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:
Books For Benjamin
A Fun Picture Book Adventure Valuing Diversity and Being Different
R.G. de Rouen
2023 Silver Medal
32 Pages
Check current price
Children - Picture Book
Books for Benjamin by R.G. de Rouen is a delightful children’s book about Benjamin, a unique little worm, and his quest to find knowledge. Benjamin isn’t like other worms that love to eat fruit and mulch – he wants to read! He bravely sets out to find more books to satisfy his real appetite for words. On his journey, he encounters some scary predicaments and is ultimately saved by an amazing librarian. She introduces him to libraries and their essential place in society. Before they know it, Benjamin has read all the books, some even twice, and the librarian and Benjamin go on an exciting trip to the largest library in the world. Benjamin and his escapades are illustrated by Uliana Barabash and she brings the littlest worm and his great dream to life with soft and pleasant pastels.
Books for Benjamin is a heartwarming tale of following your dreams despite the obstacles in the way. As an avid reader, and a constant consumer of library books in my youth, I’ve felt like I’ve been little Benjamin myself. R.G. de Rouen does a wonderful job of making Benjamin’s story exciting and educational at the same time. The author provides the reader with some interesting facts about libraries at the end of the book and even includes a little game for children to play each time they see a new book – ensuring they never forget Benjamin and his quest. Uliana Barabash’s illustrations are pleasing to the eye and any child will love the evocative pictures and colorful scenes. I know I did.
Recommend this book:
Masterpiece
Alexandra Hoffman
2023 Gold Medal
32 Pages
Check current price
Children - Picture Book
Masterpiece by Alexandra Hoffman is an apt title not only for the story it tells but as a word that best describes this book as a whole. Readers meet a young boy named Samuel who loves the color blue. He sees the world in different shades of blue as evidenced by his artworks and personal stuff. One day at school, his teacher tells the class to draw a picture of themselves and their families and to be sure to add lots of colors. Of course, for Samuel, everything looks awesome in blue. Each student draws a picture showing their quality time with their family and shares it in class. When it is Samuel’s turn to share his artwork, his teacher describes it as a masterpiece. But will his classmates agree?
Masterpiece is one of those rare and inspiring books that tackle the theme of inclusion, and it is effective in handling the subject with sensitivity, compassion, and encouragement. Alexandra Hoffman gives the perfect treatment to her character, and Beatriz Mello’s solid and colorful illustrations amplify it. Hoffman doesn’t even mention that Samuel is a child with special needs, but his unique perception of the world and his use of accommodation tools are enough to give you clues. As an uncle to a special needs child, I find this story striking, personal, and human as Samuel exhibits certain characteristics that reflect my beloved nephew. It also sends a message that children without special needs should learn to become more comfortable with differences and foster more solid friendships when taught the value of inclusion. This is a highly recommended read for parents, children, teachers, civic groups, and counselors.
Recommend this book:
Pebbles and the Biggest Number
Joey Benun
2023 Gold Medal
48 Pages
Check current price
Children - Picture Book
Pebbles and the Biggest Number by Joey Benun is a children’s book full of fun facts and new vocabulary to enjoy. Pebbles, the butterfly, is curious to learn about the biggest number in existence apart from the usual small numbers such as tens, hundreds, and thousands he knows. He sets off on a quest to find out what that number is from his friends, such as Mr. Camel, Ms. Eel, Mr. Dog, and Ms. Butterfly. On his way, each subsequent friend educates him on a new and even bigger number than the previous friend, as they equate the number from something in their surroundings, such as Mr. Frog saying the biggest number that he knows is three trillion since that is the number of trees growing on earth.
Joey Benun has used brightly colored illustrations that capture children’s attention and attract their curiosity to discover his message. The images also summarize this book’s message in a graphical manner, which children can easily recall. There is a glossary of words with definitions of terms learned from each friend Pebbles visits. The words include atom, hurricane, avalanche, and septillion, which children of younger ages may not be familiar with. These words help build the child’s vocabulary in speech and writing to communicate effectively. Benun has included fun facts about the environment children will enjoy learning on each page. I recommend Pebbles and the Biggest Number to young readers as it will give them incredible information about their surroundings.
Recommend this book:
Why Am I Here?
A Child's Book About Purpose
Naomi V. Dunsen-White
2022 Finalist
36 Pages
Check current price
Children - Picture Book
Life is full of possibilities and what-ifs. You can be anything you want to be if only you believe in yourself. You can be an astronaut or a chef, a writer or a judge, or even a scientist. You might be different in how you look, in how you dress, even in abilities (or disabilities), but deep down, we’re all the same. We have a purpose. We were all meant to be here and there is a reason why we are here. But first, we must grow and learn and dream big, while working with others, caring for others, and accepting others. In our unique qualities lie our strengths and our power to make this world a better, more inclusive place to live.
