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:
Sydney's Song
Ia Uaro
2013 Finalist
370 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
"Sydney’s Song" by Ia Uaro is a love story and emotional journey. The heroine Sydney, sharing her name with the city she lives in, takes on a temporary job. It is a tough one, dealing with customers phoning the 1300500 transport helpline and anyone who has ever dealt with the general public knows how dispiriting that can be. Sydney faces tough customers and very strict employers who whisk away bonuses at the drop of a hat. However, she is working alongside a lively bunch of youngsters. She is not quite on their wavelength--she is better off than most of them and refuses to be drawn into the drinking and partying culture of her peers--but she is not too standoffish. She is genuine and firmly believes in her choice and her friends respect that, although they find it puzzling. Home life is tough as Sydney suddenly finds herself pretty much abandoned by her parents and only has her trusty dog to rely on. Then, against her better judgement, she starts a courtship with Peter which brings a lot more hurdles into her life, including animosity from both sets of parents and learning to cope and live with disability.
"Sydney’s Song" is a robust novel. Sydney is a tough girl, taking everything that life throws at her on the chin, and still managing to smile, although hard at times. She never loses her sense of humor, and that is the pattern of this book. You can be nearly in tears one moment from the power of the writing and the unfairness of Sydney's life, but the next moment you will be laughing at something absurd that happens or at a wry observation by Sydney. The story is a mixture of fact and fiction, based on the author’s real experiences, but adding plenty of imagination too. It is a love story, it is courage under fire, and it is hugely entertaining. Nothing is predictable in the story, as in life, and the message it carries is to seize new experiences and make the most of them. The book is well-written and reading it is a thoroughly enjoyable, if occasionally humbling, adventure.
Recommend this book:
The Premature Demise of Sonny B. Feelright
A New and Dangerous Career
Dwight David Morgan
2012 Honorable Mention
418 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Sonny Bright Feelright, the son of hippies (hence the given name) embarks upon a new chapter in his life as a Forensic Accountant. Who would have known that such a dull sounding title could be such a dangerous and harrowing job? Sonny has opened shop with Simon and Charlotte, two co-workers from a now defunct investment company whose devious owner carries a grudge. Between her, the mafia and, well, basically the past, Sonny has every reason to be concerned about his life. When a bomb detonates in the alley as he approaches, a chain of events begin leaving the man with the funny name racing to find which nemesis aims to kill.
"The Premature Demise of Sonny B. Feelright: A New and Dangerous Career" is part of a series written by Dwight David Morgan. I did not realize I was reading the continuation until doing a little research on the author. Mr. Morgan has the skill to write in such a way that the reader becomes completely engrossed in his story and even in the middle of a series can start off not feeling as though something was missed. This is not something that all authors are capable of! Furthermore, the author's writing not only draws the reader into the story, it is descriptive and real. It was easy to picture the scenes as they unfolded. It was even easier to sink in with the plot, looking forward to the next page and the next page after that! I will be finding a copy of the first book in the series, "The Unlikely Career of Sonny B. Feelright" in the near future!
Recommend this book:
The Unlikely Career of Sonny B. Feelright
Dwight David Morgan
2012 Bronze Medal
398 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Dwight Morgan's "The Unlikely Career of Sonny B. Feelright" is one of the best books I have read in some time and I detest anything that smacks of business! Fresh out of school with an MBA, Sonny is approached by a gorgeous woman who needs an associate for an investment firm. Unknown to Sonny, he has been swept into a scheme in which it appears impossible to extricate himself without going to prison for fraud. Enter an alcoholic genius who is willing to dry out and use his skills against the best insider traders in the business. Up against a plan to do a hostile takeover, Sonny and his associates develop a plan of their own which will either land them all in prison or make them heroes.
The book is filled with hints of romance, episodes of criminal behavior and ongoing evidence of mental health issues which both motivate and defeat the scheming characters. Charlotte is downright loveable in her commitment to Sonny and in her restraint in fighting evil. Her cohort Simon is a delight in his motivation to renew a soured life and get back in the heat of high-powered business battle.
