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:
Niagara Falls, Or Does It?
#1, Hank Zipzer
Henry Winkler, Lin Oliver and Jesse Joshua Watson
2013 Bronze Medal
144 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
“Hank Zipzer, report to principal Love’s office at once!” the loud speaker buzzed. But this was the first hour of the first day of school, and how did they know his name already? School just didn’t start out well for Hank, and when his teacher gave the assignment to write five paragraphs on “What You Did This Summer,” Hank knew he was in for it. But then he thought of a plan, one that would be even better than writing five paragraphs. But things didn’t exactly turn out the way Hank wanted them to.
I have always been a Henry Winkler fan, so I was excited about reading a book written by Winkler and his co-author, Lin Oliver. This is such a fun book to read, and I can imagine how students everywhere feel when they read about Hank Zipzer. School was not easy for Hank, and we see his many struggles and difficulties as we follow in his footsteps in fourth grade. Hank had trouble learning, which made it very difficult to do his school assignments. But Hank’s brain seemed to always be creative and buzzing, so he was good at coming up with alternatives to his assignments. The authors did a wonderful job creating characters that are believable, and ones students can relate to. This is a fantastic book for students with learning disabilities, because that is what Hank deals with in his story. Anyone who has a child with a learning disability would benefit from "Niagara Falls, Or Does It?" Hank’s story could be the turning point in your child’s life. Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver’s series of books would be at the top of my book list if my child had any learning problems. You just can’t go wrong with Hank Zipzer’s story in "Niagara Falls, Or Does It?"
Recommend this book:
Ignor Ramus
A Curious Rhyme
Rob Myers
2013 Silver Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Ignor and Ignora Ramus live in McGill, a town close to Mount Shamus. The two mischief makers were always up to something: shaving the cat, tripped Willy Wong, and threw rocks at Giant John’s hogs. The people in town gathered together to discuss how to punish Ignor and Ignora; their first conclusion was to spank the unruly pair. A tiny old lady from the top of Mount Shamus suggested “the punishment should fit the crime.” She declared the most effective means of stopping the children was to smother them with a hug and lots of love. The citizens agreed and a plan was formed, but the two children had been hiding behind nearby and heard everything. They stepped out and apologized to the citizens for their behavior. The tiny old lady from Mount Shamus reminded the citizens that the hardest part of asking forgiveness was forgiving yourself.
“Ignor Ramus: A Curious Rhyme” was written by Rob Myers. While children will enjoy the cute story, rhyming prose and whimsical illustrations, they will also respond to the books message about forgiving yourself. But the main message is one for adults; children respond to love. Most people who work with children will attest to the fact that children whom act out are usually the ones with something lacking in their lives; when that need is met, bad behavior is usually modified. “Ignor Ramus: A Curious Rhyme” is a wonderful story parents can read with their children.
Recommend this book:
Betsy Beansprout
Bird Watching Guide
Amber Elmore
2013 Finalist
52 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
"Betsy Beansprout: Bird Watching Guide" by Amber Elmore is about a 6-year old girl who lives in a state park with her parents who work there. She describes her idyllic life chatting with the birds and naming them, rolling in mud puddles, and exploring the park. Included are identification tips for several birds, questions to stimulate thinking and conversation in your child, activities such as making a bird feeder, and recipes for bird related snacks and bird food. I believe this book would be suitable for any child in elementary school with a target audience about 8-9 years old, based on the number of words on a page and the type of words used. It could of course be read with younger children as well. Some activities require adult supervision.
This 43-page book is very colorful, and includes a main character who is cheerful and likeable. It is a great introduction to bird identification and care of the natural world around us. God is given credit for the beauty of nature and a Bible verse is included about His caring for the birds (and therefore He will care for us as well). Betsy Beansprout is fun to read. It reminds me of my own childhood which included many camping trips in state, national, and provincial parks. Frequently these parks had educational nature programs in which the rangers would lead hikes and teach about flowers, trees, and animals. As a child I also enjoyed making things and learning about birds, so I think that children will really enjoy the suggestions in this book. Amber Elmore has developed a creative way to teach about nature and I believe it will be easy for children to relate to Betsy.
