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:
Common Stones
A glimpse into several different worlds, in an effort to become more acquainted with our own
Alicia M. Smith
2019 Gold Medal
224 Pages
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Christian - General
Common Stones is a work of Christian non-fiction exploring different themes around faith and experience, penned by author Alicia M. Smith. Self-described as ‘a glimpse into several different worlds, in an effort to become more acquainted with our own’, the book sets out to explain the differing but equally difficult life experiences of a series of people who have overcome their problems, with a view to how we can all learn from those moments. Written as a series of essays which profile each case, the stories offer inspiring examples of fighting on, using faith and self-help techniques in order to reach a higher ground beyond the struggles.
Author Alicia M. Smith uses a gentle helping touch in dealing with the topic of survival in this collection of anecdotes, biographical tales and teachable, advisory moments. The book is very well organized to ease you into the concept before the stories begin in earnest, approaching the topic in a wide, more relatable way before it gets into specific detail. Some of the scenarios are harrowing in nature, but not graphically depicted, making it all the more incredible to see how the people Smith writes about have overcome their personal hardships. Further to this, the narrative style is never too invasive, almost like a counseling voice that sits back and allows the reader their own reflections, but also presents a bigger picture view of each case. Overall, Common Stones is an excellent message and a piece of essential reading for those who may be losing their faith or joy in life at the moment.
Recommend this book:
The Magnitude of the Cross
Understanding the New Birth
Darrell Conner
2019 Honorable Mention
284 Pages
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Christian - General
Mankind can only be saved through Jesus Christ. The Magnitude Of The Cross: Understanding The New Birth by Darrell Conner is a profound and thought provoking book that speaks about God's plan for salvation and mankind's condition after the Fall. All humans enter the world now separated from God and the author speaks about the need to remedy that condition. More than just removing sin from our lives, we should concentrate on becoming one with God. The New Birth is just not about awakening or turning over a new leaf; it is more than that and the author explains and helps us understand the Magnitude of the Cross and the benefits and importance of having a New Covenant Relationship with God. As the book progresses, we understand God's will and Redemptive Plan for our lives, and the author removes many common misconceptions regarding God, salvation, and scriptures.
The author follows the scriptures closely and he uses many verses from the Bible to explain the points he discusses. The discussion is detailed, and the contents are well researched and will come in handy to many of us who are seeking God and want to know more about salvation, sacrifice, atonement, and many other facts related God and His plan of salvation for us. The explanations are well written and that makes it easy for any reader to understand this book. I found the book insightful and the topic will help us reflect on many factors; human faith, God's will for us, the possibility of salvation, and more. The author magnifies Christ and his work on the cross and will help us understand how Christ has accomplished the promises of God to mankind. Everything vital in regards to our relationship with God has also been discussed in this book.
Recommend this book:
Believing
Reflections of Faith
Michael Misiak
2019 Honorable Mention
117 Pages
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Christian - General
Believing: Reflections of Faith by Michael Misiak is a detailed, but easy to read devotional written for both Christians and skeptics. The author shares his personal journey as a Christian and invites non-believers to consider divergent thinking and open their minds to new ideas instead of what they already think about religion. After exploring the validity of the Bible and near-death experiences and laying the groundwork for the reader to consider the reality of God, the rest of the book examines daily life as a Christian, including the timelessness of Christ in the face of thousands of years of fads and being a light in the world even when you are flawed.
Believing: Reflections of Faith is a great book to connect with in a personal way. Michael Misiak writes like a friend giving wisdom from his own experiences so you can sort out what you might be struggling with. His gift for really clever imagery that hits the spot and creates a genuine moment shines brightly throughout the narrative. I especially liked the use of wordplay and scientific analogies to create the unexpected and make you think—as in comparing the three-person God to the awesome power of the sun, special eyeglasses to view the sun, and ultraviolet radiation. Other moments of reflection were very funny and deeply real, like the inventive story of what your point of view might be if you were in heaven about to be born on Earth. An earnest and authentic book that never overstates itself or loses its grip on the subject matter. Believing: Reflections of Faith is a nice option for someone looking to better their understanding of why people believe in God or to renew their own faith if they are a Christian.
