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:
Escape To Fairy Kingdom
Cazzy Zahursky
2020 Finalist
17 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Escape To Fairy Kingdom by Cazzy Zahursky is a colorful book for children that captures the realities of a child’s world while offering beautiful lessons. May has always been the center of her family, the only princess that gets all the attention, and that is until June happened. Now, she has to share her treats and she gets upset with June for copying everything she does, even if her mother says June does so because she loves May. So one day when June accidentally tears her favorite bear, May storms out in anger and retreats to her room, wishing she could be “on my own, on my very own kingdom’s throne.” It is then that her dream becomes a reality: a fairy kingdom appears through her window in the distance, and then a unicorn that offers to take her far away.
Escape To Fairy Kingdom by Cazzy Zahursky follows May as she revels in the wonderful treats of fairies and a magical world where the inhabitants do everything to make her happy and even beg for her to be their ruler. But there is a void that she experiences in her heart; no one understands what is lacking. But she startles them when she says: “It’s my sister’s LOVE.” I loved this story and it is one that reflects the jealousy most of us experienced when that little brother or sister stole the attention of parents from us. Filled with magical realism, it will undoubtedly transport young readers to fairyland with the stunning illustrations and the exciting adventure. But it also teaches a timeless lesson. There is nothing that brings fulfillment better than brotherly or sisterly love. May’s journey to self-discovery is brilliantly developed and readers will love the way the message is communicated. Cazzy Zahursky comes across as one of the best entertainers for young readers.
Recommend this book:
The Blue Witch
The Witches of Orkney, Book One
Alane Adams
2019 Gold Medal
216 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
The Blue Witch (Witches of Orkney, Book One) by Alane Adams is a stunning fantasy story about a young witch named Abigail. Her first year at Tarkana Witch Academy is not going her way. A girl named Endera and her friends have been making Abigail’s life miserable, and she still hasn't gotten her powers, making her wonder if she's a glitch-witch. However, when a dangerous encounter with a sneevil forces her to use magic to save herself, she realizes that her witchfire is blue, not green as everyone else's is. Together with her friends, she tries to figure out why, but when she accidentally sends three fellow students to the Netherworld, she has to save them, or she will be kicked out of the coven.
I really, really enjoyed reading The Blue Witch (Witches of Orkney, Book One) by Alane Adams. The story is very gripping and draws readers in with its entertaining plot, loveable characters, and intriguing setting. The story is very exciting, filled with action and suspense. The book is entirely entertaining and is sure to make the reader want to keep reading. Abigail is a great protagonist and is someone readers will root for. The characters are all well written and complex, with hidden motives that are revealed as the story progresses. The setting is magical (literally and metaphorically), and is very well described. I was hooked by the first page and didn't want to put the book down until I reached the end. The occasional pictures are well drawn and are a nice touch. I would most definitely recommend this book.
Recommend this book:
Fractured
Dereck Dillinger and the Crystal Ball
Eddie McPherson
2019 Silver Medal
147 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Fractured: Dereck Dillinger and the Crystal Ball is a children’s adventure fantasy novel written by Eddie McPherson. Dereck had been about to go for an afternoon of fun at the fair with his friends when his mom called to say she’d been held up at work. So, instead of fooling around with the guys and going on rides, he was stuck watching his little sister, Jessie, as she rode on the merry-go-round. He tried to ignore the jeers of some boys who were making fun of his babysitting, but it wasn’t easy. Suddenly, he heard the booms and sizzles of fireworks going off overhead. He found that odd as they normally didn’t set them off until dark, but still he found it impossible not to watch as they erupted overhead in a blaze of light and color. He became even more confused when he noticed the fireworks were spelling out messages for him -- one even addressed him by name. When he excitedly tried to show a passerby the messages, they seemed confused at best and walked away. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain, and looking at the carousel, he realized that Jessie was gone. She had vanished, seemingly into thin air. Where was she? How would he find her, and how could he face his mother?
