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:
Tempest's Secret
Brave Kids Never Give Up
Ariane Chapelle

2025 Finalist
156 Pages
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Children - Mystery

Tempest's Secret: Brave Kids Never Give Up by Ariane Chapelle is a wonderful children's book about a brave girl and a kitten. Tempest is an eleven-year-old girl who tries to convince her mother to get a pet. She and her little brother would love a small friend to play with, especially a cat. Their mother says they will not have time to take care of it properly, yet Tempest believes she would be great at caring for one. One day, she and her brother find a kitten stuck in a tree in the park. They save it and decide to take it home. Now, they must find a way to keep the kitten a secret for a few days to prove to their parents that they can take good care of a pet without causing trouble, hoping they will let them keep it. Soon, Tempest will learn what a responsibility it is to have a pet.
Tempest's Secret by Ariane Chapelle is an extraordinary tale that contains the perfect dose of excitement, adventure, mystery, suspense, heart, beautiful illustrations, and life lessons. It shows that brave kids never give up, that coming forward and asking for help is the best way to solve real problems, and that you are stronger if you can count on allies. This delightful detective story is for young pet lovers and those who feel they are better at making animal friends than humans. It is engaging, encouraging children not to let small failures discourage them and to have confidence in their abilities. This book is the perfect choice for anyone looking for mystery books for kids.
Recommend this book:
The Legend of the Serpent Witch
Scary Shivers Mysteries
F.P. LaRue

2025 Honorable Mention
184 Pages
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Children - Mystery

The Legend of the Serpent Witch by F.P. LaRue begins with Ollie, a twelve-year-old boy who begins noticing strange items and marks in the woods near his school, which could be linked to recent child disappearances. Along with his friends, Mellie and Scotty, he investigates and discovers a connection to a witch named Hagatha, who has been luring children to their deaths. As they dig deeper, they meet a boy named Adrian who was trapped for years by Hagatha and reveals that she uses children’s innocence to maintain her youth. The group learns of her ongoing attempts to trap more children, but the worst comes when Scotty disappears, leading to an epic confrontation to free Scotty and prevent more children from falling into her trap.
The Legend of the Serpent Witch by F.P. LaRue is a great mix of mystery, adventure, and supernatural suspense in a middle-grade reading package. The 'malevolent witch in the woods' angle isn't new, but LaRue makes it feel fresh with writing that is textured and atmospheric, perfectly introducing the chills factor as the pages turn. The pacing is tight, keeping readers on edge as the group confronts increasingly eerie phenomena. LaRue gives us ominous smoke, unusual symbols, and the kid-lit pièce de résistance: creepies, crawlies, and snakes! My youngest reader and I both thought having Ollie's point of view in the first person was brilliant, and his curiosity and courage are drivers for all that transpires. With its easy mix of folklore, magic, and suspense, this addition to the Scary Shivers Mysteries series is a win. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Liv Forever: Never Say Zombie
Diana Davis

2025 Bronze Medal
198 Pages
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Children - Mystery

Liv Forever: Never Say Zombie by Diana Davis is a humorous kids' mystery story. Liv Creep is dead and it’s no fun at all. Her diet stinks, bits of her keep falling off, and she’s so tired of keeping quiet about her “condition” – her best friend Di is the only one who knows. Liv has an even worse problem; she’s got a serious crush on Ryan but he’s never going to fall for a dead girl. When the school bully, Kaitlyn, threatens to tell all her social media followers – she’s an influencer, by the way – about Liv’s crush, she needs to do something. Down into the depths of the dead city she and Di go in a bid to stop Kaitlyn. Will they succeed? And just how dangerous is it down there, not just for a dead girl but her human best friend?
Liv Forever: Never Say Zombie by Diana Davis is a hilarious mixture of thriller, horror, and kid-friendly mystery. This book is so well-written, filled with funny one-liners and a fantastically unique plot. It’s action all the way, and from the minute you start reading, you’re hooked on this very cleverly written and imaginative yarn. It’s a twisty story that leads you down some pretty dark alleyways filled with zombies, and the characters are superb – relatable and likable, dead or otherwise. However, aside from being a humorous story, this is also about friendship and unconditional support, demonstrating the lengths good friends and family will go to for someone in need. This book may be aimed at middle-school readers, but, as an adult reader, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It doesn’t matter your age; we all need a bit of light humor in our lives, and this is the perfect book to help you put life in perspective. After all, no matter how bad things seem, they could be worse – you could be a dead girl at school! I really hope there’s a sequel in the offing.
Recommend this book:
Monkey Flip
A Sebastian Winthrop, Chimp Detective, Mystery
Michael Dell