Naomi V. Dunsen-White’s picture book story, Why Am I Here? A Child’s Book About Purpose, is a compassionate look at purpose and how we all fit into the grand scheme of this thing we call life. The concepts are presented in rhyming verse with a lyricism that will catch the attention of young readers. The author presents many possible careers a young person might aspire to and work toward, as well as what roads they might take and what roadblocks they might face. Life is a grand adventure, but the most important thing we all must remember is that we’re in this together and we must accept each other in spite, or because of, our differences. “We all have our dreams and a right to belong./ We stand together, united and strong.” These are powerful words to live up to. The author finishes the book with an interactive exercise, challenging young readers to think more deeply about the concepts they learned in the story. I love the illustrations – beautiful!
Recommend this book:
Dear Daughter
From Mother To Daughter Picture Book To Build Self Esteem
Jamie Chin
2022 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Children - Picture Book
Dear Daughter: From Mother To Daughter Picture Book To Build Self Esteem by Jamie Chin is a charming story about self-esteem geared toward young girls. The girl in this story is unnamed, which means that she can be any young lady out there, as well as the mother who tells the story. In short, easy-to-read paragraphs, the mother talks about what she finds amazing about her daughter. She describes her hair, eyes, smile, and even deep sighs. The mother believes that her daughter is a lovely little human who possesses infinite possibilities and that the world will soon know that she is destined for greater things. This book sends the message to young girls that there is no need to be perfect as every person on this planet is unique, and that is why it is important to stay true to one’s self.
Children’s minds are very impressionable, which is why during their formative years, it is important to consistently provide them with a positive, creative environment to boost and develop their self-esteem. Part of this provision are books about self-esteem and unconditional love. Jamie Chin’s Dear Daughter accomplishes the teaching of personal value and staying true to oneself. It does not exactly have a plot in the real sense, and it reads more like a heartwarming message, but the message couldn’t have been delivered in a more creative and direct way. Its overall concept is further amplified by Alena Karabach’s appealing illustrations, as her artwork gives pictorial depth to the young girl engaged in different activities. This is a wonderful storybook to foster a positive self-image and self-confidence, and it can also be used by adults to spark discussions with young girls on the topic.
Recommend this book:
My Dad, My Rock
Victor Dias de Oliveira Santos
2022 Bronze Medal
32 Pages
Check current price
Children - Picture Book
Dads are pretty special. I know my Dad was. How about yours? Oliver has never met his grandfather, his father’s Dad. In fact, his Dad has never met him either. Oliver makes a list of all the things he would tell his grandfather about Dad if he were to meet him. It’s a pretty special list that includes all the wonderful things Oliver’s Dad does for him and how he’s always there when needed. Oliver’s Dad teaches him how to do things, shares special times with him (even if it means being silly), is there when Oliver is hurt or scared and, most important, reads to him every night: “He says that a child without books is like a house with no windows.” This is one very smart, loving Dad.
Victor Dias de Oliveira Santos’s picture book story, My Dad, My Rock, is a tender, compassionate look at a father-son relationship. The plot follows Oliver’s description of his Dad, listing all the great qualities that he’s sure his Dad’s Dad would want to know. The plot is a journey not only about the father-son bond but also about what it truly means to be a Dad. The language is simple so young readers can follow along and the protagonist, Oliver, will certainly connect with young readers and their feelings toward their Dads. As the plot reaches its climax, Oliver learns the most important lesson of all; that his Dad believes Oliver can be whatever he wants to be when he grows up. What do you think Oliver wants to be most? This is a beautiful, touching story that will melt your heart in the same way that Robert Munsch’s book, Love You Forever, touched generations of young readers (and their loving parents, too).
Recommend this book:
Frankie the Ferret
Kimberley Paterson
2022 Bronze Medal
24 Pages
Check current price
Children - Picture Book
Do you like playing with your pets? Do you think they are amusing? I absolutely agree with you, so I invite you to add a new furry friend to those you already have and have fun with him. Meet Frankie, the adorable protagonist of Frankie the Ferret by Kimberley Paterson. Inspired by the pet ferret who lived with the author's family for several years, this book will make you enjoy the company of Frankie while he steals your socks and hides them, does the ferret dance, plays with other pets, and digs holes into which he disappears. Just give him time to rest after all this fun! With this playful pet, it is impossible to get bored.
Frankie the Ferret is a funny and colorful book that will delight all children who read it. I immediately liked the idea that the protagonist of this story is a less common pet than cats and dogs (but do not worry, they are his playmates). In this way, children will understand that even unusual animals such as ferrets can be good company. Frankie is adorable, and I hope he will be the protagonist of many other stories so he can reveal to us his other habits. I am happy that Kimberley Paterson has shared Frankie's adventures with many young readers and that she has thus allowed them to enjoy the ferret's company as her family had for so many years. The joy that this book gives will make you appreciate this gift very much.