Eddie McPherson’s adventure fantasy novel for children, Fractured: Dereck Dillinger and the Crystal Ball, is a grand action and adventure frolic as Dereck finds himself in an entirely different world while he’s searching for his little sister. As with his previous adventure in Oz, Dereck must solve mysteries and answer riddles based upon fairy tales and nursery rhymes if he’s to survive his adventure and rescue Jessie. The reader also has plenty of challenges to master to help Dereck along the way and revisiting those rhymes and fairy tales is a lot of fun for readers of all ages. McPherson’s plot is twisty and fun, and his characters fairly leap from the pages. Fractured: Dereck Dillinger and the Crystal Ball is highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Princess Mermaid and the Missing Sea Shells
Michael J. DiPinto
2019 Bronze Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
The Princess Mermaid and the Missing Sea Shells is a fairy tale for children written by Michael J. DiPinto and illustrated by Bobbie Marsh. There once was a beautiful mermaid princess who loved to spread seashells over the beaches at night for visitors to find the next day. Her name was Princess Nicole. She was busily adding shells to a beach one foggy summer night when a horde of unruly Portuguese man o’ war jellyfish quietly floated alongside her. They were pirates, and their captain, Captain J. Lee Fish, snatched the bag of shells that she carried and ordered his crew to take her hostage. No one knew what had happened to the princess until seagulls found her empty shell bag on the sandy shore along with a ransom note -- Princess Nicole would only be released upon payment of all the kingdom’s sand dollars. The mermaids instantly sprang into action. They were determined to both get their princess back and keep their sand dollars. Would they be able to thwart the will of Captain J. Lee Fish and free Princess Nicole?
On his dedication page, DiPinto recounts how he would make up stories for his son and daughter, who not only wanted him to read a book at bedtime, but also demanded a story that he made up. Reading The Princess Mermaid and the Missing Sea Shells provides ample evidence of their wisdom in insisting on having their father utilize his storytelling skills. His plot is exciting and filled with twists and turns, and illustrator Bobbie Marsh’s brilliant and colorful artwork offers a mesmerizing look into that other world under the sea. The minute I saw the grumpy and mean looks on the faces of those man o’ war pirates, I knew I was in for a treat, but each page seemed to offer even more than its predecessor.
And while it is a fairy tale, the story is a marvelous introduction to marine biology for both children and the caregivers reading the story. The beach scenes had me wistfully wishing I were there on the beach, and the underwater scenes are brimming with all manner of fishes, sharks, whales and lush coral reefs. Each picture is worth framing and hanging on a child’s wall. I also loved the fact that the illustrations allowed me to consider what was going to happen on the next page -- this interactive feature will have kids getting even more involved in this compelling tale. The Princess Mermaid and the Missing Sea Shells is a maritime adventure everyone will get excited about -- it’s most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Poseidon's Storm Blaster
The Legend of Pineapple Cove #1
Marina J. Bowman
2019 Honorable Mention
103 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Poseidon's Storm Blaster (The Legend of Pineapple Cove #1) by Marina J. Bowman is a fantastical adventure story that will take young readers to Pineapple Cove, a town of secrets, monsters, and magic. It was on an island in the middle of the sea, a place where kids loved to explore and have adventures. The book begins with Kai collecting clams on the beach. He did not like it because it was hard work. Kai was envious of the school kids who were having fun as they darted across the beach, joking and kicking up the sand. He saw them pointing to Delphi and laughing. Delphi was different and her only family was her adoptive Aunt Cora. They heard the bell clanging three times from the town square. They ran to the town square where the mayor was reading out a message on the stage in front of the town hall. It was a message delivered by Carl from one of the ships at sea and it spoke about a giant monster that attacked their ship. Everyone was scared because all their houses were on the water. Would Kai and Delphi be able to help and save their town from the sea monster?
