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:
Alexander Hamilton's Wish for Battlefield Glory
C. Behrens

2025 Finalist
26 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction

Alexander Hamilton's Wish for Battlefield Glory by C. Behrens follows his relentless pursuit of glory, beginning with his childhood desire to prove himself through war. Raised in obscurity on St. Croix, Hamilton seizes an opportunity to study in the American colonies after writing a powerful account of a hurricane. Once in New York, he becomes immersed in revolutionary fervor, joining the fight for independence. His bravery during a daring cannon raid earns him recognition, but he yearns for battlefield command. Despite his talents as George Washington’s trusted aide, he repeatedly pushes for combat leadership. Finally, at Yorktown, he leads a crucial assault on Redoubt 10, securing an American victory. However, history remembers him not for war, but for shaping the nation’s financial and governmental foundations. His rise from an ambitious orphan to a key Founding Father culminates in a fatal duel with Aaron Burr, cutting short the life of the man who built America’s economic future.
C. Behrens' Alexander Hamilton's Wish for Battlefield Glory, illustrated by Bryan Werts, is a comprehensive look into the life of one of America's most complicated Founding Fathers. The writing is fluid and accessible for middle-grade readers as Behrens draws us into Hamilton’s intense desire for glory and his evolution from a brash young man to a critical player in building the nation. Werts' illustrations in the traditional comic strip style are particularly striking, utilizing beautiful muted primary colors that complement the historical context and mood of the story. The images bring the action and emotions of Hamilton’s life to the forefront and enhance the story. While the focus on Hamilton’s battlefield ambitions is excellent, I found the highlights of his intellectual prowess to be one of the book's greatest assets. Overall, this is an insightful and visually textured account of Hamilton’s journey, perfect for young readers and history enthusiasts alike.
Recommend this book:
My Backyard Bird Book
Fun Facts & Surprising Secrets
Cheryl Johnson

2025 Honorable Mention
56 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction

My Backyard Bird Book by Cheryl Johnson is an educational book for four-to-eleven-year-old readers and bird lovers of any age. Birds are all around us, no matter where we live, in the cities or the countryside. This book is dedicated to North American birds. It helps us recognize our favorite species and learn about their habitats, diets, and behaviors. The author explains what a food chain is, why it is important, why some species are called invasive, and what harm they can bring to the native ones. Some birds eat insects and fruits instead of seeds. How can we make our backyards inviting for them? What tools do we need to watch the birds, and how can we stay invisible to them? How do we prepare nectar and suet for our feathered guests?
In My Backyard Bird Book, Cheryl Johnson gives aspiring young birders all the necessary information for bird-watching. The book has bright illustrations of American Goldfinches, Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, and many other fascinating birds. Cheryl's vivid photos allow us to find the differences between the plumage of male and female birds of the same species, like in the case of House Sparrows or House Finches. The author shares fun facts about our feathered friends that may surprise adult readers, like the factors affecting the color of some birds' feathers. Cheryl offers the scientific data in a reader-friendly manner. The author encourages children to be responsible for the health of the birds visiting their backyards. This flawlessly edited book motivates young readers to spend more time outside and become attentive to the surrounding natural wonders.
Recommend this book:
Catching Waves
A Board, a Pig, and How a Little Girl Became a Wakesurf Champion
Dawn Marie Hooks

2025 Bronze Medal
34 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction

Catching Waves by Dawn Marie Hooks is an inspiring story about Raleigh Hager, a girl who became the youngest professional wakesurfing champion in the world. After a family trip to the beach, Raleigh was captivated by the waves and determined to ride them. However, living in central Texas, far from the coast, posed a challenge. Undeterred, Raleigh began practicing on a nearby lake, where she learned to ride the waves created by speedboats and honed her wakesurfing skills. Her participation in competitions fueled her motivation, and her victories encouraged her to push even further. Ultimately, her hard work paid off, and she achieved her dream of becoming the youngest professional wakesurf champion, earning a promised pet pig from her parents as a reward for her accomplishments.
Catching Waves is based on real events and aims to inspire young readers to dream big and persevere. It emphasizes the importance of practice and determination when facing challenges, illustrating that hard work can lead to extraordinary achievements. The narrative is engaging, featuring vivid descriptions of characters and settings. Dawn Marie Hooks uses simple language that is easy for children to understand, with bold words that capture the reader's attention. The book includes a glossary of wakesurfing terms, providing an educational element for readers interested in the sport. Colorful illustrations by the author beautifully depict Raleigh's journey, with a consistent blue theme that reflects the water, giving the book a calming and inviting feel. Overall, Catching Waves is an inspiring tale of ambition and resilience that also serves as an educational resource, making it perfect for young adventurers dreaming of conquering their own waves.
Recommend this book:
Anesa, No Skola Today
A Child's True Story of Escaping War in Bosnia
Anesa Kajtazovic

