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:
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.
Recommend this book:
Ghost Hunters
Swamp Witch
Susan McCauley
2023 Finalist
180 Pages
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Children - Mystery
Ghost Hunters: Swamp Witch is a work of fiction in the mystery, suspense, and adventure subgenres. It is intended for young readers in the middle-grade age group. Penned by author Susan McCauley, this enthralling tale takes readers on an eerie and exciting journey into the world of thirteen-year-old psychic Alex and his friends who investigate the paranormal. In this installment, the young ghost hunters face a daunting challenge: a hospital haunted by restless spirits. The friends suspect a deeper and more malevolent force at play than what the so-called experts suggest. What follows is an adventurous and spooky quest to uncover the secrets behind this haunting. The group believes that only the ancient magic of a mysterious swamp witch can bring peace to these restless souls. To find her, they must venture into the eerie Louisiana swamps, filled with dangerous creatures like alligators and snakes. Failure could mean that New Orleans becomes overrun by vengeful spirits.
Author Susan McCauley knows how to captivate her young audience with plenty of vivid descriptions and imaginative action, and I found myself totally enthralled by the blend of mystery, adventure, and the supernatural. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and the story keeps you guessing until the end but wraps everything up in a clear and satisfying fashion. It's a perfect read for fans of mysteries with a paranormal twist, updating the classic kids' mysteries of years ago with some great modern pop culture atmospherics and dialogue style. Overall, Ghost Hunters: Swamp Witch is a deeply engaging mystery read that leaves you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.
Recommend this book:
The Greatest Treasure
Anne Lacourrege, Joshua Wichterich
2023 Bronze Medal
30 Pages
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Children - Mystery
The Greatest Treasure by Anne Lacourrege and Joshua Wichterich is a children’s action story. Lily lives in an apartment in a house owned by her grandmother. The house was old and Lily is intrigued by a door that is never opened. She’s disappointed when she learns the key has gone missing but then, one night, she hears a voice asking her to open the door. Playing in the basement the next day, she discovers the key and that night, she opens the door. What she finds there is amazing – a hidden room with a secret. But what is the secret and what will Lily do with it?
The Greatest Treasure by Anne Lacourrege and Joshua Wichterich is a lovely story about family and love with some great drawings. It’s a fun tale about a little girl who discovers a secret room and learns that the greatest treasure of all is within. The authors have created some wonderful characters and a narrative that’s easy to read and follow. It’s perfectly suited to its target audience and the colorful illustrations help children to picture the events for themselves. Hopefully, the book will teach its readers to appreciate what they have and not to keep looking for hidden treasures that may or may not be there. This is a good choice for bedtime story time but I would also say that it should be on the reading lists for youngsters at school too. It is entertaining, amusing, and a feel-good adventure, highly recommended for all younger children.
Recommend this book:
She's Still Here
Kate Sablowsky Paranormal Investigator
Caitlin Alexander
2023 Silver Medal
178 Pages
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Children - Mystery
She's Still Here is the first book in the Kate Sablowsky Paranormal Investigator series by Caitlin Alexander. Kate Sablowsky wasn't too excited about moving to Ravendale, Iowa. But when her mother's job as a TV anchor forces them to move again, Kate decides to take things in her stride and joins Ravendale Middle School, eager to start things anew. Unbeknownst to her new classmates, Kate has the extraordinary ability to talk to the dead. After striking up a bond with a fellow twelve-year-old named Jane, Kate learns about the tragic fire in the school that took the life of a young girl decades ago. Seeing the girl’s spirit still stuck in the school, Kate is determined to figure out the actual cause of the fire and help her move on in peace.
She's Still Here is a gripping paranormal mystery novel for middle graders. Caitlin Alexander combines a tantalizing children's sleuth story with a touch of the supernatural that hooks you in from the first page and keeps you invested until the last. Kate is a curious child with a quick wit who inherited her grandmother's ability to talk to the dead. Now she must use that ability to solve a decades-old mystery that has been keeping a young girl's ghost bound to the school. Her relatable personality and helpful nature make Kate easy to root for. The plot also has a couple of unexpected twists that will keep readers on their toes. A thoroughly absorbing paranormal mystery that I will gladly recommend.
Recommend this book:
Perspective Detective
Cazzy Zahursky
2023 Gold Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Mystery
Perspective Detective by Cazzy Zahursky is a delightful storybook about Lexa and Axel, who get into a disagreement. Lexa believes Axel took her toy bear, so she grabs his toy car. Perspective Detectives get involved in helping them solve the mystery of the missing toy bear. As they search, Axel and Lexa learn a lot about how perspective can change their outlook. Together they learn about empathy and how by empathizing, they can change their perspective, have a more positive outlook and communicate kindly with each other by understanding others' perspectives. The beautiful story includes optical illusion illustrations that will baffle, delight, and engage young children, keeping them entertained throughout.
Perspective Detective by Cazzy Zahursky is more than a story; it's an experience for young children as they attempt to decipher the images and puzzles in the book. I loved reading this book. I was charmed by how Zahursky incorporated the pictures in a fun and playful way while keeping the story theme in mind. The story of the missing toy bear was weaved through all the images from start to finish while Axel and Lexa learned critical lessons about being good to each other. By simply changing their perspective, they changed their mood and relationship with each other from negative to positive. Perspective Detective by Cazzy Zahursky is a brilliant storybook; artistic, creative, and original. It's interactive, intellectually stimulating, and will open the minds of young children to the wonder of learning. Children will enjoy reading this book over and over and sharing it with their friends.
Recommend this book:
The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island
Sibby's Secret
Linda Maria Frank
2022 Finalist
264 Pages
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Children - Mystery
The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island: Sibby's Secret is penned by author Linda Maria Frank in the historical, adventure, and action genres for young independent readers. The plot sees Lily, Frank, Leon, Ryan, and Amelia embroiled in a thrilling adventure as they investigate the disappearance of Sibby Fintail, a fisherman and bay constable. Following clues to a cave where Sibby harvested crystals, they find Sibby badly beaten, prompting questions about the perpetrators' motives. As they delve deeper, they uncover a plot to seize control of the caves from the native tribe and face danger when strangers kidnap Becca Dawes, Sprocket's mother. Through clever sleuthing and daring acts, the Buccaneers unravel the mystery, showcasing their wit and bravery in solving the case.
Author Linda Maria Frank crafts an exhilarating story that whisks young readers away into a world of adventure and mystery. The captivating narrative has a superb sense of pacing to balance big action moments with interesting, suspense-filled discovery sections, and it was filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations to keep young minds engaged. The dynamic characters of Lily, Frank, and their friends brought the story to life, each contributing their unique skills and personalities to the investigation. I was delighted by the dialogue, which felt suitably classic for this kind of historical adventure, yet was highly accessible for young modern readers. Frank's attention to detail and vivid descriptions transported me to the vibrant setting of St. Frederick Island in 1947, immersing me in the atmosphere of the period with a balanced amount of context and detail. As I followed the Buccaneers' escapades, I found myself laughing at their antics and cheering for their triumphs, making for an entertaining and engaging read. Overall, Sibby's Secret is a delightful blend of adventure, suspense, and camaraderie that kept me hooked until the very end, and I would not hesitate to recommend it for the young and the young at heart alike.