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:
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!
Recommend this book:
Modern Farms
Jackie Nix , Karen Light (Illustrator)
2022 Bronze Medal
34 Pages
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Children - Educational
Modern Farms is a short educational picture book meant to teach children the importance of farming and how modern farms produce the food we need to sustain ourselves. Written by Jackie Nix and complemented with some delightful illustrations by Karen Light, Modern Farms is a must-read for kids. The engaging picture book showcases how, nowadays, we use chemistry to grow our crops instead of using a rake or a hoe. The milk that we drink comes from the dairy cows living on farms. Vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, beans, broccoli, and many more all come from farms, as do the chickens that lay the eggs for us to eat. Combines harvest corn that feeds both animals and humans. The strawberries in your salad or shake come from farms, as do the potatoes in your French fries!
With growing advancements in technology and the increasing obsession with social media amongst kids, it's vital that we teach the next generation the fundamentals of farming and encourage those who show any interest in it. Modern Farms does that and much more. Author Jackie Nix writes in an easily accessible style that is bound to reach kids and teach them valuable lessons on how farming provides us with all the nourishment we need to survive and how modern farms function in general. The illustrations by Karen Light bring a bit of color to the proceedings and make the story all the more fun to read. Modern Farms is a delightful read meant to encourage future potential farmers to take up farming.
Recommend this book:
Let's Celebrate 5 Days of Diwali!
Ajanta Chakraborty and Vivek Kumar
2022 Silver Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Educational
Learning about other cultures allows us to broaden our perspective and fosters our empathy and curiosity. It also helps us to understand different viewpoints around the world. Let's Celebrate 5 Days of Diwali! will give children useful information in the form of a story. Diwali is the most important festival of the year in India. The young characters are Maya and Neel, who go to India to visit their Aunt Eesha. Diwali is a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, characterized by sweets, fireworks, and family gatherings. Their aunt tells them the history and practice of Diwali and together they enjoy each of the five days, learning something new every day. At the end of the book, authors Ajanta Chakraborty and Vivek Kumar include an activity that will allow children to demonstrate what they have discovered.
Learning about other cultures helps children foster their creativity and stimulates their learning process. Let's Celebrate 5 Days of Diwali! follows that approach because it describes the history and activities of each of the days of Diwali in an easy-to-understand manner. I enjoyed seeing the family union and respect for traditions, which are concepts that must always be valued. Ajanta Chakraborty and Vivek Kumar emphasize these principles and the characters are respectful and willing to learn new things. The children will learn about empathy and tolerance as well as learning respect for other cultures.
Recommend this book:
Sammy the Seahorse
Is He a Horse or Is He a Fish?
Martha Driscoll & Ann Driscoll
2022 Gold Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Educational
Sammy the Seahorse: Is He a Horse or Is He a Fish? by Martha and Ann Driscoll is a colorful informational picture book. The Syngnathidae family of fish includes leafy sea dragons, pipefish, and sea horses. Sammy is a common seahorse who lives in a coral reef. Along with Sammy, we are introduced to multiple residents of his warm-water coral reef. Sammy is not your typical fish; he has several unique features like instead of swimming horizontally he swims vertically. Many other unusual aspects of seahorses are discussed, from their tails to the fact that males incubate the eggs. Included at the end of the book are things kids can do to help protect endangered seahorses.
Martha and Ann Driscoll have written a fascinating book chock full of interesting facts about seahorses. Even as an adult I learned some things such as every seahorse's coronet (the spines on top of their heads) is unique like a snowflake. I was immediately immersed in Sammy's undersea world and loved learning about all the many kinds of fish included in the Syngnathidae family. Sammy the Seahorse is a perfect introduction for kids just starting to write reports. The illustrations by Susan Andra Lion are outstanding and detailed. Kids will spend hours looking at all the different sea creatures and seahorses. As a bonus, there are hidden pictures on several pages. Sammy the Seahorse is an outstanding educational book that will delight all lovers of the ocean.