Recommend this book:
Move Every Mountain
Overcoming 15 of Life's Toughest Challenges
Shamiro Anita
2019 Finalist
140 Pages
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Christian - General
Move Every Mountain: Overcoming 15 of Life's Toughest Challenges is a nonfiction Christian Living/Devotionals book written by Shamiro Anita. Anita is a worship leader at the Grace Abundant Grace Fellowship, a singer/songwriter, and an inspirational author. Anita argues that while life is not always smooth sailing and that we all encounter obstacles that seem like mountains in our everyday lives, God is always there, watching out for us and providing places of rest and comfort after those travails. He discusses each of the “mountains” we encounter, starting with the Mountain of Doubt through the Mountain of Guilt and culminating in The Valley of Peace. Each chapter opens with a quote from Scripture and continues with a discussion of that chapter’s topic, wherein Anita gives anecdotes from everyday life as well as passages from Scripture. He then concludes with a Summary that offers the Key Point of the chapter, a Verse to memorize and a suggested Application.
Shamiro Anita’s Move Every Mountain: Overcoming 15 of Life's Toughest Challenges is a well-written and engaging look at Christianity and the interactive role God plays in all of our lives. I particularly liked the way each chapter worked so well as a devotional and could easily see each of them being used by prayer groups for study and discussion. Anita’s approach to the Bible is practical and accessible, even to those who’ve not fully committed themselves to being active Christians. His writing style is conversational and easy, making it seem as though he’s there in the room with you and speaking directly with you. The Key Points in the Summary Sections and Verses to Memorize are brilliant and really help the reader to get the clearest focus on the topic covered. Move Every Mountain: Overcoming 15 of Life's Toughest Challenges is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Hogan's Hope
A Deaf Dog, A Courageous Journey, and A Christian's Faith
Connie Bombaci
2018 Bronze Medal
146 Pages
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Christian - General
Hogan's Hope: A Deaf Dog, A Courageous Journey, and A Christian's Faith is a nonfiction memoir written by Connie Bombaci. Hogan’s earliest days were a miracle, even though he would be subjected to increasingly brutal treatment as he grew up. He was one of a litter of Dalmatians bred by a backyard breeder, and, as is relatively common in that breed, he was born deaf. Most deaf puppies were euthanized as being unsalable but the breeder’s little daughter had fallen badly for that tenth little puppy who had seemed reluctant to leave his mother’s womb and was different somehow. Anna somehow got her rather hard-hearted father to agree to let her keep the little one, but he was never to be allowed into the house. As time went on, the other dogs, including his mother, were all taken by the authorities who had recognized the substandard care being given the dogs, and the puppy was left in a cage alone at night. His barks for care were answered with brutality. Then, something special happened. A kind man, who had come to see him on occasion, came with a leash and brought him home with him. The puppy got to sleep in a bed, warm and cozy for the first time. He would be transferred to the nearby shelter, where he continued to get affection and food, where his wounds were treated and were slowly healing.
Connie Bombaci had been waiting for the right dog to be a companion for her teenaged Labrador retriever. She and her husband had finally agreed upon the size, gender and other aspects of their ideal pet, and Connie’s name and number were on file in the shelter’s office. Connie was beyond excited when they called with a prospective pup. She knew about his hearing issues and the harsh treatment he had suffered. Mrs. Carroll, the shelter representative, had cautioned her about the issues with this dog, who was considered a special adoption, but something in the puppy’s eyes spoke to Connie’s soul, and a lifelong bond between them was formed in those first moments. Connie would go on to learn ASL and teach her pup, whom she named Hogan, sign language. She and Hogan would go on to show the world that deaf dogs could be and do everything and more than hearing dogs can. There were no limits to what they could and did achieve.
