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 Girl Who Looked Beyond The Stars
Sheena Meyer
L. B. Anne
2021 Silver Medal
183 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
When The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars by L. B. Anne begins, Sheena Meyer is just an ordinary girl, but that doesn't last long. Her life changes when her father gets in a car accident and she goes to the hospital to see him, where she also sees a glowing creature that miraculously heals her dad. It is also the first time she meets Mr. Tobias, who says she's a gleamer who can see things normal people can't. Suddenly, mystical things keep happening to her, including vivid dreams that come true, text messages from an unknown number, and she meets a mysterious new girl who acts oddly. Then, in one of her talks with Mr. Tobias, she learns that something called the Murk is coming for her. What will she do?
With interesting scenes and well-developed characters, The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars by L. B. Anne is a very enjoyable read. The book has a good balance of thrilling and dramatic scenes and funny parts that make the book exciting without making it too intense. The characters were very likable and relatable, and I thought the way the characters interacted was very realistic, especially between Sheena and her mother. I also loved the way Sheena and her friends were very close and joked around with each other. The book was very well written and I liked the narration style from Sheena’s perspective. The story is original, suspenseful, and has a very interesting plot. I was hooked by the first page and didn't want to stop reading. I would definitely recommend this book.
Recommend this book:
Away
A Children's Book of Loss
WP Osborne
2021 Bronze Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
W. P. Osborne has written an encouraging book for children who have lost a loved one. In Away: A Children's Book of Loss, the author gently and tenderly approaches a subject that is much too common today. Osborne uses the theme of a loving father being taken away from his doting daughter because of the color of his skin. This book equally applies to the loss of a loved one through accidents, illness, and age. Grieving is normal and children grieve as much as adults, if not more. They need to be heard and comforted. Adults need to see beyond their hurt and minister to their children. Talking with your child is of utmost importance. Osborne encourages exploring the pain with their child. Osborne's book is well-illustrated and will have your grieving child identifying with the girl in the book.
Too many men of color are dying today for nothing more than the color of their skin. Away by W. P. Osborne is written to help a child’s caregiver (another parent, grandparent, aunt, etc.) gently guide the child through the process of grieving. This book draws on strength from God and His Word. One major part of the grieving process is remembering. This book helps the caregiver not only understand the child but also guides the caregiver in helping the child go from grieving to remembering and healing. Osborne writes in an easy-to-understand manner and her book will keep any child’s interest. Love your child enough to buy this book and read it with and to your child.
Recommend this book:
I Would Love You Even If You Burned the Christmas Turkey
Bucleigh Newton Kernodle
2021 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
I Would Love You Even If You Burned The Christmas Turkey by Bucleigh Newton Kernodle is a holiday-themed book for children. It is a light-hearted, feel-good story that will teach young children the true meaning of Christmas, including a short version of the story of Jesus and how it all came about. Bucleigh has gifted the reader with not just one story, but two! After having a mishap with the Christmas turkey, Miller and Myah's grandma sits them down and begins to tell them the story of the Pickle family. The children are delighted by their grandma's story-time and learn that Christmas isn't about turkey or gifts; it is simply about spending time with family and giving back to others.
Bucleigh Newton Kernodle has written an entertaining story with an important message behind it. Sometimes people, especially children, will forget what Christmas is all about, or they may not even know the real meaning of it at all. They get lost in receiving gifts and stuffing their bellies. This book is simple, cute, and gets straight to the point. I loved the side story that the grandma tells the children; everyone enjoys a good story about pickles! The talented illustrator of the book, Ashley Teets, has done an amazing job of bringing the characters alive; their facial expressions are funny and adorable! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to anyone who has children in need of learning this important lesson. I wish both Bucleigh Newton Kernodle and Ashley Teets all the best in their creative journeys. Keep up the good work!
Recommend this book:
The Day Bob Saw Jesus
Lindi Juarez
2021 Finalist
34 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
The Day Bob Saw Jesus by Lindi Juarez is a tender rhyming tale about a boy named Bob, his life, and heart-changing experience. A very miserable Bob has been having a tough time…or shall we say, giving a hard time? Bob is the class bully and absolutely loves tearing up the place with his rude antics and mean-spirited ways! He can’t wait to get to school and start some trouble. When his compassionate teacher, Mrs. Rose, shares a hopeful message with Bob about Jesus, he shrugs it off, deciding then and there that this Jesus has to be just some imaginary man. Will Mrs. Rose's prayers be answered and Bob’s heart touched by Jesus? Is it possible for such a bully to have a change of heart and discover a new perspective on friendship, caring, kindness, and Mrs. Rose's imaginary man? Or will Bob continue to be an unhappy little boy?
