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:
The Wicked Passage
A Blake Wyatt Adventure
N.M. Singel
2012 Silver Medal
218 Pages
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Children - Preteen
"The Wicked Passage" by N M Singel is an inventive mix of fantasy and history for young adults. Blake Wyatt just wants the school day to end but then his very odd substitute teacher has to go and reveal that Blake and his sister Erica are Sapphire Travelers. They inherited this legacy from their father, who died many years ago. Now Blake finds himself in charge of an ancient book, "The Chronicle of the Rellium", which he mustn’t on any account open. So what is the first thing he does, thinking this is all just nonsense? Suddenly Blake finds he is having to protect one of the world’s greatest explorers, Christopher Columbus, from the evil Dragonblud of the wicked Tolucan empire. Dragonblud is out to destroy history and needs the Chronicle in order to do that. But he reckoned without such smart, feisty opponents. Erica is every bit as tough as her brother, and with the magical help of someone from their own past, they battle evil. Determination is a key element in this story. It is not going to be easy for Dragonblud.
This is a very entertaining and exciting book, really well-written with lots of clever touches in the language and the twisting plot. We get parabulls and talking bull dogs, and the Chronicle itself has quite a lot to say too. All the characters are complex and realistic and develop through the story. There is a lot of action in the form of storms, murder attempts and imprisonment, to give but a few examples. It is the sort of book that once you start reading, you can’t stop. It is gripping, original and very, very good.
Recommend this book:
The Last Snow Dragon
Diana Winter
2012 Bronze Medal
216 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Our tale begins long long ago, in a land called the Valley of the Dragon. An evil faerie and her dragon lived on the Mountai of the Dark Shadow. Her name was Drocha, the faerie of nightmares. The Snow Queen was the head of the faeries; she forbade Drocha from bothering the valley people. Drocha was so evil that the other faeries refused to be around her. Dorcha was very angry and rebelled by turning Droch, her dragon, loose on the valley. The dragon would fly through the valley at night capturing and eating the livestock and some of the children. Dorch was turned into a rock when he attacked the Snow Queen and her dragon. Dorcha waited for the opportunity to attain her revenge. At last she had her chance to hurt the Queen by destroying a much loved dragon. Sneachta was badly injured and was left for dead but one special child rescued him. They quickly bonded and Sneachta repaid Dieter’s kindness by protecting him.
"The Last Snow Dragon" by Diana Winter reads like a favorite old fable. This tale, like most good fables, treats good vs. evil. Sneachta and Dieter are delightful characters. There are several important secondary characters who are well-developed and who add depth to the story. This is the type of tale my grandmother would share with me. I would always beg for more. Winter has a unique talent for writing a story and making it feel like a legend passed on by word of mouth. I will be sharing this tale with my grandchildren.
Recommend this book:
Return to Finkleton
K.C. Hilton
2012 Honorable Mention
228 Pages
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Children - Preteen
"Return To Finkleton" is a wonderful mystery book for children aged 9-12. Written by K C Hilton, this is the second book in the 'Finkleton Series'. Two years have passed and Jack, Lizzy and Robert are still discovering magical items and protecting their treasured secrets in their late Uncle Harry's shop. The magical secrets must be kept in the right hands because of greedy out-of-towners and citizens trying to get their hands on it for their own selfish purposes and financial gains. The weather, crops and the town's survival rests in the hands of the three very wise and responsible children. But will they be able to protect their secrets with the overwhelming whirlpool of greed attacking them from all directions? There are 28 action packed and fast flowing chapters that include everything from the magical valley, mysterious visitors, new magical items to discover, and ghosts. As an added bonus, children will learn the moral of the story which is that greed can become an overwhelming hunger. The smallest of human acts can lead to the most destructive and loathsome acts of mankind.
K C Hiltons does it again in this magical adventure book for pre-teens! Though I am 39 years old I loved every minute of reading this book as if I were a child again. Furthermore, this book has received many prestigious literary and Best Fiction Awards recently! The cover of the book is eye catching and captivating. The mysterious antiqued and gold applique look of the book makes it easy to pick up and hard to put down. The plot is solid and flows easily for children to read. It also is a great second book to the first in the series; "The Magic of Finkleton". I can easily see this series made into a movie series on the big screen and would be dispointed if it doesn't make it into motion pictures. I highly recommend it for all children aged 9 and up. I cannot wait for K C Hilton's next mystery book "Saving Finkleton", and many more books after that. K C Hilton is a gifted writer and truly has put together a masterpiece in each book that compliments the series nicely.