Hogan's Hope is a profoundly moving tribute to a most remarkable canine companion. I loved reading about Connie and Hogan’s work together in learning sign language and how they have inspired other dog owners with deaf dogs to expand their dogs’ horizons. I’ve rescued dogs who’ve had the misfortune of interacting with evil people when they were young and could feel Hogan’s terror when he saw the flashlight. With one of my dogs, her first instinct on seeing a Chuck-it ball launcher was to cringe in fear. My other rescue was terrified of men wearing white cowboy hats and red shirts. They do remember, but still miraculously retain the capacity for love of and trust in their humans. Bombaci’s story about the camp for dogs and their human companions is marvelous, as are her descriptions of the presentations she and Hogan made in schools and other public places. Hogan's Hope: A Deaf Dog, A Courageous Journey, and A Christian's Faith is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
What Does God Think?
Transgender People and The Bible
Cheryl B. Evans
2018 Honorable Mention
186 Pages
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Christian - General
Is being transgender against God and the Bible? That is the question that Cheryl Evans, author of What Does God Think?: Transgender People and the Bible, attempts to answer. Evans, the mother of a daughter and a transgender son, said, "I set out to discover what is at the root of the vast differences in opinions about what God thinks, what the Bible says, and what individuals believe about transgender people." She uses scriptures like Ecclesiastes 11:5, Jeremiah 1:5 and many others to clearly show that God loves all people. Furthermore, she disproves scientific studies entailing the nature versus nurture theory. Readers will discover the difference between sex and gender, the role of social conditioning, and how many are thriving in their lives as a transgender person.
Cheryl Evans did an outstanding job writing What Does God Think?: Transgender People and the Bible. As a Christian, I was uncomfortable with the topic. But as I read about her goal to educate others and discuss the issue calmly, I wanted to know more. Each chapter has a thought-provoking scripture. This nonfiction work is comprehensive, honest and well researched. The Thank You section and Book Club Talking Points were great extras. I appreciated the fact that Evans admitted that she was not an academic or scholar -- that was the pivotal element that will truly touch readers as they identify with her position. Her first book, I Promised Not To Tell, inspired her to write her latest Christian true story. I believe Evans will receive critical acclaim. What Does God Think? is highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Jesus & CO.
Connecting the Lessons of The Gospel with Today's Business World
Bruce L Hartman
2018 Silver Medal
224 Pages
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Christian - General
Jesus & CO.: Connecting the Lessons of The Gospel with Today’s Business World by Bruce L. Hartman is a hands-on book that enables the reader to better understand how to live like Jesus in the workplace. A very practical and important part of the book concerning the disciples whom Jesus called was when Hartman said: “They were everyday people from everyday life. They had to work to pay their bills.” One of the great issues raised was the purpose of getting money. Jesus knew a person had to have resources in order to live. His point was: did the resources control us or did we control the resources? Hartman writes: “Jesus was the world’s greatest salesman, and what he was selling was a relationship with God. He did it by partnering: listening first, prescribing afterward.” How true it is that listening is key to making any worthwhile changes or movements forward.
Bruce Hartman uses terrific stories and illustrations of Jesus, and lists the scriptures to back up the points he is making concerning how Jesus worked among the people. He shares relevant examples dealing with his work environment as well as others that have come into his life. This book would be a great asset to any corporate leader, emerging leader, and person who is looking for employment. Reaching out to others and being like Jesus while performing an excellent job during employment are vital features found in this book. The Epilogue was exceptionally beneficial and insightful. This author is someone any reader would want to sit down over coffee with and glean from.
Recommend this book:
Mead Mountain
B.K. Dell
2018 Gold Medal
248 Pages
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Christian - General
Mead Mountain by B.K. Dell tells the story of Riley Ellison, a most unusual church pastor. Ellison is not afraid to spend time with drunks and prostitutes, and he’s convinced that God has instructed him that in two weeks he should exercise mustard-seed size faith and God will move Mead Mountain. Actually, the two weeks was Ellison’s idea. He figured he could pray right then for God to move the mountain, but if he waited a couple weeks and got some media attention, then the whole world would see him do it. He could finally prove to the world that God exists, or, if the mountain didn’t move, he would have discredited all of Christianity, but he’s certain the mountain will move. For two weeks he goes about his usual routine of saving lives, getting tossed in jail (maybe that’s not normal) and generally helping hurting people, while being followed by a skeptical reporter and being ridiculed by a famous comedian. His congregation dwindles and even his church staff think he’s nuts. With all that’s at stake, the mountain better move…
Mead Mountain is much grittier than a lot of Christian fiction and it should appeal to a wider audience than the usual Christian market. There’s no sugar-coating the deep pain in people’s lives. Riley Ellison will do just about anything to win someone over, even participate in a drinking contest. Ellison is unusual, but he is actually very believable, along with all the other characters in the book (with the possible exception of his wife, who must be some kind of saint). As bizarre as it is, I still found the whole story plausible and current. B.K. Dell’s writing is terrific and he doesn’t pull any hocus-pocus – everything in Mead Mountain works. So does the mountain move? You’ll just have to read the whole story to find out what happens. Mead Mountain contains some mature subject matter including suicide.