Morgan's character development is outstanding and his ability to develop a so-so story into an intriguing and page-turning plot is brilliant! The reader will want to get behind the naive Sonny Feelright and push him into awareness so that he can outmaneuver the bad guys and come out a hero.
Recommend this book:
Wedlocked
Bonnie Trachtenberg
2012 Gold Medal
274 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
"Wedlocked" begins at the wedding of 36 year old Rebekkah Ross who recently returned to her NY home after following her dream to Hollywood and into the arms of casting director Evan Shayes. As the unfortunate and unforgettable events of her "wedding of the century" unfold (revealing a variety of unsavory details about her new husband), Beck ponders heavily on what could have been. Her memories take the reader back to the moment when she knew what she wanted out of life and up to the point of realizing true happiness. Rebekkah's antics vary from the hysterical to the uncomfortable, especially when her mistakes remind the readers of the similarities in their own personal choices.
This realistic work of fiction hits home on many levels but also allows the reader to dream along with the main character. I actually found the main character annoying and often self-centered to the point of being immature; but these character elements serve as a solid basis of true human nature. It is difficult to imagine the reality of her farcical life, yet it is also impossible not to believe. Rebekkah does not allow room for the doubt of "what if" in her life. She covers all of the bases by making as many mistakes as possible on her journey to true love. The fact that her mother is a former Roman Catholic working diligently to be the perfect Jewish mother adds an additional element of humor to an already ridiculous roller coaster ride of events. I enjoyed "Wedlocked" and can readily imagine this becoming part of mainstream fiction shelf.
Recommend this book:
Letters From Wheatfield
Patrick Shannon
2012 Silver Medal
236 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Patrick Shannon has written a real whopping, wailing winner with "Letters from Wheatfield". If you`re looking for a great laugh in an easy read, then this book is for you. I read this book rather quickly in the smallest room in my house. Where was I? I think this book was written with that in mind; of course this book is small and very portable so you can read it anywhere or anytime. I laughed at every turn of the page.
Patrick writes in the form of Fred`s letters to his cousin, Amelia, who lives in the Big City, New York. She is writing a book about small town life, and he has offered to help her.
Each letter is packed with side-splitting small, rural town events or tidbits of local color pertaining to Wheatfields` eccentric inhabitants. We are introduced to characters like Carla and Darla, a pair of nutty twins; Thelma, the terse barber; Ned, the whacked-out retired forest ranger and a slew of other oddest odd balls.
Wheatfield`s town telegraph, or local gossip, is fondly known as 'The System'. Here is a good example...Fred gets a package in the mail from a company that publishes mathematical mind bender puzzle books. Within an hour he is labeled a math professor from Columbia University, or is it Colombia University.
This is a must read howler of a book. Mr. Shannon, got a sequel coming up? I sure hope so.
Recommend this book:
Finding Love At First Sight
Joel Borelli
2011 Gold Medal
306 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Finding Love At First Sight is a humorous look at the timeless questions: Can you meet someone and just know that is the person for you? What if you meet the right person, but you're only 8, and it is only for a brief moment? Charlie was only eight years old when he first saw Rose. As an adult in his thirties he has had his share of dates and most of them ended in disaster. His dates included a drunk, a stalker, and a police officer. Rose's date life isn't any better. With the help of a friend Charlie begins to search for his mystery girl. Along the way he meets four strange but interesting women.
I found this book entertaining and an enjoyable. Author Joel Borelli takes an interesting look at an age old question. Does love at first sight exist? The lead characters, Charlie and Rosalyn were well-developed and played well together. The story dragged a bit in the beginning, and there was a delightful sub plot concerning bumper stickers but it left me with questions that I would have like to have seen further developed. These are minor faults and did not stop me from enjoying the story, which had me laughing out loud. With a few minor changes this good book will be a great book.
