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:
Halley Harper, Science Girl Extraordinaire
Nature Code Breakers
Tracy Borgmeyer

2025 Finalist
198 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th

Halley Harper: Nature Code Breakers is yet another enthralling installment of the Science Girl Extraordinaire series by Tracy Borgmeyer. Halley Harper, a fourth-grade science prodigy, outdid herself by winning the Invention Convention award for her Monarch Micro Tracker at the White House. However, her trip to the White House is marred by her encounter with Ms. Spark, her Camp Eureka nemesis. Halley's family has recently moved to the town of Tyler, Texas, making Halley the new girl in her class. Halley soon discovers that her Grammy used to be a secret agent for the US government, and now, on her recent trip to Camp Eureka, she stumbles upon something lost decades ago. Additionally, someone is trying to steal her invention and use it for nefarious purposes.
Author Tracy Borgmeyer knocks it out of the park with this absorbing installment in the series. Packed with mystery and intrigue, Halley Harper: Nature Code Breakers is a delightful adventure for kids and young adults alike. Spinning a fast-paced yarn, Borgmeyer takes readers on a captivating adventure in the wild, featuring a couple of nature's endangered species in crucial roles in the plot. Young readers will find it easy to relate to the characters. Halley is awesome, as usual, but I also liked the return of Nathan and Ms. Mac, as well as Ava's introduction in this book. The narrative addresses the increasingly relevant and important topic of wildlife conservation in a way that young readers can understand. It's a wholesome adventure for preteens.
Recommend this book:
Sele Speaks Without Words
A Neurodiversity book perfect for readers of all ages
Webilor Ediale, Jecoe Firmalan

2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Grade 4th-6th

Join a fun-loving neurodivergent boy on his wondrous adventures in a magical realm with Webilor Ediale's Sele Speaks Without Words. Despite his nonverbal autism, sensory processing disorder, and learning disabilities, young Sele loves to explore the outdoors. While taking a walk in the park with his mom and little sister, Sele comes across a mysterious and colorful stone that suddenly transports him to a magical world with a variety of plants and animals. He meets Maddie the Dragonfly with three sets of wings, Drogo the Owl, who suffers from nyctophobia, Cha-Cha the Butterfly with a broken wing who also has OCD, and Flash, the playful young monkey with ADHD. One by one, Sele helps his new friends overcome their issues and begins his journey back home. However, he must now navigate a few challenges of his own.
Sele Speaks Without Words is an uplifting adventure tale for preteens, neurodivergents, and neurotypicals alike. The narrative celebrates diversity and inclusivity while incorporating a beautiful message about adopting a growth mindset to conquer the hurdles life throws one's way. With an engaging story, author Webilor Ediale highlights the everyday challenges kids suffering from disorders like autism, ADHD, and OCD face and shows how they can rise above their seeming disabilities and find ways to express themselves through art, music, and dance. The characters are adorable. Young readers will find a lot to relate to in Sele. His friendships with Maddie, Drogo, Cha-Cha, and Flash make him easy to root for. Additionally, Jecoe Firmalan's eye-catching illustrations breathe life into these characters. If you're looking for an inspirational adventure tale that also entertains, this book will be right up your alley!
Recommend this book:
No Time To Waste
Eco Warriors, book 2
Carolyn Armstrong

