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:
Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God
Families Growing in Faith 3
Vanessa Fortenberry

2023 Finalist
30 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme

Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God is written by Vanessa Fortenberry and illustrated by Sharon Grey. The author has captured that intimate exchange between Christian grandparents and inquisitive grandkids. This is a beautifully written picture book that describes the meaning of faith and love for God. This book follows children as they question their grandparents about how and when they should praise God. They want to know what praise is and how they should go about offering praise to God. The answers they received were sometimes surprising and the kids were astonished at all the ways they can show God thanks and praise every day.
In Grandma, Granddad, We Want to Praise God, each page shows a different question. The rhyming stanzas will engage and entertain young readers and make for fun family reading. Each situation can be read and discussed as its topic, making this a great story for young children as well. Kids will enjoy seeing how things they love to do each day, like singing, dancing, and attending church, are all ways that you can praise God. This lovely story will teach praise and worship of God gently and engagingly. The illustrations are done in a soft portrait style using a combination of bold and muted colors to create dynamic images that will capture the attention of children looking through this book. Grandparents and their grandchildren, as well as parents, guardians, and caregivers, will love the rhyming stanzas and tender illustrations of a child's natural curiosity and growing discovery that we can express praise through the good and the bad; anywhere or anytime; and with singing, dancing, shouting, and clapping. This engaging story will empower children in fostering habits of praise and thankfulness.
Recommend this book:
Smile Lil Peter, It's A Gift
Tasche Laine

2023 Honorable Mention
39 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme

Surprise, the best Christmas gift is free. Lil Peter and his brother, Marty, visit their grandmother and learn how to be a whosoever. Tasche Laine and Peter Valdez understand what Christmas is about and share the importance of Christmas cheer in Smile Lil Peter, It’s a Gift. While their parents finish Christmas shopping, the boys enjoy a walk with their grandmother, spreading Christmas joy. Who would ever think giving away a candy cane and a smile could impact someone’s life? But the lives of the boys and those who received the gift of a Jesus cane and a smile were positively impacted. This story teaches how to be a whosoever and follows the trio’s adventures as they spread the true joy of Christmas. Encouragement has no cost, but it changes the mood and attitude of both the one encouraged and the one who encourages.
Tasche Laine and Peter Valdez share Christmas cheer in Smile Lil Peter, It’s a Gift. Mei Mei Leonard punctuates the text with great illustrations to draw your child into the story. This is a great resource to teach your children that Christmas is not so much about getting gifts as it is about giving. Christmas is about God’s greatest gift—Jesus Christ—and sharing his joy through little acts of kindness. Peter is taught the value of sharing a smile. The goal of this book is to help children learn good values while they are having fun. Through the actions of Peter and Marty, you can help your children learn about good deeds and helping others; it would be a rewarding family activity to go out and share candy canes with those on the street. With caution, helping your children to be kind will pay unbelievable dividends throughout their lives.
Recommend this book:
Fingerprints of God
Melanie Burgess

2023 Silver Medal
36 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows his handiwork (Psalm 19:1). The first six verses of Psalm 19 explain that God’s creation shows His glory. Melanie Burgess shares this viewpoint in her children’s book, Fingerprints of God. This book is excellent for teaching your children Bible verses reflecting God’s glory and control in nature. Melanie shows that the sky, mountains, plants, and animals show God exists and has left His signature for all to see. As you read this book to or with your child, ask questions about noticing God’s hand at work in the world. For example, science says a bumblebee should not be able to fly, but it does. Is this not part of God’s fingerprint with some humor? In addition, this book shares many different species of animals that your child may not be familiar with. Use this as an opportunity to learn more about nature and the God of nature.
Not only is Melanie Burgess an outstanding creative writer, but she is also a talented illustrator. She writes about seeing God in nature and then illustrates her points. Your child will enjoy seeing the different animals and scenery. You can see the hand of God in all aspects of creation. Share with your child that God shows His existence and it is up to the individual to look for those fingerprints. True science never contradicts the Word of God. Melanie desires to share God and His love for His creation. She does this masterfully, and God will honor her work. Fingerprints of God is one book that needs to be on the shelf of every child who lives in a Christian home. Help your child understand that the God Who created the universe and everything in it is the same God that created and loves them.
Recommend this book:
ABC the Bible Way
Tope Umah