Recommend this book:
Six Weeks to Yehidah
Melissa Studdard
2012 Finalist
170 Pages
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Children - Preteen
In the book "Six Weeks to Yehidah" by Melissa Studdard, ten year old Annalise of Verdant Hills imagines that she has fallen asleep under a tree while talking and singing to a pair of sheep. She then dreams that she is in a new land over the clouds where even the animals can speak and think for themselves. In reality, Annalise was swept away by flood waters during a violent storm in her home town. During her comatose state in the hospital, Annalise is taken on a journey of her imagination, her mind and of her soul. And while in the company of her two talking sheep who walk on their hind legs and represent her totems, Annalise discovers her true Yehidah(awareness)and is therefore guided to the path of her awakening.
Mellisa Studdard's "Six Weeks to Yehidah" was a mind blowing, imaginative journey and a soul awakening wonderful read. It is a book that older children, young adults and the young at heart and of the soul will absolutely devour and enjoy. In each chapter of Melissa's book, she has written valuable learning lessons that are entwined and interwoven into her story. She, thereby, takes her readers to another level while still offering an insightful journey into the realm of the unknown, the unconscious mind and of the vivid imagination. I enjoyed "Six Weeks to Yehidah" so much that I often found myself thinking about the book, the different characters, and the overall message of the book long after the story was over. I also went to Mellissa Studdard's website to check it out, and was delighted to find the 'My Yehidah Journal', a journal that one can buy to begin one's own personal journey of discovery to Yehidah.
I highly recommend the book "Six Weeks to Yehidah" to anyone who needs a little help in finding their way and their own path.
Recommend this book:
The Hellandback Kids
Be Careful What You Wish For
LL Helland
2012 Gold Medal
304 Pages
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Children - Preteen
After realizing a Bundlebob was in Chris’ closet, the Hellandback parents decided it was time to send their 4 children to Scotland for the summer; they would be staying with their 83 year old great-grandmother in a large building that used to be a hospital. The kids were dreading the trip that seemed to offer only boredom. Unbeknownst to them it would be anything but dull for the house had a mystical quality. During their visit each of the Hellandback children were transported to a different realm where they learned a life lesson centering on their greatest weakness and strength. They quickly learned they had to take their scenario seriously. Chris ended up in the land of the Bundlebobs and had several interesting conversations with his great grandfather. Brittany was transported to the 14th century where the Black Plague was at its worse, Trisha was transported in the 18th century where she was about to be married and Jon’s scenario placed him in a corporate jungle complete with backstabbers and sharks, it was each man for himself.
The Hellandback Kids: Be Careful What You Wish For is a great read. Laura L Helland has combined just the right amount of action, adventure, humor, paranormal characters and fantasy to keep readers not only interested but eager to continue reading. The author developed the characters personalities in the first few chapters allowing the reader to understand the importance of the scenario the character faces. Helland has included plenty twists and turns. The author has cleverly included ghosts, vampires, and some very original creatures that exist only in the mind of the author. There are several life lessons to be learned from this tale. This book is based on real people, the author’s children. I’d be remiss if I did not mention the marvelous cover; it fits in well with the plot and just begs to be read. Even the title of this book is well done and humorous. I hope the author is planning series of Hellandback books and I would love to see this tale on the silver screen. Well done MS Helland.
Recommend this book:
Bloodmaiden
Christine E. Schulze
2011 Honorable Mention
198 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Bloodmaiden takes places in a realm called Sulamin. Sulamin is divided into four regions with each region ruled by a group of dragons. In three of the kingdoms, the dragons and people live happily together. In Tynan the dragons are cruel and demand much of the people, including blood sacrifice of the chosen one, the Quelda. The new Quelda of Tynan, Crislin and her young husband, Chalmon, have only one chance to live. They must escape Tynan and gain the assistance of the dragons in the other three regions. Their journey is not an easy one, nor is it without danger. Along the way they meet many friends, sprites, dragons and nymphs. Among the dangers they must conqueror are a frozen lake, mountain creatures that try to step on them and a sphinx that demands answers to riddles. The fate of Crislin's people is in her hands.
Bloodmaiden is a Christian Fantasy novel. It has all of the right elements for an excellent read: conflict, supernatural powers, and dragons with velvety wings, tears, and smiles. This book is very descriptive. I could see the dragons as they hung from the ceiling. I could see the beauty of the frozen lake, the mountains, and the caves. Author Christine Schulze took time to develop all of the characters including the secondary ones. She threw in some unexpected plot twists. Earlier I mentioned the riddles. They were fun. I could answer a few, but they were not easy. I thought they added much to the plot. I would recommend this book for 12 and up. I found this book fascinating and will look for more books by this author.