2025 Bronze Medal
216 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th

No Time To Waste is the second book in the Eco Warriors series by Carolyn Armstrong. Sydney and her sister Sierra are eleven-year-old twins who recently returned home from a trip to the Arctic, where they helped save some polar bears. Paying heed to a message from a bird they met in Svalbard, the twins arrive in Monterey Bay in search of another keystone species. After helping an otter get rid of a plastic ring stuck around its leg, Sydney tries to decipher the message of an otter she named Sunny. Soon, she and her sister learn more about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and help a whale get free from a fishing net. In a race against time, the sisters must develop a prototype to take out the microplastics clustered in the ocean.
No Time To Waste takes young readers on an enthralling oceanic odyssey. Author Carolyn Armstrong tells a captivating tale with an increasingly relevant message about plastic pollution and marine life conservation. The book features eleven-year-old twin sisters as the main characters, alongside some quirky and immensely adorable sea creatures, including a few otters and a gigantic blue whale that animal lovers are bound to enjoy. Sydney and Sierra have distinct personalities and strengths, and they use these to cover for each other and complete their missions. Young readers will definitely relate to them, and they will find the twins' determination to work toward saving the oceans inspirational. Books like these are a must-read for kids nowadays with the growing challenge of climate change and environmental pollution. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and can't recommend it highly enough.
Recommend this book:
Haven
Valerie Biel

2025 Silver Medal
176 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th

If only life were simple and safe. For Mardella, life with her parents is anything but safe. In Valerie Biel’s Haven, Mardella and her mother have to escape with the few items they can pack quickly to start a new life in a small town where, hopefully, Mardella’s abusive, drug-dealing father can’t find them. They settle into an apartment in a seniors' residence and, while Mom works in the office, Mardella makes friends with the senior residents, cheering things up by painting away the gloomy tan color that’s everywhere. The only problem is, her father does find them and threatens them with a gun. How can they escape now?
Valerie Biel’s middle-grade novel, Haven, is a troubling story about domestic abuse and survival. The plot follows Mardella and her mother as they settle down and try to put the past behind them. The characters are well-developed and believable. The descriptive narrative creates vivid images of the residence and the dullness that surrounds Mardella’s new life and home. The dialogue is used effectively and helps move the story along. There are some illustrations scattered throughout, adding another dimension to the developing story. Although troubling in many ways, this story addresses a complexity of emotions, including Mardella’s misplaced feeling of guilt. It also highlights some positive emotions about intergenerational friendships as Mardella finds friends amongst her senior neighbors and learns to accept a new sense of what makes a family and what home really means to her. She’s a strong young lady who will forge ahead for what she believes in, even if it requires some difficult and quick decisions. A powerful story.
Recommend this book:
Dyani's Adventure
Kitty Arceneaux

2025 Gold Medal
84 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th

Dyani’s Adventure by Kitty Arceneaux is a delightful children’s book that invites young readers to explore the wonders of diversity, friendship, and cultural understanding through the eyes of its spirited protagonist, Dyani, a curious and adventurous young girl. Setting out from her cozy neighborhood, she embarks on an enlightening journey where she meets a vibrant array of characters, each offering a unique glimpse into their diverse cultures and backgrounds. From the local library to bustling marketplaces, Dyani encounters individuals like Pilar, Melo, Tu, Doshi, and Mrs. Ono, who warmly share their traditions, customs, and stories. These encounters broaden Dyani's perspective and teach her the value of embracing diversity within her community.
Dyani’s Adventure explores cultural diversity in a way that is accessible to young readers, promoting empathy, acceptance, and unity. Dyani's quest to find “something more” leads her to discover that the world’s beauty lies in its differences, and understanding and connection are vital to building lasting friendships. The story provides a platform for discussing diversity, encouraging readers to see the world through Dyani's eyes and appreciate the uniqueness of every individual. Dyani's Adventure is a perfect read for children and families who wish to foster a deeper understanding of the world and the people around them. This book is a reminder that, despite our differences, there is always common ground to be found. Kitty Arceneaux's storytelling not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impact on young minds, making it a worthy addition to any child's bookshelf. It's a celebration of diversity that we can all appreciate and support.
Recommend this book:
Banjo Pickin' Karate Kickin' Crime Fightin' Grandmas
Mike Knudson, Vaughan Duck

