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/Novella
- 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/Novella
- 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:
Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control
Brandon Moore, Mick Edrick M Marcellana
2025 Bronze Medal
24 Pages
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Children - Social Issues

Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control is a children’s picture book written by Brandon Moore, with illustrations by Mick Edrick M. Marcellana. The story follows Bridget Kimble as she attends school for the first time. Excited to make friends and learn new things, Bridget steps off the school bus and is assigned to Ms. Widget’s class. All the students are given the task of introducing themselves to the rest of the class. Although feeling shy and nervous, the first student shares his name, where he comes from, and what he wants to be when he grows up. Unfortunately, when it’s Bridget’s turn, another student rushes to the front, leading to a situation that teaches Bridget and her classmates valuable lessons about self-control, patience, and respect.
Bridget Kimble Learns Self-Control is a heartwarming story that promotes social-emotional skills. In this book, children see Bridget practicing patience and self-control. Despite feeling angry with her new classmate, she manages her emotions in a challenging situation and sets a good example for her classmates. Bridget is an adorable character that many children will relate to. Her excitement about school is palpable, and her ability to follow rules and positively manage her feelings is inspiring. Brandon Moore's narration encourages children to develop empathy and respectful behavior as they navigate different social situations. The beautiful illustrations bring the animal characters to life. Each character has a unique color that is vibrant and eye-catching. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend sharing it with your children to teach them about self-control and respect.
Recommend this book:
Because I Love Me
Cynthia Tatum Robinson
2025 Silver Medal
42 Pages
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Children - Social Issues

Because I Love Me by Cynthia Tatum Robinson is a children's affirmation book about self-acceptance and individuality. In it, children see their reflection and recognize their unique qualities, such as smile, skin tone, hair texture, and marks like freckles or scars. The book states that these differences, including height and body shape, do not affect one’s value. It champions celebrating oneself without comparing to others and recognizing personal strength and worth. The message connects self-love with kindness toward others and encourages caring for the body, heart, and mind to promote happiness. It also speaks of loving oneself, which allows for genuine love of others, creating a life filled with kindness and pride. The book concludes with the idea that love always wins and self-love is essential for healthy relationships and well-being.
Because I Love Me by Cynthia Tatum Robinson shines with its rhythmic, lyrical writing that makes reading aloud a joyful experience. The contemporary graphic animation style of the illustrations, featuring bold, bright primary colors, perfectly complements the text’s energetic and uplifting tone. The book celebrates diversity through its inclusive depiction of children of various skin tones, hair textures, and body shapes, giving us a welcoming and affirming atmosphere. There is a harmony between the art and the words, and while this book does not have an actual story, Robinson makes it immersive. This read stands out not only for its artistic qualities but also for the positive, affirming message shared, and, partnered with an approachable and warm presentation, this makes it a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Misty and the Magical Emotions Tree
Adriana E
2025 Silver Medal
34 Pages
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Children - Social Issues

Emotions are part of what it means to be human - they ebb and flow, they show us what our emotional temperature is, and they help us make decisions. Teaching kids the difference between our emotions can help create a more emotionally resilient and healthy generation, understanding that each emotion has a valid circumstance. In Misty and the Magical Emotions Tree by author Adriana E, readers meet a curious bunny named Misty. She is determined to visit the Magical Emotions Tree, an enchanted tree with color-changing leaves that represent the different emotions. Not only is the book a valuable tool for helping children process and name their emotions, but it is also a great learning tool for memorizing the colors. This book encourages children to reflect on moments when they experience anger, sadness, and joy healthily and validates each emotion by showing that it is okay to feel those things. By normalizing the ebb and flow of each emotion, and what it can teach us in the moment, children can better communicate how they are feeling and what support they need.
Misty and the Magical Emotions Tree by Adriana E takes readers on a journey to the Magical Emotions Tree, where they can learn about their different feelings in a fun, positive way. The book has captivating watercolor illustrations that bring the reader into their world and show them that each emotion is healthy and normal to experience. I thought this was a great learning tool to teach children about their feelings, while also encouraging them to reflect on an experience and why it made them feel a certain way. This level of reflection is so crucial in developing their emotional intelligence, and it was done charmingly. Misty is an adorable bunny rabbit that children will love, and it’s a great story that families can read together.
Recommend this book:
The Power of Respect
Forever Friends
Ruth Maille
2025 Gold Medal
39 Pages
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Children - Social Issues