2023 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Religious Theme

ABC the Bible Way is a religious-themed picture book for children written by Tope Umah. Children usually learn the alphabet through association with images, animals, and objects. The author of this picture book has used themes and elements of the Bible to help children understand the Bible while they learn their alphabet. Each letter contains an association to an object along with a short story or paragraph which connects it to the Bible. The letter “b” is for Boat, specifically, the boat Jesus was sleeping in when a powerful storm came up and his followers woke him up, fearing they would drown. The letter “g” is associated with Goliath, the giant of the Old Testament who was defeated by David, who was sent by God. And “m” is for Moses, who feared his leadership role due to his speech difficulties but was entrusted by God to help the Israelites escape slavery.
Tope Umah’s ABC the Bible Way is a fascinating and well-presented work that introduces biblical themes to young readers while they learn the alphabet. The stories connected to each letter are fascinating and connect themes to those letters beautifully, and the accompanying illustrations take those lessons one step further. I especially appreciated the illustration for the letter “o,” which shows a young boy in a temple filling the lamps on a lampstand with olive oil, and the dramatic panel for “p” which shows Samson breaking free of the stone pillars to which the Philistines had chained him. Each letter and its accompanying story and illustration work quite well as mini-lessons in a biblical study for young readers. ABC the Bible Way is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
A Lost Star Named Stella
A Children's Story About Learning To Follow God
Jackie Perucki

2022 Silver Medal
31 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme

A Lost Star Named Stella: A Children’s Story About Learning to Follow God is an engaging and thoughtful Christian children’s book written by Jackie Perucki with illustrations by Larisa Ivankovic. This uplifting story shares the beautiful message that God loves each one of us and is a constant guide throughout our lives. In this story, we meet Stella the star who is lost and trying to find her way home. Stella seeks help from those around her, but they are not able to guide her home. Understandably, Stella is quite upset and saddened by the fact that she is lost, and no one can help her. Just when things are bleak and Stella is very weary, she is found and guided home by the maker of the stars.
Jackie Perucki’s A Lost Star Named Stella is a joyous read for children and readers of all ages. The heartfelt message of God’s love and concern for each one of us is beautifully captured through lyrical verse and is accompanied by lovely illustrations from Larisa Ivankovic. Children will relate to Stella and understand how frightened she must feel when she is lost, and no one can help her. There is a great sense of peace and comfort when the Bright Morning Star calmly helps Stella find her way home. Parents and caregivers will enjoy reading this inspiring story that shares the love and hope that God provides to each one of us. A Lost Star Named Stella succinctly and gently conveys the powerful lesson that God is always there for us if we only look to Him.
Recommend this book:
How Far is Heaven?
Amy Skala Tischmann

2022 Gold Medal
28 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme

Do you know how far away heaven is? When our loved ones leave us, we are told they go to heaven, but where is heaven? We assume it’s somewhere up there, but where exactly? Children aren’t the only ones asking these same questions, but how can we answer their questions about heaven? Simply put, it’s all about faith. We believe that our connection with our loved ones remains within us for all eternity. And that’s heaven: “Heaven is near, and yet Heaven is far./ Because Heaven, my dear, is wherever you are.”
Amy Skala Tischmann’s picture book story, How Far is Heaven?, follows a little boy’s questions about heaven. Tucked in bed, with his mom beside him, he wants to know where heaven is because that’s where his beloved Grandpa has gone. Told in rhyming verse, the author allows the little boy to begin the story with his poignant question, “How far is Heaven? … Is it really that far, Is it far, far away?” Mom has all the right answers. Some of her answers bring more questions, as thoughts of heaven and those we’ve loved and lost being within us can be confusing, especially since we can’t see what is within us and in the beauty of the world all around us. But these questions lead to more solid answers, told with compassion in a simple language with simple comparisons to help the little boy understand. The question/answer approach to developing this plot is told in rhyming verse with beautiful illustrations. Told with care and consideration of the mind of a child, the author has created a sweet story that is heartwarming and powerful, tender and reminiscent, all in one. This is a must-read many times over.
Recommend this book:
Above the Clouds
What Really Happens in Heaven During a Thunderstorm
Stephanie Barton, Carley Barton, and Sue Milon

