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:
Lily Goes to School
Lily Hamilton and Barbara Myers

2013 Gold Medal
32 Pages
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Children - General

"Lily Goes to School" is written by Lily Hamilton and Barbara Myers and illustrated by Brendan Sellaro. This book is unique in that it is written by a child and her nana, intended for children and parents alike. Within its pages it offers an educational and emotional understanding of what a child will expect on the first day of school. It may help relieve worries they might have before entering their own school. It represents a self help book for those of the pre-school age. They can read the story before they enter their first day of school and compare Lily's first day with their own. A great learning resource for educators, parents, and children alike. This book has an element of adventure as well. It is not just a learning tool or an ordinary children's book. The adventure of the first day of school is often the biggest adventure a kid can have thus far in their lives. This book offers to them an understanding of what the day will be like. It is beautifully illustrated. The pictures are vibrant and very expressive. It is drawn as a child could create them and understand them.
After reading this book silently to myself and enjoying the pictures and words, sending me back in time to my own first day of school, I read it to my 4 year old son who will be entering school in the fall. We sat together reading the words and viewing the pictures. He pointed at each different event that took place in Lilly's day and asked questions about each item on the page. He often asked me if that is what he would do on the first day of school. Would he have a yellow bus like Lily's bus? Would he have recess as Lily had? Would he get to eat his favorite snack? I answered all the questions he had asked after viewing "Lily Goes to School" and I feel this book truly helped him understand and visualize what his own first day of school would be like. Lily Hamilton and Barbra Myers have done a fantastic job describing the school scenario in a way a child could relate to.
Recommend this book:
Magical Mea
Penelope Anne Cole

2013 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Children - General

"Magical Mea" by Penelope Anne Cole is an exciting story about Matthew and his little sister Mea. The story deals with Mea acquiring magical powers when Matthew loses his. Though Matthew wants to teach Mea how to use it, she refuses his help because she wants to do it her own way. The book is a must read for children who are getting into reading for the first time. The story is thrilling. The language is simple. The illustrations are bright and colorful. What more does a child need? Mea's parents, brother Matthew and grandmother Nonie are all sketched so very well that they stay in your mind. The visual part of the book also enhances the story line. Mea is illustrated well. She looks mischievous with her curls and cheeks and naughty expressions. Her vivacity comes through in all the pictures. It is a proof of how the author and the illustrator complement each other very well which attributes to the success of the story.
"Magical Mea" is a book that is apt for read-aloud sessions and story telling time for children. It is important that when children first start reading the books should be bright and radiant in all the aspects. The book meets all those requirements. There is a lot of energy and bounce in the theme and the way the story proceeds which is important in a children's book. While reading the book I kept wondering what pranks trickster Mea was going to come up with next.
Recommend this book:
Mooseclumps
Ryan T. Bliss

2013 Silver Medal
58 Pages
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Children - General

"Mooseclumps" by Ryan T. Bliss is a poetry book. Mooseclumps, the title character, is a cat with a big ego. The rest of this book has poems about monsters named Mangor and The Grumble, Scotland, ladders, the seasons, body parts and the senses, pillows, cooking, ideas, pranks, mysterious animals, and parents. There is a poem about two arguing magicians named Barnaby and Oliver. And that doesn’t cover the other characters in this book, like Leah, Felix, or Jessica (who hates to wait). This book has both rhyming and free-verse poems, including the day the world ran out of Z’s, Mr. Dumpling’s great speech, and a creature who wonders what it’ll look like after hatching. And there is something special that happens to beaks in this book, too.
I really enjoyed this book. The poem about Grumble was funny, and the ones about dentists and doctors were too. Felix Figbottom’s conundrum was humorous, and gave me something to think about. This is more than a book of poems, because to me, it encourages believing in yourself, imagination, adapting to difficult circumstances, curiosity, putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, and more. And "Mooseclumps" accomplishes these things with wit by showing, instead of telling. I would have liked to see more poems about Mooseclumps the cat in this book. I think that children, parents, and almost anyone would love reading "Mooseclumps". It would be great to read for a bedtime story (if parents and children can stop laughing and fall asleep afterward). Very well done.
Recommend this book:
Stumble Trip Fall
Robert Scully

