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:
Finding Love At First Sight
Joel Borelli
2011 Gold Medal
306 Pages
Check current price
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
Check current price
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
Check current price
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
Check current price
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
Check current price
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.
Recommend this book:
When Mermaids Sing
Mark Zvonkovic
2009 Gold Medal
248 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Humor/Comedy
In Mark Zvonkovic's, When Mermaids Sing, Larry Brown and his friend Jenny seek the help of Sam Henry, aka Black Lightning, in extracting his cousin and her brother from the same cult. Zvonkovic takes the reader through the planning and kidnapping. The description of the deprogramming will leave the reader pondering which is worse the disease or the cure. The reader observes as Henry’s method awakens Josh’s mind and foils the plan of the Vigilant One.
The 70’s was a time of searching. Young people were not sure what they were searching for but they knew something was missing from their life. They were raised in a different manner than any generation before them. Young adults had less discipline. They question everything and lacked a firm Spiritual foundation. They are the product of a liberal society. In their search for the meaning to life many young adults turned to cults to fulfill their needs. Out of desperation parents and family members turn to deprogrammers to extract their loved ones from the cults. It was often believed that the cult had brainwashed or used methods of mind control on its members. The object behind deprogramming is to force the victim/member to think and to question.
I found Zvonkovic's quiet style appealing. He calmly demonstrates Brown’s thoughts. The teacher contemplates his career. He begins to see the school as restrictive and possibly similar to the cult. I enjoyed the ending, which leaves the reader pondering whether Brown accepted tenure. It took me a few chapters to get involved in this tale. The story moves along at a slow but steady pace. The dialogue is well done. Zvonkovic allows the story to speak for itself without use of gimmicks. This book is very interesting. Those that grew up in the 70s will be intrigued with a look at the culture.
Recommend this book:
Immaculate Deception
Courtney J. Webb
2009 Silver Medal
416 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Ladies man and thief, Craig Connery was finally released from incarceration after two years. He was an innocent man being punished for a crime he did not commit. He was looking forward to finding a woman for the evening. Fate had other plans for Craig. On his way home he came upon a fatal accident. The victim could have been his twin brother they looked so much alike. Craig wanted a new beginning and fate had offered him a second chance. He swaped identity with the dead man and opened up a whole new set of problems. Womanizer Craig took the identity of Father Jack Kempster, a priest. Craig, an atheist, was then forced to live the life of a priest.
Courtney J. Webb offers readers a hilarious plot and ingenious characters. Some might find the language and graphic scenes a bit much, but it was ballanced by slapstick comedy. Character development is Webb’s greatest talent. Webb did not skimp on the secondary characters, she developed them fully. I eagerly await her next book.