sweet and kind turtle living happily in the great Pacific Ocean. Along with her best friend, Ara the lobster, Tally explores all the beautiful things in the ocean, including seahorses, crabs, colorful fish, and even the coral reef. One day Tally swims too far along the reef and is mesmerized by the strange bright colors floating below the waves. Tally forgets Grandma Turtle’s advice and swims closer. Before she knows it, Tally gets tangled up in the dangerous and forbidden plastic patch. Stuck in a plastic bag thrown into the ocean, can Tally ever get out of the scary plastic patch that is so dangerous to sea animals?
Saving Tally was such a revealing book as I did not even know that the Great Pacific Plastic Patch existed. Serena Lane Ferrari is bringing awareness to everyone, but especially small children, about ways to reduce ocean plastic pollution. By writing this wonderful children’s book, she is ensuring that they will learn amusingly and interestingly. Her beautiful story is easy to read and informative. She adds interesting facts about the Great Pacific Plastic Patch as well as six ways we can make a difference. Giorgia Vallicelli provides illustrations for Tally’s adventure that are beautiful and colorful and sure to stir children’s imaginations. This is a must-read for any parent who wants to teach their kids about the ocean and how to protect its future.
Recommend this book:
Benny the Brave in The First Day Jitters
Team Supercrew Series A children’s book about big emotions, bravery, and first day of school jitters.
Julie Anne Penn and Darren Penn

2023 Gold Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Educational

Benny the Brave in The First Day Jitters (Team Supercrew Series) by Julie Anne Penn and Darren Penn highlights the important connection between our thoughts and feelings. In this engaging story, we meet Sarah, a young girl who is understandably nervous about starting a new school. Sarah is concerned about what her teacher might be like, and if anyone will play with her. Benny the Brave comes to assist Sarah and after reassuring her that her fears are completely normal, offers a fresh way for Sarah to look at this new beginning. Sharing the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy, Benny shows Sarah how powerful thoughts can be. Charming illustrations convey Sarah’s emotions throughout the story brilliantly. Useful and easy ways to implement cognitive behavioral therapy are also included.
Julie Anne Penn and Darren Penn’s Benny the Brave in The First Day Jitters offers practical and empowering tools to help children deal with fear positively and constructively. Readers of all ages will relate to Sarah’s concerns as she begins a new school. Told in a warm and upbeat manner, this story will encourage children to believe in themselves and their abilities to face difficult situations. As Benny encourages Sarah to view these new changes as an exciting time in her life, young readers will see how they too can apply this to challenges in their own lives. Parents and teachers may find this book to be a valuable resource in helping children discuss their fears, as well as a positive way to cope with these issues. This uplifting book is a highly recommended read.
Recommend this book:
I Love You So Much That...
Kathy J. Picard

2022 Finalist
40 Pages
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Children - Educational

A mother always wants the best for her children, so she seeks to help and advise them in the best possible way. I Love You So Much That... talks about why suggestions and requests are made to children. A mother asks her son to go out and play away from the TV and electronics because she loves him and wants him to get fresh air and exercise, or she asks her son to brush his teeth so he always has a beautiful smile to share. To love someone is to seek their wellbeing. Kathy J. Picard explains this to us through this book where she talks about why mothers ask their children to perform activities and chores. The phrases are very appealing and above all realistic, and through them, children will be able to better understand the actions and decisions that parents make for their own good.
I liked the theme of the book because it helps to explain many things to children in a homely way. I Love You So Much That... has important messages. Sometimes a child can get upset or not know why they have to follow advice, but there are very sound arguments here for everyday situations. The pictures help because they show affection and lots of love. After reading this book, children might have a more positive attitude and broader criteria to use in their day-to-day life. I was very pleased with how Kathy J. Picard approaches different situations and the love she conveys with her words.
Recommend this book:
My Big Notebook
It's About Me with a Little Help from My Friend JC
Carla A. Carlisle, Quadasia Prescod

2022 Honorable Mention
120 Pages
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Children - Educational

My Big Notebook: It's About Me with a Little Help from My Friend JC by Carla A. Carlisle and Quadasia Prescod is a fabulous non-fiction book for young kids, particularly those in elementary school who will relate to JC. It is made up of four parts: explaining the concept of this opus, which we hope will be followed by many others, to parents and adults, generally speaking; sharing the concepts and information with kids; a section with blank spaces with instructions for children to practice what they have been learning; and, last but not least, resources for adults and kids.
My Big Notebook by Carla A. Carlisle and Quadasia Prescod is one of the best personal development books for kids I have ever read. It is comprehensive, simple to follow and use, and easy to relate to thanks to JC, an elementary kid who is the reader’s "buddy in a book." This book is a safe space for kids of all ages to express their feelings and process them. It helps them learn to self-soothe, feel better about themselves, and learn great coping strategies such as using positive affirmations, learning about triggers and how to deal with them, and learning how to do square breathing to help settle down when kids are too agitated and nervous. I love the beautifully illustrated pages which are to be filled by the reader; for example, "your favorite visualization", "what could you do to help someone else ?", etc. A gem of a book that should be mandatory!