2013 Finalist
56 Pages
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Children - General

This is Bear. He is flying through the air. As he flies, he remembers something his mother told him. It starts out like this: “If you ever stumble, trip and fall . . .” But he just couldn’t remember the rest. So Bear begins a journey to search for where he belongs. Along his journey, Bear stumbles and trips, jumps and ducks, but everywhere he lands belongs to someone else, and Bear just doesn’t fit in. Bear finds out that he doesn’t fit in with a fox, a mole, a goat and a duck, but he is determined to keep going, keep searching for where he belongs. Join Bear on his exciting journey and find out if he finally discovers where he feels most at home. And does Bear finally remember the rest of what his mom told him about life? Find out by reading Robert Scully’s new book “Stumble Trip Fall.”
What a cute book with a valuable lesson teaching kids to find their own way, where they are comfortable, and never give up! Through his expert writing and awesome illustrations, author Robert Scully has created a unique children’s book that will capture your child’s attention from the front to the back cover, and every page in between. The story is sweet and adorable, and I love that the author uses a Bear, because every young child loves their precious stuffed bears. But for me, the illustrations is what really tells this story. They are unique and give you that retro feeling, and are precious for small children. I love every picture in this book. What child would not love this adorable book! I highly recommend “Stumble Trip Fall” for any child’s library, as well as school and public libraries.
Recommend this book:
A Truck Named Travis
There's a hero in each of us
Tim Shockley

2013 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - General

"A Truck Named Travis," written by Tim Shockley and illustrated by Denis Proulx, is a well-written children's story highlighting the importance of every individual and every job, no matter how small or meaningless it may seem. Travis is a trash-collection truck and while he is a good worker and enjoys his job, he allows the negative things that other trucks that think they are better than trash-collecting trucks say. Travis allows the negativity to bring down his attitude and overpower the positive talks that his best friend Trisha, another trash-collection truck, gives him. One day, no workers arrive to start up the trash-collection trucks, and then days turn into weeks of not working. The trucks do not know what is going on; all they know is that the garbage is taking over the city and making people ill. Suddenly, running the trash-collection trucks is the number one priority and Travis learns just how important his job actually is.
Not only is this a great book to teach children about treating others kindly and pointing out to them how teasing and negative comments can hurt someone, but it is also a great book to use to teach the importance of public works jobs. Too often these jobs are taken for granted, overlooked or not respected and this is a great way for children to learn just how important each job or role a person plays is. I loved the illustrations that went along with the story. They are well-done, cute for children and filled with details! Also, the friendship between Travis and Trisha is a great addition to the story as it teaches children the importance of a true friend.
Recommend this book:
Little Kicker's First Rainstorm
Sandy Sprott

2013 Finalist
40 Pages
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Children - General

Little Kicker’s First Rainstorm, written and illustrated by Sandy Sprott, is the second in her Little Kicker Book series, and it is one that you do not want to miss! Little Kicker experiences his first rainstorm and at first he is afraid. Little Kicker’s parents comfort him and teach him to pray when he is afraid. They ask God to keep them safe in the storm and to help Little Kicker so he will not be afraid. Little Kicker then looks around to see how the other animals on the farm are reacting to the rainstorm, and they are all enjoying the rain. Little Kicker learns a valuable lesson during the rainstorm. He learns to pray when he is afraid and he learns that rain is important. God sends rain so we have water to drink and the water makes our food grow.
This is another book that is a must-have for families who want to teach their children to trust God at a young age. Children will enjoy spending time with Little Kicker and the animals on the farm as they learn scripture based values. Little Kicker’s fears are diminished after praying. Sandy the Sow Pig is enjoying the first big mud puddle and Becky the Bunny is thanking God for the rain because it helps her carrots grow nice and juicy. Children will learn to identify ways that rain is good in their own lives just as it is for each of the animals in the story.
The illustrations are filled with details and offer great opportunities for further discussion throughout the book. Fun activities and facts at the end of the book promote discussion as well. I am looking forward to reading many more books in this series.
Recommend this book:
With You Always
Danielle Leibovici, LMFT

2012 Silver Medal
62 Pages
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Children - General

“With You Always,” written by Danielle Leibovici, LMFT, is a touching story that will be treasured by children and adults alike. A little boy is afraid one night and runs into his grandmother’s room. She comforts him by explaining that no one is ever alone and shares a song with him: “you are never alone, you are not on your own, like the sun with its rays, I am with you always.” When he questions how she can always be with him, they discuss how he knows that the air is there. It is because he breathes it and feels it when the wind blows; that is how he knows. One day the boy comes home and everyone is sad because his grandmother has passed away. The boy goes outside, the wind blows and he remembers what his grandmother told him and he knows that she is there with him. On special occasions such as his high school graduation and his wedding, the wind blows and he is reminded of the song and that his grandmother is there. One night, soon after becoming a father, he goes into the baby’s bedroom and shares the song with her and it is passed down through to his children and grandchildren.
This story reminded me of the timeless book, “Love You Forever,” as they both focus on promises that are shared among loved ones. The illustrations compliment the story so well as they are beautiful and soothing. This is an excellent book to share with someone after a loss of a loved one, but it is also an excellent book to read periodically as it will remind each of us that we are not alone. While reading this book, I found myself thinking about loved ones whom I have lost, specifically my grandparents, and the special moments I had shared with them and also the moments that they physically missed, but yet I know they were there in spirit. Also, it is important to note that this book is not based upon one type of religion; it is neutral with regard to what religion one may adhere to and each person/family can expand on the religious aspect of the book with their own personal beliefs.
Recommend this book:
Zippy and the Stripes of Courage
Candida Sullivan