Recommend this book:
Magical Matthew
Penelope Anne Cole
2013 Bronze Medal
24 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Matthew had magical powers but he couldn’t understand why. But then he started liking his magic and decided to keep the secret to himself because he didn’t know what people would think. And it was when he was with his friend who was in a wheel chair that he found out he could only fix things, not people. But will Matthew always have his magical powers to fix anything that is broken? Find out in this really cute new book by Penelope Anne Cole.
What a cute story and and what sweet imagination! All kids like to think with their magic mind at one time or another, and Matthew’s story is a reminder of this. And I love the special sweet relationship Matthew has with his friend in the wheel chair, one that is strong enough that he confides in her, and they go through the neighborhood together trying to find things that need to be fixed. But after a while, the time comes for Matthew to realize that his powers are just magical and no longer work. What will happen to Matthew now that he can’t fix things as he wants? I highly recommend this wonderful story about Matthew. Your children will certainly listen to this story in awe of the magic of the pages. And they will also enjoy the awesome illustrations that fit so well with the story, helping to bring the pages to life as they hear the words. You will not be disappointed with this little book!
Recommend this book:
When Grandma's False Teeth Fly
Mary Lee
2013 Finalist
24 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
"When Grandma's False Teeth Fly" by Mary Lee is a delightful story for children who may be unsure of their personal appearance for one reason or another. Six year old Katie has a chipped front tooth and some of her classmates tease her about it. Katie has a wonderful relationship with her grandmother, so she decides to take her problem to grandma to see what advice she might get, along with chocolate chip cookies and a tall glass of milk. Grandma first tells Katie that the tooth is only a baby tooth and another will soon replace the chipped tooth. She then tells Katie a story about when she was once at a party and something very embarrassing happened to her.
The interactions between Katie and her grandmother are precious. Grandma is patient. She takes Katie on her lap for additional closeness as she explains that what Katie is experiencing is somewhat a natural part of life. There are many lessons in this book such as the child going to a trusted adult to solve a problem. And then, there is the close relationship which all but ensures that the message will be heard. And then, the added bit of humor from Grandma's story tends to lessen the child's anxiety about her own problem. The result of all this is that the child learns that others also have problems and they live through them. The child learns to handle her own problem with humor. The illustrations in this book are marvelous!
Recommend this book:
Leah's Voice
Lori DeMonia
2013 Finalist
28 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
"Leah's Voice," written by Lori DeMonia and illustrated by Monique Turchan, is a great story about accepting each and every person and treating everyone with respect and kindness. Logan's older sister Leah is on the autism spectrum; however, Logan does not realize this or really think about the differences and the problems it may cause until she has a play date. Abby has never met anyone like Leah and is not willing to understand or make exceptions for how she thinks things should be. For example, Abby does not want to play a game with her and Logan as she cannot sit and play. She takes her turn, gets up and leaves and then returns when it is her turn again. After an article is published about Leah and the art that she creates, Abby realizes that she was not acting nicely toward her and learns that she needs to treat Leah as she would anyone else.
This is a great story that discusses children with special needs. All children should read it as it can be difficult for children to play together if someone has special needs. This story provides examples of situations that may arise and cause tension so that children cannot be happy. For example, Logan missed out on seeing a movie as Leah could not handle going into the theater. The lesson shared at the end of the story is an important one for children to learn and one that adults should also remember day after day. The illustrations throughout the book are well-done as they are bright, filled with detail and go along with the text nicely.
Recommend this book:
Sir Princess Petra
The Pen Pieyu Adventures
Diane Mae Robinson
2013 Honorable Mention
64 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
"Sir Princess Petra" by Diane Mae Robinson is a fun fairy tale for K-3rd graders and I am sure they will love it. The heroine, Petra, is a feisty young lady who is constantly driving her poor father to check the official royal rulebook since she pushes things to the limits. She surprises everyone by qualifying to become a Knight and in the process making friends with the frightening dragon Snarl. She also bests the pizza-faced witch and Nastybun and his puny knights and stops the howling dragon from howling without resorting to her sword. Onions and saucepans and other unusual implements play a key role in her victories, just one of the many humorous touches in this extremely likeable book. Another sweet part is where the witch has forgotten how to say the word 'please'.
