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:
So Much to Drool About
Lessons for Living Large
Barbara Stone
2026 Finalist
106 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals

So Much to Drool About: Lessons for Living Large by Barb Stone offers readers a unique perspective on life through the eyes of Great Danes. Stone skillfully combines her personal story with tales of her beloved dogs, Jazz, Beau, Aryanna, and Zeus, each sharing their own personality and lessons about life. Through engaging stories and thoughtful reflections, Stone shares the wisdom she's learned from her pets. From Jazz’s change from a held-back puppy to a brave, adventurous dog to Beau’s growth into a loyal protector, each story is full of warmth and insight. Aryanna’s path of self-discovery and Zeus’s playful joy further emphasize the importance of individuality and family support.
Kristina VanOss's illustrations add a whimsical touch to the narrative, capturing the essence of the dogs and their adventures. The book is structured so readers can pick it up at any point and find meaningful lessons, making it a perfect companion for moments of reflection or a quick dose of inspiration. Barb Stone’s acknowledgments highlight the deep impact of her family, mentors, and community, adding a personal touch to the book. The author’s background in leadership coaching and positive psychology comes through in her encouragement of readers to embrace their unique qualities, learn from their mistakes, and enjoy the simple moments of life. So Much to Drool About is a guide to living fully and appreciating the beauty in everyday experiences. Whether you’re a dog lover or simply someone seeking inspiration, this book offers a charming and refreshing perspective on life’s journey. It’s a book for adults that entertains while providing meaningful life lessons.
Recommend this book:
The Science & Secrets of Dogs
How Dogs Think, Feel, and Communicate — The Science of Dog Behavior Explained in Plain Language for Everyday Dog Owners (The Family Dog Series Book 1)
Bruce Miller
2026 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Animals

Dogs are pretty smart. Though most of us dog owners already know that simple fact. In Bruce Miller’s The Science and Secrets of Dogs, dogs will reveal some of their clear-thinking methods, from sensing a chemical change in their owner’s body that might signify a health risk, to knowing how to interpret what their owner is thinking or doing at any given moment. We are just as much a part of their life as they are ours. And they can communicate with us, in their subtle facial expressions, their pacing and moving around the room, even in the way they nudge you when they want something or when they just want to remind you that they are there with you and for you. It’s really quite amazing!
Bruce Miller’s book, The Science and Secrets of Dogs: How Dogs Think, Feel, and Communicate — The Science of Dog Behavior Explained in Plain Language for Everyday Dog Owners, is the first book in the Family Dog Series. The author uses clear, practical language as he leads readers and dog lovers through the various ways a dog thinks. He utilizes modern canine science, combined with canine behavior research and insight into real-world events that have been documented, to demonstrate a dog’s supreme intelligence. The author teaches readers how to read their dogs, how to communicate with them, and how to build a calmer, trusting relationship with their dog. The author has not presented his research like a manual, but rather as an interesting and insightfully useful tool to help dog owners develop a more meaningful relationship with their dogs. This is a must-read for dog owners.
Recommend this book:
Silver Charm
And the Old Friends Who Save the Thoroughbreds
M.J. Evans
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Animals

Silver Charm: And the Old Friends Who Save the Thoroughbreds by M.J. Evans is a biography of Silver Charm, a thoroughbred colt born in 1994 who rose to prominence under trainer Bob Baffert and owners Bob and Beverly Lewis, winning the 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Despite a near miss in the Belmont Stakes, Silver Charm's career included victories such as the 1998 Dubai World Cup. After retiring from racing, Silver Charm was put out to stud and later returned to the U.S. for a peaceful retirement at Old Friends Farm. Evans' book highlights his legacy and the broader issue of retired racehorse aftercare, emphasizing efforts by organizations like Old Friends, CARMA, and the Retired Racehorse Project to provide safe retirements and new careers for these horses.
M.J. Evans’ Silver Charm is a detailed look at the life of the titular celebrated racehorse, which is given to readers in a mix of conversational non-fiction storytelling and a detailed examination of the rigorous training and challenges involved in racing. The writing style is straightforward, and as someone who loves horses but knows nothing of racing, I found her explanations easy to follow, ensuring both experts and casual readers can connect with the material. While Evans does a deep dive into Silver Charm’s career, she also pays tribute to the people who shaped his journey. The standout is the first female stallion manager at Gainsborough Farm, Sandy Hatfield, whose inclusion highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women in a male-dominated industry. Overall, this is a thoughtful read that addresses what it means to be a retired racehorse through the lens of a champion. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Who Will Let the Dogs Out
Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues
Cara Achterberg
2025 Finalist
217 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals

Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues by Cara Achterberg is a powerful and emotional look at the crisis facing dogs in shelters across the southern United States. Cara shares heartfelt stories from her visits to shelters, rescues, and foster homes, showing the struggles and the small victories. She describes the harsh conditions—overcrowded kennels, limited resources, and the tough challenges shelter workers and volunteers face every day. But she also offers hope by highlighting programs that succeed and sharing solutions that make a real difference. The author explains how even small actions, like fostering a dog or supporting a shelter, can save lives. She outlines how shelters operate, what “no-kill” means, and why community involvement is essential. Her message is simple and powerful: anyone who cares about animals can help, and even small efforts can bring a lasting change.
Cara Achterberg's writing is honest, heartfelt, and easy to follow. Her storytelling is emotional and engaging. Who Will Let the Dogs Out flows smoothly between heartbreaking stories and inspiring successes, keeping readers connected and hopeful. Her vivid descriptions of the dogs and the people who care for them bring the characters to life and make readers deeply invested in their futures. Throughout the book, the themes of compassion, responsibility, and the power of community are strong and inspiring. The author’s passion for helping dogs shines through every page, making this not just an important book to read but a call to action for anyone who wants to make a real difference.
Recommend this book:
Dog Smart
Life-Changing Lessons in Canine Intelligence
Jennifer S. Holland
2025 Honorable Mention
304 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals

With a combination of in-depth research, interviews, and her own experience with all types of dogs, author Jennifer S. Holland has written a concise and thought-provoking book, Dog Smart. She has observed and sometimes experienced firsthand how guide, therapy, rescue, cadaver, and many other "professional" dogs learn their specialties. They use different senses and cognitive capabilities to achieve their goals. But the human connection cannot be minimized. Therapy dogs, as well as service dogs for the visually challenged and those with dementia, possess a keen sense for guiding. However, they must also be "disobedient" at critical times to keep their handlers safe. So, are dogs intelligent? Or is their "smartness" measured only by human standards? These are the questions I had before reading Dog Smart.
From Dog Smart, I have learned many new facts. As I write this, Gussie, my twelve-year-old Malti-poo, is gazing up at me with his black olive eyes. I learned that Canis familiaris is the only species that can produce "puppy dog eyes" due to the numerous muscles surrounding its eyes. For me, Dog Smart reads like a journal that has merged with scientific findings. Jennifer S. Holland's style of writing piqued my interest from the beginning. This is a valuable and fun read that answers questions about the intellect of our best friend. At the same time, it left me asking more questions, which I think is a sign of a good book. From a bomb-sniffing Belgium Malinois to my squirrel-chasing Malti-poo, all canines have their own kind of smartness. Over the centuries, Canis familiaris has certainly benefited from the human connection, and vice versa. But are we smart enough to continue to benefit from the genius of their genus?
Recommend this book:
Yin & Yang 2.0 Nutrition for Dogs
Maximizing Health with Whole Foods, Not Drugs
Judy Morgan, Hue Grant
2025 Silver Medal
226 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals

In their book Yin & Yang 2.0: Nutrition for Dogs, authors Dr. Judy Morgan and Hue Grant advocate for home-cooked pet meals over commercial pet foods to prevent low-quality ingredients and potential health risks. They teach the benefits of whole food and raw diets, offering pet owners control in addressing specific health concerns like food allergies or obesity. The authors state that a varied, correctly prepared home-cooked diet can provide balanced nutrition, challenge misconceptions about deficiencies, and support pets with conditions like cancer, heart disease, and digestive issues. Drawing from Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), Dr. Morgan and Grant talk about the energetic properties of foods and recommend tailored diets, along with recipes, food safety tips, and guidance on supplementing meals to promote overall pet health.
Yin & Yang 2.0 by Dr. Judy Morgan and Hue Grant is a wonderfully comprehensive and practical guide to pet nutrition, mixing traditional wisdom with modern dietary principles. This was a new avenue for me, and the authors were able to successfully articulate the benefits of whole, minimally processed foods, strengthened by offering actionable advice. Their integration of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine adds a unique perspective, and the enveloping of the Five Elements to address specific health issues in our pets made perfect sense. The writing is clear and accessible, and the recipes are well thought out, whether our fur-babies are suffering from cancer to obesity, all with an emphasis on nutrient-dense, homemade meals. Their personal stories reinforce the value of reconsidering pet diets, making Yin & Yang 2.0 an excellent resource for pet parents looking to improve their pets' health through balanced, wholesome nutrition. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies
Essential Tips to Recognize, Respond, and Prepare for Dog Emergencies
Dr Gal Chivvis DVM
2025 Gold Medal
171 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals

The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies by Dr. Gal Chivvis DVM is a great resource designed to prepare pet owners for different health crises that can affect their canine companions. Drawing on years of experience as an emergency veterinarian, Dr. Chivvis provides full coverage of the most common and dangerous situations dog owners may face, from toxic exposures and choking incidents to seizures, trauma, and sudden illness. The book covers these different emergencies with a clear explanation of symptoms, risk factors, and critical response timelines. The book also includes some thoughtful preventative measures, first aid techniques, and guidance on assembling a pet emergency kit, so it's also a tool for everyday preparedness.
Author Dr. Gal Chivvis DVM describes complex veterinary concepts in language that average pet owners can understand and apply under stress. The book's organization gives quick access to information, and I liked the color-coded sections so that you can get to crucial details rapidly during an emergency. I found the inclusion of practical checklists and response flowcharts particularly valuable, transforming what could have been merely information into a functional tool for making life-or-death decisions. The book strikes a perfect balance between using the right medical details to be helpful and correct, but without using terms that might confuse readers in a crisis. Dr. Chivvis also has a compassionate and reassuring tone when she writes, and her real-case examples illustrate key points effectively and help readers spot the subtle warning signs they might otherwise miss. Overall, The Dog Owner's Guide to Health Emergencies is an essential reference that belongs in every dog owner's home and I would certainly recommend getting yourself a copy.
Recommend this book:
Walking with Prada
Our Journey of Love and Adventure
Silvia Mesa
2024 Finalist
280 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals

Walking with Prada: Our Journey of Love and Adventure chronicles the true life events of a dog mom and her special relationship with her soul dog. Silvia’s life changed when she received one of her neighbor’s adorable golden retriever puppies. She named the unforgettable puppy, Prada. Little did Silvia know that Prada would bring purpose and passion into her already busy life of work and family. She started to share Prada’s life and puppies in a Facebook group called Prada’s Bunch and Friends, which garnered many fans. Silvia was inspired to train Prada and her two offspring, Charlie Brown and Lalique, as therapy dogs to further her journey of love. Silvia dedicated her free time to volunteering countless hours at libraries, nursing homes, hospitals, and other events to spread the healing power of dogs.
Author Silvia Mesa is an amazing storyteller. I was touched right away when she shared her early life in Venezuela and the pets that shaped her love for animals. I was engaged throughout the whole book, especially with the pictures, which made me fall in love with Prada and her pups even more. Walking with Prada is an inspirational and feel-good book, and we need more of these in this world. Silvia teaches by example what it is to be a light in this dark world with her dedication to her volunteer work with her dogs. I highly recommend this book to anyone if you want your heart touched and your mood elevated to a happy place. Bravo on an excellent read!
Recommend this book:
Chicken Boots
Hen-Raising Misadventures
Angela Leslee
2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Animals

Angela is environmentally conscious and capable of taking care of different animals. She decides to try her hand at raising chickens. Who would say no to fresh eggs every morning? So, Angela gets twelve young hens. The problems begin almost right away. Mongooses keep finding their way into the chicken coop Angela purchased for her birds. Devastated and tired after a hard fight with the predators, Angela revises her idea and studies the subject thoroughly. Then, she buys four hens, and all goes well until so-called chicken math comes into play. Chicken Boots: Hen-Raising Misadventures by Angela Leslee is for aspiring farmers, those who keep chickens as pets, and fans of memoirs, humor, and non-fiction books about animals.
Angela Leslee's Chicken Boots is an informative short memoir. Humorously written, this book touches on many aspects of raising chickens. Angela points out the challenges that chicken enthusiasts might encounter in such remote areas as Hawaii, where she lives. The author openly mentions her mistakes and warns us against overconfidence while dealing with chickens or other animals. "Oh, there is nothing more dangerous than a little knowledge in the hands of a dreamer," writes Angela. The author brilliantly describes situations familiar to many readers and explores the mindset of a person on the verge of becoming an animal hoarder. This engaging memoir increases our environmental awareness and motivates us to be more responsible toward animals. The book has educational value and helps us evaluate the pros and cons before dedicating time and energy to raising chickens.
Recommend this book:
Brooklyn Goes Home
The Rise and Fall of American Greyhound Racing and the Dog that Inspired a Movement
Christine Dorchak and Carey Theil
2024 Bronze Medal
224 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Animals

Brooklyn Goes Home by Christine Dorchak and Carey Theil is an account of the greyhound racing industry, its controversies, and the reform efforts in the United States and abroad. Through grassroots advocacy and legislative battles, Dorchak, Theil, and their allies successfully challenged mistreatment within the industry and achieved victories in several states, landing on ballots despite immense political resistance, and leading to the closure of tracks in places like Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Arizona. Internationally, campaigns against greyhound racing gained momentum, and it is here that Brooklyn, an Australian-born greyhound who ended up in China, becomes the face that led to the closure of the infamous Canidrome in Macau. Despite progress, ongoing challenges, including industry opposition and instances of cruelty, remain, but Brooklyn's rescue, life, and eventual passing serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight for greyhound welfare.
Brooklyn Goes Home by Christine Dorchak and Carey Theil is a beautiful account of the power of individuals to intervene and advocate for the welfare of animals in need, even in the face of daunting, and sometimes downright dangerous, obstacles. Even though the book leads up to readers meeting Brooklyn, I really liked that Dorchak and Theil take us there gradually. We get a full understanding of how the pair became activists in the first place and the incredible change that was enacted in the United States. It was a years-long endeavor that began at home and, through intensive outreach, delicate diplomacy, and persistent work, Brooklyn goes from being a greyhound in a photo to a full-blown movement. I'm not ashamed to say I got choked up when we were told that Brooklyn had been found, and that “The face of the #ClosetheCanidrome campaign was still alive!” Inspirational, moving, and beautiful. Very highly recommended.