Ruth Maille's series The Power Of returns with a new entry, The Power of Respect: Forever Friends. Orbit, a walking, talking earth, is the guide in this tale. He visits two girls who have been friends for a decade and asks them for help. They have learned many lessons about how respect makes for a solid friendship. Respect for others is valuable, but so is self-respect, and both are covered. The girls share several examples of respect from their friendship, like supporting each other, sharing, and most importantly, communicating their feelings to one another. Equally as important is the ability to be kind and caring to yourself. A list of activities that caregivers can do with children follows the story.
Ruth Maille does an excellent job of explaining values to a young audience engagingly and genuinely. The Power of Respect: Forever Friends is a perfect choice for educators to read to classes at the start of the school year. The examples the girls share will be relatable to a wide audience. Ruth understands children. I appreciated the acknowledgment that mistakes happen and feelings get hurt, but kids can learn from them. The illustrations by Remesh Ram are polished, colorful, and engaging. Orbit is a recognizable character with his white shoes and gloves and the band-aids on his head, which is explained in the introduction. The Power of Respect: Forever Friends is an outstanding addition to the Power Of series! Orbit is a positive and appealing guide on the path to learning values.
Recommend this book:
LML-BAD Girls of Montgomery
Linda J Holloway
2024 Finalist
73 Pages
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Children - Social Issues

Linda J Holloway has given us another hit with LML-BAD Girls of Montgomery, the story of the women who played important roles in the Montgomery Boycott and helped change the Civil Rights Movement forever. This story follows Little Miss Linda (LML) on her school trip to Montgomery, AL, and her learning project that followed. The term BAD Girls of Montgomery refers to the women connected with the Civil Rights movement who were Bold and Determined (BAD). Your child will be excited to learn about all the places LML visited on her school trip and then learn about the seven women who are nothing less than inspiring. Most people know who Rosa Parks was, but do you know about Mary Fair Burks, Aurelia Browder, or the other four women discussed in this book? Hopefully, this book will inspire your child to work for the continuation of the spirit of the Civil Rights movement.
LML-BAD Girls of Montgomery by Linda J. Holloway is well-written for elementary school children and the illustrations will keep their attention. She shares her excitement about famous women of color and inspires children to learn all they can about the Civil Rights Movement so they can keep it going. I found this book interesting because it explores what things were like during the Civil Rights Movement. Even the town that Linda grew up in was founded by two freed slaves and is the oldest African-American municipality in America. I have two cousins who were very active Freedom Riders in the fight for equality. I believe they would highly recommend this book. In a world where people of color are beginning to be recognized for their contributions to the development of society, this book will open the door to learning more about the acceptance of everyone.
Recommend this book:
Grandma's Lost Treasure
How Kintsugi Turns Brokenness into Beauty
David Huerta
2024 Bronze Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Social Issues

Grandma's Lost Treasure is a children's picture book by David Huerta. Kin and Sugi are two siblings living on their grandmother's farm in the small mountain town of Daigo. While going through her attic, they stumble upon a mysterious box full of old dishes that had been gathering dust for years. Upon seeing the broken dishes, Kin and Sugi decide to restore them to their former glory. They gather natural sap from the nearby Urushi tree and mix it with rice powder to make a fine golden paste, which they use to mend the old dishes. Soon, they begin to see the change and marvel at how the imperfections brought life to the dishes and made them even more beautiful, all thanks to the Japanese art of Kintsugi.
Author David Huerta infuses his love for Japanese culture and arts into this delightful children's tale that tugs at your heartstrings in the most unexpected ways. Grandma's Lost Treasure is not just a fun read but also imparts a valuable lesson to readers. There is beauty to be found in imperfections or things that seem broken if only we know how to look for it. Apart from the engaging story, the meticulously detailed illustrations keep your eyes glued to the pages. Every character brings something of its own to the narrative, and despite this being a short story, Huerta manages to make them feel distinct with personalities of their own. I was not previously aware of Kintsugi, and this picture book has made me even more interested in this art form and Japanese culture in general. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to kids and adults alike.
Recommend this book:
Maggie the Military Rat
Monica Voicu Denniston
2024 Silver Medal
40 Pages
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Children - Social Issues