2024 Finalist
252 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th

Scarlett, Izzy, and Hazel were perfectly ordinary elementary school kids. When the trio wished to punish all the bad guys in the world, they did not imagine that their wish would come true in a most unusual way. As it happened, the lunch ladies passed the girls their hairnets with a secret legacy; the trio would inherit unimaginable superpowers once they donned the nets. But, there was a slight catch; their alter egos would be aged grandmas, deviating from the typical superhero images. Will the friends be happy with their new looks? Can they harness their newfound abilities to catch criminals? Will anyone take three grandmas seriously? Find out in Banjo Pickin’ Karate Kickin’ Crime Fightin’ Grandmas, written by Mike Knudson and illustrated by Vaughan Duck.
I honestly could not decide what I liked best; the hilarious antics of the three friends, the whimsical storyline, or the lively illustrations. From the first page, Knudson took us on a delightful ride. I had to laugh out loud as the trio got into trouble and invented progressively humorous solutions. The humor was evident in every aspect of the story, be it their questionable decisions or the impossible situations in which they kept finding themselves. I loved how Knudson created three unique characters who maintained their quirks even when adopting the alter egos. The illustrations were a powerful addition to the book. I loved Duck’s inclusion of the cast’s appearances at the beginning, which helped us visualize them clearly. Their expressions and poses perfectly conveyed the absurdity of the scenes. The story, albeit light in tone, nonetheless contains a message of body positivity. That the grandmas had superpowers despite their wizened appearances encourages us to look for inner strength, not superficial beauty. When the trio realizes that a lifelong friendship is a more precious gift than stylish clothes or athletic bodies, it is a profound message for readers. Banjo Pickin’ Karate Kickin’ Crime Fightin’ Grandmas is a funny yet wholesome read.
Recommend this book:
Tessy Turtle
Anna Casamento Arrigo

2024 Honorable Mention
79 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th

“I’m Tessy, the Green Sea Turtle, let me be!” Tessy Turtle has a plea for us all to hear. In Anna Casamento Arrigo’s Tessy Turtle, Tessy shares her story and educates us on the fragile life cycle of sea turtles, as well as other turtles. So many things affect the turtles’ survival: raccoons and other predators, humans' relentless pollution, and poaching to use real turtle shells for combs and other ornaments. The list is endless and the result is the decimation of these beautiful creatures. They are now an endangered species and even though there are some protected places where green sea turtles can thrive without fear of being destroyed, more needs to be done. This includes education and action. It’s okay to observe and study the turtles, even take pictures of them, but otherwise, do not touch them!
Anna Casamento Arrigo’s picture book, Tessy Turtle, is an engaging and informative read. Told in rhyming verse, in the first person narrative from Tessy’s point of view, this endearing story will educate young readers about sea turtles and the problems they face just to survive. The language is simple so young readers can easily follow along and improve their reading skills. The important messages are repeated several times to make sure the point is enforced. Young readers will quickly begin to recognize the key catchphrases. The illustrations are bright, bold, and colorful and give the reader a full picture of Tessy’s life as a green sea turtle. Young readers will learn a lot about caring for the environment, as well as the fragile sea turtle. Hopefully, these young readers will be able to educate their elders, too.
Recommend this book:
The Reaper's Guide on How NOT to Take a Soul!
Charles Byrd

2024 Bronze Medal
170 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th

The Reaper's Guide on How NOT to Take a Soul! by Charles Byrd follows Lyra, a girl training to be a Grim Reaper under the mentorship of Silas. Lyra's eagerness for promotion leads to mishaps, the biggest being the breaking of her lantern, which leaves the soul of a boy named Casper detached, unable to get back into his body or transition to the afterlife. With the pair in the Underworld, chased by Soul Eaters and haunted by actual ghosts, they seek answers about Casper's state and how to fix it. After being told where to go to help Casper, they are forced to navigate the treacherous terrain of the Underworld. Along the way, they're tested in their resolve and ability
not to be separated, and worse. It is also a test for Lyra, as family secrets crush everything she thought she knew about herself and those she trusted most.
In The Reaper's Guide on How NOT to Take a Soul!, Charles Byrd crafts a wonderfully detailed world in The Beyond, where Grim Reapers, and young apprentice Lyra in particular, coexist with supernatural elements like ghost cats and whispering portraits. I loved the journey of Lyra and poor Casper into the Greek Afterlife and the integration of classical mythology with Byrd's own brand of what the afterlife holds to mix it all up with unexpected twists. As far as the writing goes, it is clean and accessible to readers, with standouts to me as an adult being the clever use of metaphors in prose that often sing: "The water embraced me like the cold hands of death itself, swallowing me in its cool darkness." I loved these physical descriptions with themes of death and the overall balance of haunting elements with humor, ensuring the fear factor never overwhelms and instead transforms the tale into an adventurous journey. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Halley Harper, Science Girl Extraordinaire
Secret Rock Aftershock
Tracy Borgmeyer