Recommend this book:
The Full Armor of God
Are You Sure You Got Dressed Today?
Crista Crawford
2017 Finalist
140 Pages
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Christian - General
“How often in our lives are we willing to believe in the lies despite the evidence telling us otherwise?” says Crista Crawford in The Full Armor of God: Are You Sure You Got Dressed Today? IRS sent you an audit letter, you just got into an auto accident and your basement just got flooded and it's only Tuesday. While these things can be considered a natural part of life, they are also attacks. These attacks are called spiritual warfare. Spiritual warfare attacks us at the core. Satan has designed these attacks to throw us off course and to usher us away from God. It has been said that we all experience life, but God looks at the 90% of how we handle things. Crista Crawford shares with us how to fight in her latest book, The Full Armor of God: Are You Sure You Got Dressed Today? It was her own life experiences and challenges that helped to shape her into the woman of God that she is today. Crista Crawford tells us in The Full Armor of God that when you fight, fight to win by putting on the full armor of God.
We are living in a fallen world and The Full Armor of God is one of those books to add to your repertoire to equip you for battle. Everywhere you look, from our personal lives and the weather to our government, you will see it was just as the Bible predicted. But according to Ephesians 6:11-18, we must put on the “full armor” of God while we pray continually in the Spirit because our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers of the darkness and unknown things. How are you fighting? Are you going out naked? Are you going out unprepared? Put on some clothes, but don't go out with just anything on; make sure that your body, feet, mind and heart are protected. Gird yourself with prayer to prepare for each day. If you ever feel alone in your battle, take The Full Armor of God: Are You Sure You Got Dressed Today? by Crista Crawford along with you as a companion.
Recommend this book:
Cancer, Faith & Butterflies
How do you believe when your world falls apart
Johnny M. Sanchez
2017 Honorable Mention
284 Pages
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Christian - General
Cancer, Faith & Butterflies (How do you believe when your world falls apart) by Johnny M. Sanchez describes how when we are dealing with pain and loss, that is when we need God the most. Unfortunately, that is also the time when most of us question our faith. This is the story of Joe's life. Joe Connelly had spent the last six months in hospital taking care of his wife. The agonizing pain he witnessed Brooke and others like her enduring cemented his doubts in the existence of God. His dying wife, however, held onto her unwavering faith until her very last breath. Left with an infant daughter, Joe tried to be the best father for the little child he now had to raise on his own. However, God was not done testing him. Just when Joe thought he had finally got the hang of things, tragedy struck again, followed by the revelation of a heart-shattering secret that made him question the one thing he held most sacred. Joe will be pushed to his lowest point in life before he can truly see God's light.
Cancer, Faith & Butterflies (How do you believe when your world falls apart) by Johnny M. Sanchez is a captivating story about love and faith that will tug at your heartstrings. It is the tale of a man's pain that seemed to have no end and how it made him question his faith. Joe's pain and suffering has many vital lessons for the reader about finding the best in life, losing it all, hitting rock bottom in your faith, and finding yourself again. It is testimony that at every moment in life, even at the most trying of times, God is always with us. Johnny M. Sanchez captures precious moments and raw emotions with his words, giving us an amazing story that will touch many hearts. This is a story about love, pain, loss, miracles, and divine enlightenment. Thank you, Johnny M. Sanchez, for one of the most amazing, most profound and most memorable stories I have ever read. You might want to keep some tissues handy; I had tears in my eyes the entire time I was reading this story, but I also had many smiles for the beautiful miracles that glowed through the shadows.