The Day Bob Saw Jesus by Lindi Juarez is such a lovely, heartwarming story for all ages! The colorful illustrations are perfect for each imaginative rhyme and scene. And I felt immediately pulled into the story and couldn’t wait to turn the page to find out what happened next. Would Bob’s heart be touched? Between the pages of this delightful read were lots of inspiring messages and the author did a fantastic job at expressing it all in a child-friendly, positive way. There was also compassion and understanding for how lost Bob must feel to be acting out and behaving in such an awful way; only someone very hurt and unhappy would enjoy hurting others, right? The ending was as good as I’d hoped!
Recommend this book:
What's So Special About Today?
(Mom's Choice Award Recipient)
Kelsey Clark
2020 Gold Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
It is a new day and a brother and sister remember what their mother has told them, that every day is special because it is another day of life. His mom reminds him to be mindful of his manners when she leaves him at school and asks him to listen and mind the teacher's rules. The little boy asks his mom what is the special part of her day and she tells him that it is the time she spends with them. She tells him every day is a new opportunity to experience the joy of the heart, fill the mind with wonders, and finish what is started. She also tells them that their life is a blessing. God holds their hands when they are hurt, and he asks them to be patient, kind, forgiving, thankful, and true. Will the boy ever learn what is so special about today and every day?
What's So Special About Today? by Kelsey Clark is an uplifting and motivating story that will take young readers closer to God and will encourage them to be grateful for whatever they have in life. Ashley Belote's charming pictures make the concept palpable to readers and will help them understand the author's words easily. The story is written in verse and has a good pace and rhythm that makes it lyrical and entertaining. The author tackles the boy's curious questions with expertise and teaches children about sibling care, love, and kindness in a wonderful way. What's So Special About Today? by Kelsey Clark is the perfect book for tutors and parents to use for storytelling and can be used in Bible classes too for children to appreciate what they have and realize that every day holds something good for them. The book is useful to teach children good values and life lessons that will benefit them.
Recommend this book:
The Incredible Adventures of Absolutely Normal
Amanda Rotach Lamkin
2020 Silver Medal
177 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
The Incredible Adventures of Absolutely Normal is a work of fiction for children in the adventure genre and was penned by author Amanda Rotach Lamkin. Despite what the title suggests, this quirky and intelligent book follows the exploits of lead character Albert, who begins the story very much in the shadow of his brave and charismatic cousin Samuel. But when Albert is delivered to another world entirely, he has to discover what he’s really made of beyond his seeming normality. What results is a charming and empowering story about the makings of a hero and the voyage of self-discovery for young people when life puts them to the test.
Poignant and positive, but also laced with heartache, reality, and struggle, this is a book that children who feel like a bit of an underdog are sure to treasure and get inspired by every time they pick it up. The intended reading age of 7 to 12-year-olds will find that they can escape into this highly accessible book independently, or indeed discuss and explore the novel with friends and family. The chapter book formatting is gorgeous and well spread out to make this feel like a classic adventure novel, and there are varied modern themes and different personality types for Albert (and us readers) to discover, empathize with and fall for time and again. Overall, The Incredible Adventures of Absolutely Normal presents a lavishly descriptive and inspiring story from talented storyteller Amanda Rotach Lamkin, and it’s a tale not to be missed.
Recommend this book:
The Paradise Man according to Thomas Merton
Linhxuan Vu
2020 Bronze Medal
196 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
The Paradise Man According to Thomas Merton is a short work of religious discussion aimed at readers of all ages and was penned by author Linhxuan Vu. Taking the original concept of the biblical Garden of Eden, and the suffering of humanity since its leaving the garden, Vu re-explains the garden as a metaphor in modern life for the paradise we all seek inside ourselves. Written in part as a self-help guide through discovering one’s own faith in the Christian God, this work explains Thomas Merton’s philosophy of achieving paradise whilst living, but cutting away earthly ego-driven desires and opening ourselves to the goodness of God.