Recommend this book:
The Wishing Window Well
Aubrey Fogle
2011 Gold Medal
96 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Allison Sutton wants a pet. She has always wanted a pet. However, they rent a house and the owner said no pets allowed. She had a gold fish but it only lived 6 hours.
When the Sutton's move to the country, Allison's room is below ground, but it has a special window, and she can see the stars. One day Allison and some of her friends found a snake in the window well. If a snake could be there just maybe something else could be too. A variety of animals fall into the window well, each making Allison's desire for a pet much stronger.
The Wishing Window Well is a cute read. I had to laugh at the snake, even if I am not fond of them. I was surprised at the author using the names Dr. and Mrs. Sutton so much. The plot would have felt much warmer if the author had used mom and dad more often. The plot is cute and heartwarming. The characters are easy to like. The Wishing Window Well is sure to please children.
Recommend this book:
Phliberty-Jibbits
Anything Is Possible
William Moore
2011 Silver Medal
264 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Ima Jean Snodgrass is from a broken home. She hated her name and wondered how her parents could have stuck a name like that on her. Being from a poor family it only got worse when her parents divorced and her mother move them to New York. If she thought she was poor before it was worse now. With her mother working two jobs and living in a rundown shack, clothes from the Goodwill, Ima Jean became the brunt of many jokes and pranks her at school. Ima Jean feels all alone.
Walking home from school after one of her horrible days at school she sees an unfamiliar store, it seems to beckon her to enter. Phliberty-Jibbets is a one of a kind store, Full of beautiful clothes, candy adventures, all for free. There was an odd assortment of creatures, from a robot, to a roller skating monkey, to a flying pig, to Professor Hemlock. The only ones that can see the store are children who are abused, poor, or sad. Every time things go bad at school, Ima Jean stops at the store.
When mad scientist, Professor Hemlock, abducts Mr. Jibbets, Ima Jean and Mr. Phliberty try to rescue Mr. Jibbets. They must fighting off a giant wolf spider created by the Professor. Will they be able reach him in time.
This is a great children's story. I enjoyed it very much. This book will appeal to both children and adults. The author is a very creative. It reminded me a lot of the Wizard of Oz. Throughout the book the author uses the phrase "Anything Is Possible." What a wonderful message for children. No matter what Anything Is Possible.
Recommend this book:
Horace Helfin's Holiday Home
John Philip McCarthy
2010 Silver Medal
256 Pages
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Children - Preteen
It is a few days before Christmas and young Sally has asked Santa for a special gift this year. Enter Horace Helfin, direct from the orphanage. While Horace creates both chaos and magic around him, Sally's parents begin to look at their relationship and they finally see what they risk in their attempt to separate them from one another.
John McCarthy has created a delightful tale that will not only delight preteens, but it is readable for adults as well. His characterizations are fresh and spontaneous and they suggest the best in the human condition. McCarthy has created believable dialogue and situations in which the young-at-heart will surely become engrossed. It is a page-turner which should hold children glued to their chairs.
This is a story of love, commitment, respect for others, and ongoing hope. It should appeal to a wide audience.
Recommend this book:
Wyndano's Cloak
A. R. Silverberry
2010 Gold Medal
420 Pages
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Children - Preteen
In Wyndano’s Cloak the author transports the reader to the Kingdom of Aerdem. The action begins from the first page. I was quickly caught up in Princess Jenren’s story.
Medlara appears to Jen and warns her something bad is going to happen but doesn’t reveal what the events will be. Jen fears the return of evil Naryfel. The evil queen is Jen’s aunt and determined to destroy Aerdem. Unfortunately, the King and Prince do not take the warning seriously, leading to near disaster for all.
Jen’s mother is taken captive by Naryful. Rushing to her mother’s rescue Jen is captured. The adventure continues as Jen and Blue attempt to rescue Jen’s mother. Bit and Pet travel to a different realm seeking a doctor that can break the spell that is killing the King and Prince.
Wyndano’s Cloak is two separate but inner related tales. We follow Jen and Blue through the danger of tunnels, sniffers, and dancers. We follow Pet and Bit into the plain world to an orphanage where the children are abused. Eventually, the separate paths of the characters are again united in a climactic finale.
This book will please tweens and older. I’m definitely not a tween and I was entranced by the plot and characters. The plot is filled with danger, action, anticipation, mystery and challenges. I turned the pages eager to see what would happen next. There is a message of love, forgiveness and redemption in this book. A. R. Silverberry is a master at characterization. Few are his equal. His characters grew and matured throughout the tale. I found myself thinking about this book when I wasn’t reading. When I read the last page I was disappointed the book had ended. I wanted to remain in Rose Castle, in the Kingdom of Aerdem. Perhaps the author will take the hint and write a sequel.