2024 Silver Medal
198 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th

Halley Harper, Science Girl Extraordinaire: Secret Rock Aftershock is a fantastic adventure-filled book. Penned by Tracy Borgmeyer, it provides a fun, engaging, and informative way for children to learn about science and rocks. Halley Harper, a ten-year-old science girl, is on a live TV show. Halley is a science toy tester for a popular science magazine and loves doing science experiments. She even dares to do one on live TV. Halley isn't happy to learn that she is about to have a few more responsibilities, starting with watching her nosy six-year-old brother. But after a few unfortunate events, Halley looks forward to returning to Camp Eureka and having fun. However, the worst news is yet to come. Her father announces that there will be a big change for their family. Will Halley accept the change? Will she still enjoy Camp Eureka, or is another change coming?
Halley Harper, Science Girl Extraordinaire takes young readers on a thrilling journey filled with exciting twists and turns, adventures, friendship, and discoveries. It is entertaining and educational at the same time and leaves children eager to learn more about science experiments, rocks, fossils, and rock jokes. This story helps kids deal with growing up, disappointment, and change. It's fun to read aloud and will surely entertain children and adults alike. Tracy Borgmeyer's story ignites curiosity and passion for science and exploration in young readers. Like the other books in the series, this story also contains experiments kids can try at home. This is a must-have for every kid's library, especially if they're interested in science or rocks.
Recommend this book:
At The Edge Of The Ice
Eco Warriors, book 1
Carolyn Armstrong

2024 Gold Medal
228 Pages
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Children - Grade 4th-6th

At The Edge Of The Ice is penned by author Carolyn Armstrong in the adventure, climate fiction, and animal life subgenres. It is the first book in the Eco Warriors series. The work is intended for independent readers in the 10 to 12 years range. Eleven-year-old Sydney Cabella, known for talking to animals, embarks on a transformative journey with her family to Svalbard, near the North Pole. After a head injury, Sydney discovers she can now understand animals, leading her to communicate with a ringed seal named Ringo. Ringo urgently seeks Sydney's help to address the ecosystem's collapse due to habitat loss and global warming. With just 72 hours left in the Arctic, Sydney and her twin sister Sierra must decipher Ringo's messages and clues to save the environment. As they encounter polar bears and other wildlife, Sydney realizes the interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of taking action to protect their habitat.
Author Carolyn Armstrong has crafted an engaging and enjoyable novel that offers a heartfelt eco-adventure highlighting the impact of climate change on habitats and the power of small actions. Sydney's ability to communicate with animals is so well incorporated into the dialogue and narrative style, adding a magical realism element to the story and engaging readers on a personal level in understanding the plight of wildlife in the face of climate change. The book effectively conveys complex environmental issues in a relatable and accessible manner, encouraging children to consider their role in protecting the planet. The pacing and twists of the events retain the reader's interest and excitement from cover to cover. Through Sydney's journey, the narrative emphasizes the significance of empathy, cooperation, and proactive steps in addressing environmental challenges. Overall, At The Edge Of The Ice is an inspiring tale that educates and empowers young readers to become stewards of the Earth, and I would certainly recommend it.