2025 Silver Medal
47 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction

Anesa Kajtazovic tells the true story of her and her family's escape to freedom during the Bosnian War with this engrossing picture book. Anesa, No Skola Today follows seven-year-old Anesa, a happy child delighted with the gift of a cute puppy from her "Tata" on her recent birthday. She names the pup Bobi and loves to share stories about him with her school friends. But Anesa's life turns upside down the day war comes to their very neighborhood. She is forced to leave her home with her mother and a few valuable things, leaving Bobi behind with her grandparents. Meanwhile, Tata is nowhere to be seen since he went to fight the enemy. Will Anesa and her mother reunite with Tata? Can they find sanctuary?
A poignant story about war, family, and love, Anesa, No Skola Today, shows the impact of war on innocent children who are forced to grow up way ahead of time. Anesa Kajtazovic shares her experiences during the Bosnian War with this moving tale that illustrates the resilient spirit of humanity and the power of hope amid adversity. Narrating the story through the perspective of a child was a masterstroke. The author flawlessly captures the feelings and emotions of a child whose family has been torn apart by events she struggles to comprehend. It's an absorbing narrative that ensures you don't want to put the book down before finishing the story. I highly recommend parents read this book with their children so that young readers find it easier to grasp the implications of war and tragedy.
Recommend this book:
I'll Be Your Friend Forever
A Heartfelt Message From Across the Rainbow Bridge
Amulya Veldanda Vadali

2025 Gold Medal
44 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction

I’ll Be Your Friend Forever by Amulya Veldanda Vadali is 'A Heartfelt Message From Across the Rainbow Bridge.' The author has taken a sensitive subject and written a poem that is a delightful journey for a young reader to commemorate the loss of their pet and to remember the good times they had together. The author has written the poem in such a way that it flows through the drawings that enhance the joy and sorrow the child feels and does not minimize their feelings of love for their pet. As adults, we are inclined to dismiss the emotions of children, thinking that they will just get over it, but in reality, they feel the pain of loss just as much as we do. The author suggests that pets go to a place where they can run and play again without pain and have fun with other pets that have gone before them. This story is delightful and made me realize that I was not alone in thinking that there is a pet heaven.
The illustrations by Julia Moroko are beautiful and spark the young reader's imagination. The images have been done so lovingly that they bring the poem to life in the most wonderful way, making children feel that their pets will still protect them even if they are not there physically anymore. I really enjoyed reading this book and poring over the drawings with my grandson. The activities at the end of the book are delightful. Thank you for writing I’ll Be Your Friend Forever, Amulya Veldanda Vadali. It will help many young readers with the grieving process and in accepting and understanding what happens when a family pet dies.
Recommend this book:
Chipmunk Secrets
Fiston, the funny little chipmunk, shows you their secrets!
Lieve Snellings

2024 Finalist
39 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction

Chipmunks are wonderful little animals with intriguing personalities. One of them is a chipmunk named Fiston. This cute little rodent is eager to share with us all aspects of a chipmunk's life. Fiston explains why these animals are called "chipmunks", where they live, and how they prepare for the winter. Fiston invites us into their dwellings and shows us where chipmunks keep their food stocks. Fiston reveals the interesting features of the anatomy of chipmunks and unexpected facts about their diet. Do you know how many babies chipmunks usually have? Chipmunk Secrets by Lieve Snellings is an educational non-fiction book for children from 6 to 11 years of age and adult nature lovers.
Chipmunk Secrets will capture children's attention from the first page. Lieve Snellings's amazing photographs illustrate every habit and characteristic of these lovely animals. I appreciated the perfect editorial work. The author's appealing writing style and handy footnotes allow children to grasp scientific terms, like granivores. Lieve shares many lesser-known fun facts about chipmunks. I didn't know that chipmunks were called "little Swiss" in Quebec, Canada. The story of this name is fascinating. Also, the picture demonstrates how intricate a chipmunk's burrow can be. The author even adds a legend of the Iroquois people, interpreting why chipmunks have stripes on their backs. The chipmunk narrator makes the book interactive and brings young readers closer to these animals and their natural habitats. The more we learn about nature and animals, the more responsible we are for the environment. Chipmunk Secrets will stay with children forever and will shape their perception of the natural world.
Recommend this book:
Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival
Eugenia Chu and Y.Y. Chan

2024 Honorable Mention
48 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction

Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival by Eugenia Chu and Y.Y. Chan is a collection of stories, history, folklore, traditions, and recipes of Chinese culture. It targets kids aged 6-9, but I believe many older readers will find this book just as interesting and informative. The book is filled with colorful pictures that fit well with the writing. The stories are charming, and the engaging writing will keep the reader turning the pages. If that weren’t enough, the book provides directions on how to make Chinese lanterns, and play a Chinese dice game, and has a detailed glossary to help young ones with words that might be challenging.
Eugenia Chu has published other works that also talk about the fascinating culture of China. One of the most important things I appreciate about her writing is that it is all about the fascinating culture, fun facts, and interesting history. Politics has no place in her books, which is how it should be. She builds strong bridges to help people learn about each other in a safe yet exciting way. Her skilled writings open a reader’s mind to incredible places and people with an excitement that is simply infectious. Celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival by Eugenia Chu and Y.Y. Chan works to help those with Chinese ancestry learn more about their wonderful heritage while helping the rest of us appreciate the unique country of China. I wish there were more books like this about other cultures, created with the same intensity, color, and all-around fun.
Recommend this book:
Taste Buddies
Culinary Colors - Green
Jax Perrins, Nicole Steffes

