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:
It's Not EWWWW...It's YOU!
Sharon Leya, Janne Maru

2024 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Educational

Sometimes our body does things that are just disgusting, like producing gas (fart), mucus from the nose, ear wax, and the worst of all—sweat! But these things should not be ewwy because we cannot survive without them. What would happen if there was no mucus in the nose to stop dirt and germs from getting in, or if there was no saliva in the mouth to help break down food and aid swallowing? It’s Not Ewwww…It’s YOU is a brilliant book that means just what it says. The ewwy things your body does keep you going. Read this book by Sharon Leya to learn about more ewwy things and their role in your body.
It’s Not Ewwww…It’s YOU unfolds as a quick, honest lecture from Professor Ewe (not Ew) to her mammalian friends. The lecture starts in a classroom, but the scene changes to demonstrate the different ewwy things Professor Ewe speaks about. The animated drawings by Janne Maru made the story even more lively and colorful. This book’s narrative is just as colorful as its fonts, and its subject matter is unique. I liked everything about this little book by Sharon Leya, but I was most impressed with the lesson it taught. I learned about biology and body appreciation. I also learned that everything is relative. The lessons in this story are important to both adults and children, and the concepts are explained in very simple terms that shouldn’t be a challenge for young readers. I recommend this book.
Recommend this book:
Carla the Conqueror
Anna Maria DiDio

2024 Bronze Medal
37 Pages
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Children - Educational

Fear of public speaking is a common phobia, and this is especially true for individuals who aren’t fluent in the local language. In Carla the Conqueror by Anna Maria DiDio, we meet a young immigrant from Colombia who only learned to read and write in English a year ago. She is understandably nervous when she is given an assignment to read a story in front of her classmates. During practice sessions, Carla makes mistakes that add to her concerns. As her assignment date approaches, Carla’s anxiety leads to negative physical manifestations and situational avoidance. But Carla does not give up; her determination is greater than her apprehension. She practices with a helpful teacher to overcome her fears and fulfill her assignment by reading aloud to the entire class.
Anna Maria DiDio tactfully considers an emotion that all of us have experienced at one time or another; anxiety. Through Carla’s story, young readers are comforted by the knowledge that their fears are normal, and they are gently urged to courageously face distressing situations that might limit them. The colorful illustrations breathe life into each page, beautifully depicting the emotions of the characters and providing realistic details for each setting. I appreciate that the story not only benefits children who are nervous to read aloud but also helps us all develop empathy and compassion for individuals who struggle with a new language or similar anxieties. A relatable and empowering story of overcoming the fear of reading aloud to others, Carla the Conqueror delivers a powerful message of bravery and perseverance.
Recommend this book:
Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety
A Kid's Guide to Safe Dog Interactions
Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada

2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Educational

Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada is A Kid's Guide to Safe Dog Interactions. Meet Lora and CJ and their lovable pets, Porter and Midge. Porter is a Mastiff, and Midge is a Greater Swiss Mountain dog, and they and their owners want to teach you how to approach and interact with dogs of all breeds and sizes. This is an illustrated rhyming story that shows children how to be calm, ask permission from owners before touching their pets, and how to “tell” a dog they are safe with you. If your kids love dogs and they want to learn how to become responsible owners, this is the book for you.
Porter and Midge: Paws for Safety by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada is a fantastic book to teach kids how to interact safely with dogs. Too often, we see children running up to strange dogs and stroking or grabbing hold of them without a thought for the animal or their own safety. Written in rhyme, this story has some lovely illustrations to teach kids the right way to approach and pet a dog, not just a strange one but their own family pets, too. This isn’t just for kids, though. Too many parents allow their kids to approach strange dogs and then berate the owner when the dog snaps, without a thought for the fact that their kid’s actions may have scared the animal. I wish there were more books like this; they are such valuable reading material and really should be introduced to kids at school as well as at home.
Recommend this book:
Nature Ninja Saves the Natural World
A Children's Picture Book to Inspire Young Nature Heroes Ages 4 to 8
Tania Moloney

2024 Silver Medal
31 Pages
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Children - Educational

Nature Ninja Saves the Natural World by Tania Moloney will appeal to anyone who wishes to make their children more aware of environmental issues. The Ninja asks pertinent questions about nature and the environment. The book mentions deforestation, ocean pollution, and global warming to make the young reader more aware. The Ninja feels passionate about these issues and wishes to do something positive within the confines of his home and garden to make the world a better place. What can one Little Ninja do without even having to leave the backyard? The Ninja pays attention to some kinds of insects and how the bees, flowers, and trees can be affected. The book is an excellent example of how to be practical.
I love the unique pictures that are detailed and the variation of green. These fit well together and convey the message of tranquility, harmony, and environmental beauty. The layout is impressive and pleasantly engaging. In certain sections of the story, the text is entertaining and would make the reader want to read happily along. I loved the illustrations of the garden wildflowers. The individual flowers stood out, causing the effect of one being close to the Ninja. At the end of the book, there is a pledge that any other young, dedicated Ninja might enjoy reading repeatedly. Nature Ninja Saves the Natural World by Tania Moloney is an entertaining, attractive, and fun book to learn about nature and shows one how to be proactive in a straightforward way.
Recommend this book:
Alphakazoo
Edgar Garcia, Darya Shch

2024 Gold Medal
34 Pages
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Children - Educational

Alphakazoo by Edgar Garcia and Darya Shch is an amazing children’s picture book. The animals come to life wonderfully, teaching kids new words and introducing the very best forms of alliteration. From Ava the alligator trying to stay away from angry aliens and Freddy the fox watching a fight between fairies to Olive the owl and the outrageous ogre, and Ziggy the zebra in the zany zombie zoo, this is an A to Z of everyone’s favorite animals, and every page is packed with fun and color.
Alphakazoo by Edgar Garcia and Darya Shch is one of the best picture books I have ever had the pleasure to read. Every page is packed with colorful illustrations, and the alliteration makes each mini-story a lesson in itself. This is a great way for kids to learn their letters and learn new words as they go, and each letter of the alphabet is perfectly represented by a well-known animal. If that isn’t enough, readers are encouraged to search the illustrations to find everything mentioned in the tongue-twister, helping kids hone their observational and memory skills, too. The author and illustrator have done an amazing job with each Alphabet story, making kids want to read on and see what’s next. This is the perfect book to encourage children to use their imaginations, and it should be a mandatory part of every library, school, and home in the world. A highly enjoyable book, very educational, and a whole lot of fun and entertainment, too.
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.