Recommend this book:
Be A Man
The Plaid Manifesto
Joshua Wisenbaker
2011 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Be A Man by Joshua Wisebaker is a humorous guide for younger men on do's and don't. The author states God did not create man to be a "pansy" but that he needs to have some basic outdoor survival skills such as how to hunt, fish, and use a gun, axe, and a compass. A man should be personally involved in some type of sport and also have relationships with "crazy" friends, dogs over cats, and local key people of influence. The author also addresses relationships with women: how to (and when to) spend money on them and how to please them. He offers suggestions on such overlooked topics as to how to name one's son.
Chapter 3 is on self knowledge. He asks, "Do you choose Elvis or the Beatles?" Though this book may be considered chauvinistic by women, he does include a section called, “Listening to your Lady." Wisebaker also feels that a guy should be involved in the community and do good works. Guys should get dirty.
I could relate to his thoughts on family. Other things he felt men should learn were how to be conversationalist, how to grill, how to dress, and how to take a punch. Men and tools, men and cars, men and jokes were a few other things he discussed. I especially enjoyed the no-no'Sfor men: men should never wear fanny packs; men do not shop together unless it is for tools; and most importantly, men do not shirk their responsibilities. Chapter 6 is on God and Politics. I personally agree with his conservative views.
I wish I had read this book many years ago. Joshua Wisebakers advice is timely, practical and invaluable. This is a book for men. Most women will not enjoy the humor. I suppose Joshua's point of views would not be considered politically correct, but I don't care. I still think his words are filled with wisdom. He writes in a manner that is easy to read and easy for men to understand. I intend to give a copy to each of my sons, sit down with them and read and discuss it together.
Recommend this book:
Seeing Red
A Romance Comedy
Linda S Amstutz
2010 Gold Medal
165 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Bailey is in a lack-luster marriage when she engages in a relationship with the divorced father of her daughter's best friend. Bailey appears ripe for adventure and she soon engages in a sexual relationship which leaves her feeling excited and valued.
It appears that the relationships of Bailey’s friends are undergoing similar transitions and the reader is struck with the conclusion that most of the characters in the book lack adequate insight into their own actions and decisions. However, the plot is well developed and entertaining for most readers wanting a quick read.
"Seeing Red" has common themes and common expectations for the reader. But the author has done a good job allowing the reader to experience a different angle to the common themes of marital infidelity and lack of a sense of personal appreciation.
Recommend this book:
ESPete
Sixth Grade Sense
Arnold Rudnick
2010 Silver Medal
130 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
This book is enjoyable from start to finish. It is written for the preteen audience and it delivers in content and in age-appropriate thinking. Peter Powell is a sixth grader with ESP and he's not afraid to use it! He convinces his friends of his abilities when he stumbles onto a plot; his substitute teacher is going to rob a local bank. Peter's belief in himself is one of the high points of the book and is a wonderful reminder to the preteen to stand tall and to attempt to go into the confusing teen years with a firm belief in your own abilities and your own values.
The magical thinking in this book is consistent with preteen hopes and dreams and that is what makes the book believable. The author has nailed the preteen mind and has done a good job of believable "enhancement" of the magical belief that preteen children normally demonstrate from time to time. Should appeal to most children in the intended target audience.
Recommend this book:
It's Over Michael, But...
Girls, Be The Ball
Ruby Dominguez
2009 Bronze Medal
104 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Winnie uses her past experiences to develop a theory concerning men:
1. They enjoy sports, especially sports that include a ball.
2. A ball is elusive, they have to chase it.
3. A ball is unpredictable.
While this book is written as humor it contains some very wise insight to male-female relationships. Men love basketball, baseball, football, golf ball, rugby ball, tennis ball, ping pong ball, etc. A ball is a challenge, it has to be chased, fought for and it is unpredictable.
Women should strive to be the ball. Be a challenge, let men chase you and be unpredictable. This is the best advice ever offered to women! Ruby Dominguez writes in a sarcastic manner sure to please women and scare men.