Engage yourselves in a tale of adventure and patriotism with Maggie the Military Rat by Monica Voicu Denniston. Illustrated by Elia Velasquez Murray, this delightful children's picture book follows the story of Maggie P. Worthington, a little rat living on a military base. Maggie always wanted to serve in the military and did her part by keeping her quarters clean and practicing marching every day. But when she went to the recruitment office, she was sent back for being too short. Disappointed, Maggie decides to serve in the kitchens, only for the chef to kick her out. She finally tries sending the troops letters, but even the postmaster can't read her small handwriting. Maggie was about to give up when she finally saw an opportunity to serve the troops. Will she take it?
Monica Voicu Denniston tells a heartwarming tale with a gentle message about chasing one's dreams. Maggie the Military Rat is about adventure, friendship, and the willingness to serve one's country in their own way. With some catchy rhyming dialogue, humor, and a spunky protagonist, Denniston delivers an entertaining children's book that kids are bound to love. Maggie is full of life and never lets anything or anyone discourage her from chasing the dream of serving her country. This makes her someone who is very easy to root for. Additionally, Elia Velasquez Murray's colorful illustrations bring the character to life and complement Denniston's writing perfectly. The book is short, concise, and an absolute joy to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to children under the age of ten.
Recommend this book:
The Love Knot
An Empowering Children's Book to Work Through Thoughts And Feelings
Vassi Rombis
2024 Gold Medal
39 Pages
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Children - Social Issues

The Love Knot is a heartwarming children's picture book written by Vassi Rombis and illustrated by Pei Jen. The story follows Ollie, an otter who's very anxious after learning that he has to change his sleeping spot as he's grown up and can no longer sleep with his mother. Now, he has to sleep with the other boys, which overwhelms him. However, his cousins - Clementine, Nico, and Ophelia - try to cheer him up with his favorite activities and breathing exercises to help him relax. Despite their efforts, he's still scared of letting go of the other boys' paws when sleeping and floating away into the big ocean. Ollie's mother shares her own story with him and introduces a magical tool called The Love Knot. This helps Ollie feel more confident and ready to face his fears.
The Love Knot is a valuable resource for parents and educators who want to help young children navigate their emotions. It encourages children to acknowledge and manage their feelings healthily by providing a friendly approach to understanding and working through anxiety. Vassi Rombis uses simple words to narrate the story, making it easy for readers to follow and understand. The inclusion of fun facts about otters adds an educational element while accompanying exercises provide a practical way to relax and get rid of anxiety. This unique blend of entertainment and self-care makes the story a delightful and enriching experience for readers of all ages. Additionally, the colorful illustrations with warm tones fit perfectly with the book's message. I enjoyed this book and think it is a must-read for families and anyone looking for a story to help youngsters manage feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.
Recommend this book:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle with Liam, the Smart Rabbit
Azaliya Schulz
2023 Finalist
32 Pages
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Children - Social Issues

Liam, a young rabbit, lives in the deep wood and cultivates his land diligently. Then, one night, a box tumbles out of a truck passing by the woods onto Liam’s veggie farm. The contents of the box are plastic wrappers. They’re so bright and colorful but equally dangerous because they are pollutants, so his mom says. Liam goes about asking other animals about plastic pollution. How can dolls, balloons, and cups possibly be harmful? In Reduce, Reuse, Recycle with Liam, the Smart Rabbit by Azaliya Schulz, you’ll learn about the effects of plastic, impressive alternatives to plastic items, and how to conserve plastic properly. “Plastic is in so many things; it’s quite scary.”
Azaliya Schulz’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycle with Liam, the Smart Rabbit is a lovely educational children’s book on plastic pollution. Its colorful illustrations make it outstanding and more relatable, and its unique subject matter makes for an engaging read. It uses a conversational narrative with rhyming verses, which I think is very creative. I liked Schulz’s choice of simple words and use of everyday objects to explain plastic pollution; it made me aware of all the little things I had previously overlooked. Another thing I liked about this short story is that so many animal characters are used to convey crucial information. There is much to learn; I believe children will like it, so I recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Loving the YOU That You Are
Kristin Blomberg, Saoirse Lou
2023 Honorable Mention
42 Pages
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Children - Social Issues

Loving the You That You Are by Kristin Blomberg features relatable parents who wonder what life choices their children will make and how their children will react to the world. The parents convey their love for their children by being accepting, encouraging, and understanding. When a child is small, it is hard to tell what the future will hold. It is extremely important to nurture their ideals, ambitions, and choices, so they know that their parents will always love and support everything about them and their personality. The child’s choice of being identified by their preferred gender, the clothes they wear, and how they choose to show love does not change the way that their parents feel about them.
I loved how this story projects such an accepting and understanding view of children’s choices. I find it amazing that the author decided to write a story that shows how much love she has for her children regardless of the choices they make for themselves. Children can benefit from reading this book and learning that loving themselves for who they are is the most important thing they can do. The illustrations by Saoirse Lou are beautiful images that the reader can easily enjoy while following the story and the different life scenarios. I recommend Loving the You That You Are by Kristin Blomberg to anyone with small children that are at an age where they are ready to start discovering who they are.