Recommend this book:
Grandma, It's Me!
A Children's Book about Dementia
Y. Y. Chan
2022 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Children - Picture Book
What are some of the best things to do when you have a loved one that's either experiencing dementia or Alzheimer's? As the population is changing, people are living longer. According to the Alzheimer's Association: "By mid-century, the number of Americans age 65 and older with Alzheimer's dementia may grow to 13.8 million. This represents a steep increase from the estimated 5.8 million Americans age 65 and older who have Alzheimer's dementia today." In the beautiful illustrated children's book Grandma, It's Me! A Children's Book about Dementia by Y. Y. Chan reflects the warmth, patience, kindness, and beauty of caring for a loved one battling dementia. While this book is based upon Chan's life with her grandmother who passed at the age of 95, it also gives a face, presence and exposure of the struggles plaguing this country. Dementia is quickly becoming one of the top five leading causes of death within the U.S. This book offers so many wonders in learning about the journey of loved ones living with dementia or Alzheimer's and those who care for them. This book is interactive because children are asked to reflect, perform activities, learn about dementia and Alzheimer's, and understand the connection between music and memories.
I was able to personally connect with Grandma, It's Me! by Y. Y. Chan because I've had six aunts that lived in a state of dementia for over ten years. To watch my cousins relocate either themselves or their mother to personally care for them for at least a decade helped me to learn and understand the essence of caregiving that was required of me to care for my father as he morphed into another person. Since dementia and Alzheimer's is occurring in many homes, children need to have the tools and a better understanding of what is happening right before their eyes. It was difficult for me as an adult and it can become tiring as Riley witnessed, but with helping her grandma to tap into music, photos, and sharing other memories, this journey can become a beautiful experience. I loved this book and highly recommend it for young and old alike.
Recommend this book:
That Monster on the Block
Sue Ganz-Schmitt, Luke Flowers
2022 Silver Medal
32 Pages
Check current price
Children - Picture Book
That Monster on the Block by Sue Ganz-Schmitt is a picture book for young children. One day Monster notices that someone new is moving into Vampire's old house. He ponders all the possibilities of who it could be. It may be an "ogre," a "dragon," or even a "greedy goblin." Monster can't wait to find out, and excitedly starts practicing how he will greet his new neighbor. Monster waits impatiently until, finally, the neighbor makes an appearance. It isn't who Monster was expecting. Far from it - the new neighbor is a clown! Monster is worried and quickly calls his other neighbors to alert them to the clown's arrival. Monster refuses to have the clown as a neighbor and goes to every length to get rid of him, even though his friends have already warmed to the clown. Will Monster succeed in removing the clown from the neighborhood or will he see that having a clown as a neighbor isn't all that bad? Find out in this fun-filled book.
I enjoyed every page of Sue Ganz-Schmitt's new book That Monster on the Block. It gripped me from the start and entertained me throughout the entire story. As well as being highly entertaining, this book also teaches important life lessons. It shows that we should accept people for who they are, no matter their differences, and that we shouldn't judge anyone by their appearance as it is what's inside that counts. The illustrations by Luke Flowers are cute and funny, and children are going to love every one of them. If you are looking for a new book to read with your child, then look no further; this would make the perfect bedtime story.
Recommend this book:
Molly Morningstar
A Doll for Me
Andrea Coke
2022 Gold Medal
35 Pages
Check current price
Children - Picture Book
Molly Morningstar, A Doll for Me, written by Andrea Coke and illustrated by M. Fernanda Orozco, is about a little girl named Molly who has just been invited to a birthday party. The invitation said to bring a favorite doll. The problem is that Molly cannot find a doll that looks like her. She searches and searches but doesn’t have any luck finding one. Her parents seem to have accepted the idea that it’s unlikely she will find a doll that looks like her, but Molly has her own plan. Being the problem-solver that she is, she comes up with an idea all on her own.
I absolutely adored this book, and I immediately wanted to buy a box of these and distribute them to the schools I work at. I think every parent and educator should have this book. It teaches a beautiful message. Children need to feel represented in the books they read and the toys they play with. We need to celebrate and embrace diversity and inclusion. Growing up Asian, I felt very underrepresented in many things, from books to television shows. So, I understand the importance of making sure that children feel like they belong. Molly Morningstar is a girl that every child can look up to. She didn’t just accept not being able to find a doll that looks like her. She got creative, and she didn’t give up. Not only does this book have an amazing message and a one-of-a-kind main character, but it has incredibly vivid and eye-catching illustrations. I can’t explain how impressed I am with these images by M. Fernanda Orozco. And Molly Morningstar, A Doll for Me is Andrea Coke’s debut picture book? I am at a loss for words. Unbelievable. This is definitely my new favorite picture book.