2012 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Children - General

"Zippy and the Stripes of Courage," written by Candida Sullivan and illustrated by Jack Foster, is an excellent story for helping children to accept themselves even if they are different from their peers. Zippy is the only zebra in his family and the only zebra he knows who was born without any stripes. Zippy is constantly being stared at and asked questions about his lack of stripes, so Zippy will hide and keep to himself. One day while Zippy is looking at his reflection is the water a group of zebras notice him and invite him to play. Zippy is enjoying himself until the group decides to cross Crocodile Crossing. Zippy is afraid to cross and his new friends tease him because he is afraid. When hyenas chase after the group of zebras, Zippy is tempted to not help them, but he is encouraged by a wise owl to make a good choice and help the group of zebras since it is good to treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. Zippy feels ashamed that he is not like the other zebras and he does not like himself. After helping his new friends by being brave, Zippy is praised for being brave and for the first time in his life Zippy feels good about himself and accepts himself for who he is.
This book is a great resource to use with children to help them accept themselves for who they are even if they are not exactly like their peers. It also helps them to accept others who may be different from themselves. Filled with bright and fun illustrations, this book will grab children's attention and keep them involved in the story. The book concludes with a page of discussion questions from Dr. Rick Metrick which will really help the young readers to learn from this story and apply it to their own lives.
Recommend this book:
The Many Adventures of Mortimer Crump
Mandi Tillotson Williams

2012 Gold Medal
28 Pages
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Children - General

Mortimer wasn’t sure about a monster the bird was telling him about, but Boo Woolly turned out to be a nice monster, taking him to a wonderful colorful place full of fun and candy. Mortimer really liked Boo Woolly and wanted to be his friend, but then Boo Woolly was kidnapped. Poor Mortimer, what do you think happened to him? Well, he was very sad and confused because he didn’t know what was going on. And you can read the whole of Mortimer's story in this wonderful book and find out just what happened to him.
What a wonderful and colorful book for any public, private or school library! This rhyming tale of friendship between Mortimer and Boo Woolly is full of yummy delicious food, including a chocolate commode; what a fun that is! Wouldn’t this do wonders for potty training! And I love the crayon coloring style of illustrations, going along with the carnival and candy theme, bringing the story more to life for children. I especially like that the young reader can relate to the coloring book style pictures colored with the crayons. Between the illustrations and the candy land theme, this book will surely captivate children of all ages. Well, to be honest, it captured my heart and attention, and I am far from being a child. And lastly, this book teaches small children that there are nice monsters like Boo Woolly and they don’t need to be afraid.
I highly recommend this book for all libraries and for children of all ages. It is a book they can’t go wrong with because it will surely become one of their favorite books.
Recommend this book:
Johnny Big-Ears
The Feel-Good Friend
John Paul Padilla

2012 Finalist
32 Pages
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Children - General

Johnny Big Ears get his name because, well, he has big ears. But it is OK because he has long curly hair and his family love him and his curly hair and don’t mind his big ears at all. But now that he is old enough to go to school, he doesn’t know what his school friends will say about his ears.
Well, it seemed to be going well until recess time, and that is when some of the kids in class started teasing him and calling him names in front of everyone. Being the first time Johnny had been teased, he wasn’t sure how to act, so he tried to ignore them and think of good things his mom had told him, but it was just too much for him and he began to cry. But then something good happened. Johnny Big Ears met a new friend, and guess what his name is? Well, you need to read the book to find out, and to find out what happens with Johnny and his new friend. And what happened to the bullies who were teasing Johnny? You can read all of that and more in this wonderful book.
I love this book because it teaches children that it is OK to be different. I have witnessed so many children working in public schools and at church being bullied that it is wonderful to see a book so well-written just for those special children. This story is fun, exciting and easy to read and the illustrations set the mood for the story really well. The characters are fun to look at and the colors give a warm feeling. And Johnny’s hair is so adorable, even after his mom had it cut.
This book is a must for public, school and church libraries. And if your child is one that is being bullied buy others, I highly recommend that you purchase this book for your home library.