2022 Bronze Medal
30 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme

Have you ever wondered what causes the thunder and lightning in a rainstorm? Is there a reason to be afraid? The charming religious-themed children's story, Above the Clouds: What Really Happens in Heaven During a Thunderstorm by Stephanie Barton, Carley Barton, and Sue Milon, eliminates the fear surrounding storms. Frightened when a storm wakes her from her sleep, Grace calls out to her mother to come and comfort her. With the thunder and lightning shattering the night around them, Grace's mother explains how the storm is nothing more than angels having a party in heaven. While the DJ Joy is playing loud music, the angels are dancing and stomping the night away. They are enjoying the party so much that their joy can be seen and heard here on earth. The lightning, thunder, and rain are only a manifestation of their celebration. Can Grace accept her mother's explanation? Do angels really dance in heaven?
Above the Clouds: What Really Happens in Heaven During a Thunderstorm by Stephanie Barton, Carley Barton, and Sue Milon is a delightful children's book with a religious theme. Beautifully illustrated, the pictures create a perfect complement to an enchanting story. I fell in love with the story from page one; the portrayal of the angels dancing and taking selfies was amusing and disarming, and the sweet, simple explanation of what makes a storm is soothing and cute. The collaboration of authors and artist is a match made in heaven. Superbly written, comforting, and adorable, this fabulous story will charm children of all ages.
Recommend this book:
The Adventures of Super Obi
Nothing to Fear
Dominique Okonkwo

2022 Honorable Mention
39 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme

Are you afraid of the things that go bump in the night? Of the shadows that mysteriously creep around the walls of your room? Are they monsters? Are they going to hurt you? It’s okay to be afraid, but we have to try hard to face our fears. That is what Obi had to learn. When Mommy tucked him in for the night and turned out the light, Obi started seeing all kinds of shadows on his walls. The moonlight coming in through his window was playing tricks on him. Or was it? Then there were strange shapes in his closet and a loud noise rumbling through the house. Someone was coming to get Obi and he was really scared. When he called out for Mommy, Daddy appeared at his bedside and helped him see things in a new perspective. It was all his wonderful, creative imagination. “I am special. And super,” said Obi. “Super Obi – that’s me!”
Dominique Okonkwo’s picture book story, The Adventures of Super Obi: Nothing to Fear, is a compassionate look at some of the fears we all face from time to time. Based on the author’s son, Obinna, the plot follows a young boy’s growing fears as his imagination takes over once the lights go out for the night. The plot thickens as each image he sees magnifies in scale until poor Obi can’t take it anymore and calls out for help. Like seeking God’s power, love and protection, young children reach out to those closest to them, their parents. Along with delightful illustrations, bright and colorful, the author helps young readers understand that they are not alone and with God on their side, they have their own secret superpower. The story ends with suggestions for a short quiet time and prayer time. With this interactive activity, children will feel their own superpowers, just like Obi. Beautifully told and presented.
Recommend this book:
The Gathering
A Metaphorical Odyssey Through the Scriptures with Commentary Notes
John W Milor

2022 Finalist
478 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme

The Gathering by John W. Milor is a Christian children’s adventure novel. It takes place in the primitive ancient world of Genesis and tells the story of five special chosen animals who are separated from the violent, cruel world of nature around them by a shared dream of a lone mountain. Overcoming dangerous adventures, vicious enemies, loss and sacrifice, and a strange climate change that is creating volcanic eruptions and torrential rain, Judah the young lion and his friends (the eagle, the wolf, the snake, and the sheep) undertake to unite others on a perilous journey they barely understand, to a mountain none of them has ever seen. Intrigue, confusion, betrayal, and sacrifice stand in their way. Will they reach the mountain in time? And why are they going there in the first place?
The Gathering is a first-rate Christian story, bringing to life the harsh world of the Old Testament, as seen through the lives of wild animals. Goodhearted Judah and his snarky-yet-under-confident snake friend, Sophia, make a heart-warming team as they collect allies like the reluctant Nimbi and hard-bitten Lumis, and face off against the sharply drawn, realistic villain Nephram, who represents this world’s greed and arrogance. John Milor’s numerous plot twists and suspense kept me dedicated to the pages, and the grandeur and scope of the ideas presented gave plenty of food for devotional thought as well. Reminiscent of The Lion King, with epic themes, drama, comedy, and fully realized characters, the story stands tall and puts a whole new perspective on one of the world’s oldest tales. Readers of biblical fiction and Christian fantasy shouldn’t pass this one up.
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!