This story is about friendship, kindness, bravery, team work, and adventure. Children will love reading about the hurdles and challenges Delphi and Kai encounter while they go in search of the Storm Blaster, which is the only thing that can help them save Pineapple Cove. The illustrations by Nathan Moncao are colorful and lively, and they make the story even more appealing and captivating to young readers. The nautical theme, the adventures, and the whimsical narration make it an exciting story and I am sure that, like me, young readers are eagerly waiting for the next volume. All the characters are well portrayed and both Kai and Delphi are endearing children who convey good messages to readers through their conduct and behavior. It is a fun read that will encourage children to explore. The hidden pineapple game in the story is a bonus and makes the book interactive and interesting.
Recommend this book:
Fire Breath
The Golden Promise
Natalya V. D. Brock
2019 Finalist
277 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Fire Breath: The Golden Promise by Natalya V. D. Brock is a gorgeous treat for fans of epic fantasy and readers who enjoy mythical creatures as characters. This story gave me the same effect I had while reading Christopher Paolini’s The Inheritance Cycle. According to the Golden Promise, the four dragonets of peace that Acorn has been raising are the only hope of defeating the evil dragons, Mamba and Magenta. But things go horribly wrong when they are kidnapped from their treehouse and imprisoned in the dungeons of Secretscales Camp, under awful conditions. They are forced to free someone they thought was a friend and experience betrayal. Conflict escalates when Moonstone disappears. Can they live up to the hope of the promise when everything seem to be going wrong?
Natalya V. D. Brock takes young readers on a spellbinding adventure, taking them to exotic places and making them witnesses to dragon fire and the fiery conflict between good and evil. The characters are infused with human sentiments and they come across as great companions in the fight against evil. The sense of pathos is strong in this narrative and readers will become engrossed in the story right away, wanting to know what happens to Acorn and the dragonets. Fire Breath: The Golden Promise is well written, featuring strong plot points and an imaginative setting. The prose is elegant and the action pulsating. This is a novel with a strong appeal for young readers and fans of epic fantasy; it is balanced and filled with breathtaking action.
Recommend this book:
Daisy, Bold & Beautiful
Greek Mythology Fantasy Series Book 1
Ellie Collins
2018 Silver Medal
87 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Daisy, Bold & Beautiful is a contemporary fiction/coming of age novel for preteens and young adults written by Ellie Collins. D.J. and her dad had just moved to a new house in a new neighborhood, and she wasn’t looking forward to her first day at Kirkland Heights Middle School -- not one bit. For one thing, it was April 1, and she dreaded being the butt of April Fool jokes, but, mainly, she didn’t feel ready to face being the new kid in school. Her dad was supportive as ever, but he was also insistent that she eat some breakfast and get ready for the bus. When she got to the bus stop, she tried to ignore the other kids who were waiting, but there was this one girl who smiled at her when their eyes met -- and she saved a seat on the bus for her. Her name was May Chan, and she made it so easy for D.J. to feel comfortable. By the time, the bus arrived at school, D.J. had made two friends, friends who made sure she knew her way around the school and would see her at lunch. Maybe, just maybe, it wouldn’t be so hard after all.
Ellie Collins’ contemporary fiction/coming of age novel, Daisy, Bold & Beautiful, is a triumphantly feel-good story about a young girl’s coming of age under stressful conditions. The author’s plot is marvelous, and her characters, especially D.J., May, D.J.’s dad and Persephone quickly became living, breathing people as I read. I found myself enjoying D.J.’s time spent at Kirkland Heights Middle School as much as she did, and loved seeing how her dad was so supportive of her. Collins addresses several important issues in this book: the impact that the loss of a parent can have on a child or young adult; peer pressure to do or behave in certain ways and the growing trend towards gaming rather than the pursuit of other hobbies and outdoor activities, and she handles each of them quite well. This is Collins’ debut novel, and it’s a most impressive one. Daisy, Bold & Beautiful is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Very Christmas
Simone Mets
2018 Bronze Medal
38 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Christmas is a magical time for children. Especially when Christmas involves Santa Claus, and all the rituals leading up to his big night in the sky on Christmas Eve. Ava Buttons is a very organized little girl. Everything in her room is neat and tidy, a place for everything and everything in its place. There is order to everything she does and when she does it. So, when December arrives, December 1st to be precise, it’s time to write Santa that special letter, listing the things she wants most for Christmas. But Christmas isn’t only about receiving gifts. When Ava and all her friends, in fact every child in the world, receives their Santa letters, with a ‘return to sender’ stamp, they know something bad has happened to Santa Claus and Christmas may be canceled. The world’s richest man can’t even help Santa, so it’s up to the ever efficiently organized and creative thinker, Ava, to come up with a plan to save Christmas. In the process, children learn the true magic of Christmas. It’s not just about receiving gifts, but sharing and giving.