2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Mystery

Have you ever met a talking chimp? Sebastian Winthrop is not only a talking chimp, he’s also a first-rate detective. Just don’t call him a monkey as he’s really a chimp. Friendly, too, and it’s a good thing because in Michael Dell’s Monkey Flip, Addie and Bennett have just learned that their father, the fearsome wrestler, Bonecrusher, has been charged with murdering one of his fellow wrestlers, and they need professional help – fast. Sebastian is thorough in his investigation, and he teaches the young siblings some tips on how to develop good detective skills. Sebastian has some aspirations of his own: “The only real growth comes from change. My life needs changing. … I must continue to grow, change, and evolve. I wish to be part of something bigger than myself.”
Michael Dell’s middle-grade novel, Monkey Flip: A Sebastian Winthrop, Chimp Detective, Mystery, is a fun-packed story that will have young readers craving more. The plot follows Sebastian and the two young people who hire him, as he uncovers the mystery surrounding the murder for which Bonecrusher is accused. The narrative is effective and thorough, and even readers with little knowledge of wrestling can follow along easily. Dialogue is believable and used to add another dimension to the plot as well as develop the characters. Readers will enjoy the story's humor as well as the themes of family, grief, acceptance, and teamwork. Even the reluctant reader would find this story difficult to put down. A great read.
Recommend this book:
Snoopers & Sneakers
Cristina Rouvalis, Lydia Wayman

2025 Gold Medal
242 Pages
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Children - Mystery

Grab your magnifying glass… In Snoopers and Sneakers, by Cristina Rouvalis and Lydia Wayman, Jane and Ashley seem dissimilar on the surface. Jane is autistic. She is a quiet genius with a love for cats, while Ashley is an irrepressible member of a group of popular girls at school. However, they both agree that Miss DiMicco is the best teacher in the world. When Miss DiMicco is arrested, the two girls join forces to clear their teacher’s name, leading to an unexpected friendship. As they navigate the ups and downs of sixth grade—including dealing with bullies, choosing the right shoes, and managing an annoying substitute teacher—Jane and Ashley discover that they fit together like two pieces of the same puzzle. But can they save their teacher and strengthen their friendship?
Make way for a new generation of amateur detectives! Snoopers and Sneakers, by Cristina Rouvalis and Lydia Wayman, introduces readers to Ashley and Jane. With Ashley’s charisma and bold resolve and Jane's intelligence and attention to detail, Rouvalis and Wayman create characters with the necessary qualities to be the next iconic super sleuths. The thoughtful glimpse into life with autism fosters empathy and understanding of individuals with neurological differences. The girls' struggles with fake friendships make their challenges highly relatable, and believable storytelling allows readers to become immersed in the story. Engaging clues, multiple likely suspects, and a sense of urgency make it a fast-paced page-turner. If you enjoyed Wonder by R.J. Palacio, you’ll love this heartwarming story about unlikely friendships and standing up for what is right.
Recommend this book:
Saygar the Detective
The Case of the Missing Noodle
Elizabeth Jurado

2024 Finalist
186 Pages
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Children - Mystery

In Saygar the Detective by Elizabeth Jurado, Saygar A. Hill is a kid-sized ant who lives in a treehouse when he’s not in school. As if keeping his best friend’s true identity a secret is not enough, third-grader Joseph Mateo is currently suffering from anxiety brought on by certain relatives he’d like to “un-family.” So, Joseph is horrified when he is unwittingly left to supervise his cousins, four-year-old Julia and toddler Saul Sam aka Noodle. True to form, Noodle locks himself in the bathroom, covers himself with toothpaste, then exits the bathroom and escapes through the back door. Julia, Saygar, and Joseph are joined by classmate Amanda on what turns out to be a comical search to find the little pasta monster. Will Saygar’s special abilities be enough to save the day?
Elizabeth Jurado’s talented writing creates a world where a kid-sized ant seems entirely plausible. A fantastical imaginative plot can quickly go sideways, but this is not true in Saygar the Detective: The Case of the Missing Noodle. The cast of characters is endearing and memorable. Saygar’s “down-to-earth” nature works well with Joseph’s marginally strong moral compass. Making them both relatable characters, Jurado enhances the cultural flavor of this fast-paced, action-filled story by including Spanish terms that reflect Joseph’s heritage. Further, the subtlety with which family bonds are featured is not lost and adds to the themes of friendship and acceptance. The cartoonish black-and-white illustrations by Davey Villalobos perfectly suit this writing style and resonate with humor. This is the third installment. Keep the author motivated and read the whole Saygar Books series!
Recommend this book:
An Extra-Ordinary Mystery
Carla Solomon