Although it is a fairy tale, there is substance to the story. At its heart is an unconventional heroine who constantly has to face up to the rules that everyone else accepts blindly. Petra does things her way and with panache. But she is scared at times and this is well-portrayed. Petra accepts her limitations, like the rules, but works either within or around them. There is a strong sense of right and wrong and fairness in the book, which is quite a pleasant change. Too often parents are unreasonable and stupid in children's books, but here the king and queen allow their daughter the freedom to go and try and fight a dragon, and, since the rules permit it, eventually allow her to have Snarl as her royal steed. Pen Pieyu isn't a bad place to live at all! This is a bright and breezy book, buoyed up by its humor and general pleasantness. Lovely illustrations too.
Recommend this book:
The Many Colors of Friendship
Rita Kaye Vetsch
2011 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Grade K-3rd
The Many Colors of Friendship by Rita Kaye Vetsch is a delightful book. It tells the story of Katherine, a first grade student. There was a new student in her class whose name was Luis. She wanted to talk to him; but she didn't know how to talk to someone so different, so she ignored him. That night Katherine had a vivid dream. She was in a bright colored jungle. A snake called Sanjay pulled her out of quicksand with his tail. Sanjay didn't look like any other snake Katherine had ever seen. He was brightly colored and friendly. Along her journey she met other creatures, all brightly colored and very different from any she'd ever seen before. The panda, toucan, and sloth taught Katherine a lesson: We should never be afraid of someone just because they look different. People come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The next day Katherine and Luis became friends.
We live in a diverse society. Too often we are afraid of what we do not understand. We are afraid of different. The Many Colors of Friendship will be an excellent tool for opening the dialogue between parents and children.
The story is written in simple terms making it easy for children to understand. The illustrations bring the text to life; they are brightly colored and eye-catching. I love this book and the message it proclaims. This book will make an excellent book for children in Kindergarten through third grade. I can hardly wait to share this book with my grandson.
Recommend this book:
The Dreamer, The Schemer & The Robe
The Amazing Tales of Max & Liz - Book Two
Jenny L. Cote
2010 Gold Medal
400 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
After saving Noah and family from the evil stowaway Charlatan aboard the ark in The Ark, the Reed, & the Fire Cloud, heroes Max and Liz, along with faithful mates Kate and Al, earn immortality and a directive from God to serve as His envoys for pivotal points in human history. They have waited for centuries for a word from the Maker; now they learn they are to work behind the scenes in the life of Joseph. In 'The Dreamer, The Schemer & The Robe' the fate of an entire nation rests in their paws.
All looks hopeless for the young teenager as Joseph s brothers sell him into slavery in Egypt. Has Charlatan returned to Egypt to once again stop Max and Liz from accomplishing their mission? With the help of two new characters, a British archeologist mouse and a forlorn camel, they must combat the forces of evil that are out to thwart their plans, leading them into mysterious adventures with pyramids and mummies. If Max and Liz fail in this mission, all of Egypt will suffer from famine, and the Hebrew nation will never be born.
Abounding in life lessons on struggle, enduring trials, forgiveness, and redemption, This book is a nonstop thriller filled with twists and turns, side-splitting humor, treachery and heartache, hope and redemption.
Recommend this book:
Magic Letters
The Keys to the World of Words
Julie Rebboah
2010 Gold Medal
136 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
"Magic Letters: The Keys to the World of Words" is sure to please your preschooler. The first thing I noticed was the way the book was bound. The glossy cover makes it easy to remove little finger prints. The bright colors are sure to attract the attention of little ones. The author includes a 'How you can help' page. She suggests that you read this book to your child several times, and then randomly open the book to see if your child recognizes any letters. Soon your child will be reading this book on his or her own. This book can also be utilized in a classroom.
The author has carefully chosen words and illustrations that a child will connect to. The sentences are simple. “I see the alligator. I see the apple.” Then she switches to “I like…” The repetition allows your child to grasp the words by recognition. The pages are not cluttered. Too often a letter book is jumbled. My three year old grandson loves this book. It is easy to recommend this book to parents and educators.