Simone Mets’ picture book story, Very Christmas, is a delightful tale that teaches young readers the power of giving and sharing. The characters are personable and well developed so that young readers can relate to them: the very neat Ava, her very messy brother, Bobby, the spoiled classmate, Rowdy, and many others. The plot develops with ease as the children in the story learn that their magical Christmas is threatened. The climax is Ava’s clever idea, the one that will teach her and all her friends and children everywhere the importance of giving and how magical and special that can be. The book is colorfully illustrated and the text is written in all kinds of different font styles as if it were written by a child. Everything about this book speaks of the true magic of Christmas.
Recommend this book:
The Shadow of Camelot
Shadows from the Past, Book 6
Wendy Leighton-Porter
2018 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
The Shadow of Camelot by Wendy Leighton-Porter continues the time traveling adventures of Joe, Jemima, Charlie, and Max the cat. This time they travel back to Camelot because they were called by Merlin the Magician. Merlin was trying to understand a prophecy about an event that would save King Arthur from the Saxon invaders. Max, the cat, plays a role in this adventure because he retrieves Excalibur for King Arthur after the children discover that it is magic. The sword was owned by Arthur’s enemy, the Saxon king, Aelle. The two cats in the story, Midnight and Max, sneak into the Aelle’s tent and drag the sword away so they can hide it in the bushes. Because they have gold magic owl charms, the children can understand Arthur and the Saxons, as well as Max the cat. This tale combines many of the Arthurian legends that have been handed down. It is a charming retelling by blending the stories together.
I enjoyed the story. I found the use of history, myth and legend to be entertaining. This is not the Disney version, but it is a ripping good tale. The descriptions advance the story which is well plotted. The dialogue is realistic and believable, even coming from a man from Gaul, Lancelot, who turns out to be a relative of Joe and Jemima. I love the part that Max plays. He gives the Britons instructions on winning the battle by painting a face of a cat on their shields. Arthur won the Battle of Badon without any fighting because King Aelle was so afraid of the cats on the shields. It was very entertaining. A five-star read.
Recommend this book:
Where Elves Come From
Santa, Edit Engel, Alan McBrearty
2018 Finalist
132 Pages
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Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Where Elves Come From by Santa, Edit Engel, and Alan McBrearty is a beautiful fairytale with some lovely messages for young readers that will make them aware of life, the experiences it teaches, and the fundamentals such as setting goals, always looking for the positive side of things, gratitude, and to have a happy, loving life through strong family bonds. Five-year-old Suzy meets Anna at the City Park and they become friends. Anna’s father can see the beginning of a great friendship between the two girls. It is love at first sight for Anna’s and Suzy’s parents and they soon become a happy, loving family that cares for each other. Their joy turns to sadness when Anna is diagnosed with cancer.
Set against the backdrop of the Christmas season, the story has sixteen chapters which have a moral at the end of each. The story has magic and real life events knitted together, making it an enchanting read. The illustrations capture the beauty and essence of the Christmas season and bring the characters and the scenes alive. There are a lot of good messages children can learn from this story, hence making it a good bedtime storybook and ideal for read aloud and story-telling sessions in classrooms and school libraries. The book is educational yet fun to read. The pain and sorrow of the family are palpable and it is a heartwarming story of gratitude, trust, friendship, love, family bonding, faith, and courage. The mystery of the elves towards the end of the story gives a whimsical feel to the book. The elves, the sparkle of the Christmas season, and the celebration mood make it a fascinating read for everyone.