2024 Bronze Medal
34 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction

Taste Buddies: Culinary Colors - Green by Jax Perrins is a fantastic children's picture book about trying new and nourishing foods. Charley is a little girl who helps her family pick foods of all colors at the grocery store. She explains that everybody has tiny taste buds on their tongues and that these help us decide what food is yummy or yucky. Charley's taste buds are excited to try colorful new foods, except for one called Bud, who doesn't like trying something new and always gets grumpy. This time, Charley has to choose green things. As expected, Bud doesn't like green or any color, even though green foods have vitamins and are beneficial for the heart. However, Bud is about to try kiwi, avocado, cucumber, pear, peas, and broccoli. Will Bud find something green to love?
Taste Buddies by Jax Perrins is a useful tool to help your picky little eater understand the importance of trying new foods and healthy eating in an engaging way. Through a rhythmic and inviting narrative, appealing characters, and charming illustrations by Nicole Steffes, this story shows that trying new foods can be fun and beneficial to the body. This culinary adventure is as entertaining as it is educational. It encourages young readers to take advantage of the opportunity to find a new favorite food to eat and nourish their bodies. It helps even the pickiest eaters explore and embrace various foods for a healthy and happy life. It's a must-have for any library, especially for children who require a little more convincing to try new or green foods or eat healthy food.
Recommend this book:
Everything Tesla
From How They Work to How Fast They Go and All the Fun In Between!
Aiden Miao, Eliana Miao

2024 Silver Medal
204 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction

Everything Tesla by Aiden Miao and Eliana Miao delves into the world of Tesla with remarkable depth and clarity. This comprehensive guide covers multiple topics, from the company's history and co-founders to its innovative technologies and societal impact. The Miao siblings excel at making complex scientific concepts accessible to readers of all ages, employing clever analogies such as comparing gas engines to the game of telephone. Their thorough exploration of Tesla's influence extends beyond automobiles. It also touches on Elon Musk's other ventures like SpaceX and Starlink, making this book an invaluable resource for young enthusiasts and adults alike.
The visual elements in Everything Tesla further enhance its appeal, with the authors incorporating real-life images of Tesla products and charging infrastructure to provide a tangible connection to the subject matter. The engaging writing style, combined with extensive research, creates a narrative that is informative and entertaining for readers. By addressing Tesla's use of social media and its broader influence on society, the authors demonstrate a keen understanding of the company's far-reaching impact. Their shared vision of building a more sustainable and greener future shines through in this work, making Everything Tesla not just an educational tool, but also an inspiration for readers to engage with clean energy and modern technology. As a Tesla driver and science teacher, I highly recommend that this book be placed in classrooms, libraries, and homes everywhere! I look forward to seeing more books from Aiden and Eliana Miao. Aligning with Tesla's mission of fostering a sustainable future through clean energy, this book has the potential to make a significant impact, educating and inspiring readers to embrace eco-friendly practices and groundbreaking technologies.
Recommend this book:
Did You Know?
Facts by Norah
Norah Carminda Desy

2024 Gold Medal
101 Pages
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Children - Non-Fiction

Did You Know? Facts by Norah by Norah Carminda Desy is an appealing and educational book full of information and incredible facts about animals and science, the fundamentals of grammar, inspirational messages, and fun quotes. With exciting chapters, young writer Norah reveals her curiosity, talent, and how she looks at the world. Every subject is covered with enthusiasm and clarity, from the iron-infused beaver teeth to the various viewpoints on grammar rules. Another interesting aspect of the book is the glimpse of Norah's life and the author's family dynamics. It helps readers relate to the author and her experiences.
Did You Know? is a Little Book of Knowledge about the wonders of nature, the excitement of learning, the value of language, the power of inspiration, and the humor of life. Through engaging animal facts, intriguing scientific insights, basic grammar rules, heartening encouragement, and amusing quotes, Norah offers us an adventure of learning and understanding. By blending factual information with personal stories, she creates a warm environment for readers to discover more, persevering in hard times and cherishing the good aspects of life. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, making the book interesting. The young writer's emotional association and character-driven narration made my reading experience incredibly thrilling. Her optimism made me want to go ahead with an open mind and try new thoughts and concepts myself. I highly recommend Did You Know? to all young readers as it will give them motivation and inspiration from Norah's love of learning and exploring.