Written for readers in all walks of life, whether they are devout in their daily practices or not, author Linhxuan Vu approaches God from both a philosophical and devout lens, using the real-world realistic principles of Thomas Merton as a guide. The work is well organized with quotations to support the arguments of Merton and the explanations given by Vu, strengthening the concept with every passing chapter. The tone is both instructional and inspirational, attempting to evoke a sense that paradise is indeed a real feeling which can be achieved by living humans, through the toil of creating an ‘attitude of the heart’ and accepting God’s love into their lives. Overall, The Paradise Man According to Thomas Merton presents an intelligent meshing of modern and traditional takes on Christian devotion and belief, and would certainly be a useful read to anyone seeking comfort and the need to fill the emptiness in their lives.
Recommend this book:
Mystery In Bethlehem
Susanne Blumer
2020 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Children - Religious Theme
It is the first day of the summer vacation and twins Chip and Caroline run to the church playground. Chip is missing their parents but happy to be at Palmetto Island with their grandparents. At the playground, they meet Billy and they spend some time chatting. Billy tells them they can see the whole island if they go up to the bell tower. Once they reach the bell tower, Chip pulls the rope hard and the large bronze bell goes BONG, BONG, BONG. The story takes a new turn after that. Instead of the playground, the children find themselves back in time in Bethlehem. They decide to explore the town and they remember that they had learned about Jesus' birth in Sunday School. They are excited because they are in the Christmas story from the Bible, which is one of the most wonderful stories in the whole world. Let's read on, not only to discover if Billy, Chip, and Caroline make it back to Palmetto Island but also to learn the real story of Christmas.
Mystery In Bethlehem by Cole Blumer and Susanne Blumer beautifully captures the essence and story of Christmas in a very unique and interesting way that will pull readers into the story. The black and white sketches are wonderful and bring the characters and the story alive. This book is the best way to tell children the story of Christmas without making them bored, and it can also be used in Bible classes and school classrooms, especially during the Christmas season. It is a good book to give as a Christmas gift for children. I like the author's idea of weaving adventure and a real story together and making it entertaining for children, telling them stories from the Bible in an engaging way.
Recommend this book:
Why Isn't God a Girl?
A Young Girl's Journey to See the Image of God in Herself
Diana L Wilcox
2020 Honorable Mention
44 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Why Isn’t God A Girl? A Young Girl’s Journey to See the Image of God in Herself is a work of helpful and thoughtful fiction written for children by author Diana L. Wilcox and illustrated by Viktoria Skakandi and Earth22 Studio. As the title suggests, this interactive and thought-provoking picture book focuses on the vision that young Sophy has of herself, for when she is raised as a Christian she is told that she was made in the image of God, who is described as male. What results is a fascinating journey into self-image, gender, faith and diversity that is both refreshing and insightful for parents and children alike.
Highly readable and accessible for children of all ages, this is a truly empowering work that arrives at just the right time for the big movement forward in women’s rights and their growing presence in the world. Author Diana L. Wilcox provides an eye-opening alternative viewpoint to the patriarchal views of the original Bible and the images and language which surround it, viewing God as a female and giving voice and faith to the girls who wish to seek it. The beautiful illustrations by Viktoria Skakandi and Earth22 Studio add an additional layer of accessibility to the text, making Sophy an endearing figure to whom any girl can relate and discover with on her journey. Overall, Why Isn’t God A Girl? is sure to prove an essential component for any girl’s bookshelf, but also an eye-opening read for boys and parents alike.
Recommend this book:
Angel on Assignment
An Angelic Tradition
Wanda Carter Roush
2019 Gold Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Angel on Assignment: An Angelic Tradition by Wanda Carter Roush is an enchanting book and a great way to introduce children to angels. The book begins with a Heavenly Messenger coming down from the sky and telling Mary about a wonderful surprise. They send a message to Joseph too and tell him what to do in his dream. The angels foretell the birth of Jesus and they are there when the greatest gift to mankind is born. Angels are created by God and they are more than mysteries from the past. They have missions and jobs to do and are sent by God. They guard and protect everyone and they always appear during times of need. Angels are on assignment everywhere and will appear with the help of a small prayer.
The story is beautiful and it will encourage child readers to help people in need by saying a kind word or doing a good deed. The pictures are adorable and I am sure readers will enjoy the activities at the end of the book. These are fun and interactive and make this book perfect to use in art and crafts activities in classrooms and school libraries. Children will have fun making paper angels and coloring them, and these activities will take them closer to understanding angels. It is a good storybook for parents and tutors to help children understand about angels and about God's love through the presence of angels. This book will help children think about angels in a different way and it is a perfect bedtime storybook for youngsters. There is a lot of information about angels and it is a great way to show children that angels are real and they are around us.