2024 Honorable Mention
124 Pages
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Children - Mystery

An Extra-Ordinary Mystery by Carla Solomon is the perfect mystery story for young readers. It follows Amber Gable, an 11-year-old gifted girl, as she uses her extra-ordinary gifts to help others in many ways, including her mother to stop hiding her true self. After one unfortunate incident, her mother decided to lock her gifts away and told Amber to do the same. When they find their new home, Amber catches a glimpse of her old mom and hopes to find a way to convince her mom to return to her wonderful, extra-ordinary self. While unpacking, Amber sees a black cat with blue eyes and follows it. The cat leads her to an old gazebo where she discovers something. Shortly after, Amber learns something interesting about their new house and the people who used to live in it. Then, she and her new friend go on a treasure hunt, unraveling riddles and hidden secrets.
An Extra-Ordinary Mystery is a greatly entertaining and compelling story. It touched my heart and brought smiles to my face. There's no doubt that this is a must-read for every child, especially those interested in a fascinating story featuring mystery, adventure, riddles, a black cat, a treasure box, missing letters, ribbons, a secret room, and more. This book conveys powerful messages that will resonate with children of all ages. Amber's story inspires young readers to stay true to themselves, never doubt themselves, never hide their true selves, help others, and trust themselves. You should be prepared to devour this book in one sitting and will yearn for more of Carla Solomon's stories.
Recommend this book:
Zoey Lyndon and the Sticky Finger Bandit
Micheal Anderson

2024 Bronze Medal
154 Pages
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Children - Mystery

Zoey Lyndon and the Sticky Finger Bandit is a fun-filled story for preteens by Micheal Anderson. On top of being a model student, fourth-grader Zoey loves to dance and have fun with her friends. But Zoey's happy life has one constant annoyance in the form of Trudy Jacobs, who uses every opportunity to embarrass Zoey in front of her classmates. Moreover, stuff belonging to Zoey and her classmates keeps disappearing from Mrs. Pennington's class, which Zoey blames on the sticky finger bandit. Meanwhile, Zoey's older sister Jasmine has a secret admirer. As the day of the Briar Ridge Elementary annual talent show comes closer, Zoey and her friends decide to train and seek direction from her mother, who used to be a member of her university dance team. Will the girls win the competition?
Full of heart, humor, and a whole lot of fun, Zoey and the Sticky Finger Bandit is a delightful tale that will appeal to children and young adults alike. Author Micheal Anderson's colorful and vibrant characters, alongside the sharp-witted humor sprinkled throughout the pages, make the book a joyful ride you don't want to get off. Zoey is a high-spirited young girl who is full of passion in every single thing she sets out to do. Her relationships with her friends and family form the bedrock of the narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes involving Zoey and her best friend Tommi, alongside her dynamic with her older sister Jasmine. I recommend Zoey and the Sticky Finger Bandit to kids of all ages.
Recommend this book:
Scarecrow's Keep
Jo Sjoblom

2024 Silver Medal
35 Pages
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Children - Mystery

Scarecrow's Keep by Jo Sjoblom is a picture book for children. Does your child enjoy the chills of a good scary story? If so, this book will send shivers down their spine. A young girl named Meg lived in an orphanage where the other children were cruel to her. They spread rumors and pulled her hair, until one day, Meg went missing, along with the eerie scarecrow that watched from afar. Meg had previously found comfort with the scarecrow at times when she felt alone. Was she wrong to involve herself with the scarecrow and would her life be put at risk because of it? Find out in this wonderfully creepy book.
Scarecrow's Keep was a pleasure to read. From the very first page, I was sucked into the terrifying story that Jo Sjoblom has created. It made me eager to turn the pages to find out what happened to Meg. Jo is an incredible author with massive talent. There wasn't a single second where I lost interest. Children are going to love reading this story, just as much as I did. It will hold their attention from the start and maintain it throughout. Not only does this book have a brilliant storyline, but it also includes high-quality illustrations by the author. So if you're on the lookout for a good mystery book for your child, then this is the one for you. I would recommend reading it with the lights on unless you are tough and can handle the thrilling adventure this book provides.
Recommend this book:
There's an Elephant in the Bathroom
Effie Davis

2024 Gold Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Mystery

There’s an Elephant in the Bathroom by Effie Davis, with lively illustrations by Monika Marzec, is a delightful adventure that combines curiosity, fun facts, and whimsical illustrations. The story begins with Emmett and his loyal dog Addie hearing a mysterious noise coming from the bathroom. Eager to solve the mystery and avoid waking Emmett’s dad, the duo embarks on an investigation to find out what—or who—is causing the commotion. Their first clue is a telltale elephant hair found in the shower. As Emmett shares fascinating facts about elephants, such as how they use their trunks to shower, the adventure continues as they search the house for more clues about the elusive elephant’s whereabouts. Emmett and Addie follow a trail of clues and intriguing information, making for a fun-filled exploration around the house.
Readers will be captivated by the playful and engaging storyline of There’s an Elephant in the Bathroom. Effie Davis’s story combines the excitement of a detective quest with educational tidbits about elephants, making learning fun and interactive. The illustrations by Monika Marzec enhance the read with dynamic, action-packed visuals that are rich in blues and vibrant hues, adding depth and energy to each scene. The artwork brings the story to life, capturing the playful spirit of Emmett’s adventure and the mystery of the hidden elephant. Effie Davis has created a charming narrative that is a perfect blend of curiosity, humor, and education, providing an entertaining and visually appealing read for children and their families.
