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:
Outsiders and Apparitions
Possessed Poems and Art for Family Picnics
Milan Sergent
2021 Honorable Mention
119 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
In Outsiders and Apparitions: Possessed Poems and Art for Family Picnics, we are introduced to an otherworldly and frenetic collection of poems written by Milan Sergent, the author of the Candlewicke 13 series. In this book, the author covers subjects like death, marginalization, and absurdity with unique surrealist paintings to go with each poem. They are unique and each tells a story that can stand alone, giving the reader a glimpse into the creative mind of the author.
This is the best book of poetry that I have read this year. I absolutely enjoyed the ingenious poetry that Sergent brought to life in this collection. The poems are fun and crazy, having a surreal feel to them. With witty and clever prose, each tells its own story. What I loved even more was the collection of paintings that accompanied each poem. They are gorgeous and really help as a visual aid to the poetry pieces. My favorites would have to be Magic Apples Grown By The Wrong Author Must Be Ignored, Questionable Extraterrestrials, Patty’s Wagon, and Ode To Genola. Each piece is different, yet has the same touch of morbidity that one finds intriguing. When you pair the poems with the art pieces, it’s a complete story brought to life which grabs readers' attention. Overall, I think Milan Sergent has created a masterpiece with Outsiders and Apparitions: Possessed Poems and Art for Family Picnics. It’s definitely a collection I would recommend. I can’t wait to read more of his work.
Recommend this book:
Ace of Arts
An Art Book
Isabel Scheck
2021 Finalist
140 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
Ace of Arts is a collection of artworks that depict the different sides of ace-spec identities, including demisexual and greysexual, among other a-spec identities within the LGBTQ+ community. They are mostly pictures of people, couples, animals, nature, and designs with vibrant and diverse colors. Most of the pictures don't have words, except the author's signature. However, some pictures have a few painted words, like "Ace and Part of the LGBTQIA+ community" and "Here, Queer, and Filled with Fear". Some patterns and words are repetitive, with different colors and identities acknowledged on each page. With eight years of experience in art and three years in digital art, Isabel Scheck presents 160 outstanding and gorgeous art pieces that were drawn by them from August 2020 to February 2021.
As every color and pattern is beautiful and unique in Ace of Arts, every a-spec and LGBTQ+ identity deserves to be acknowledged and respected as distinctive and beautiful. The way the colors and patterns combine to create a colorful and appealing picture suggests how these different identities can coexist to make up the full diverse experience of life. Love is represented as a pleasant, joyful experience through paintings of couples sharing and giving their unique selves to each other in serene and natural settings. I didn't know so many identities existed before reading Ace of Arts, but the experience of discovering something new every time I looked at the pictures showed me the value of being open to new experiences. I recommend Isabel Scheck's book to all as it enlightens readers about different ace-spec and LGBTQ+ identities and reveals that, no matter our identities, we are all humans who deserve love and respect.
Recommend this book:
Tattle Tales
Tattoo Stories and Portraits
Brandy Isadora
2020 Gold Medal
160 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
Tattle Tales: Tattoo Stories and Portraits by Brandy Isadora showcases an appreciation for the art of tattooing and explores its impact on life and contemporary society. The author has always fancied getting a tattoo against the will of her mother, and she finally got her first tattoo while in college in her freshman year from a local tattooist. She started meeting people who were heavily tattooed while on tour with her band. In this book and in beautiful photography, she captures the art of the tattoo and presents characters with unique tattoo history and designs.
Tattle Tales: Tattoo Stories and Portraits by Brandy Isadora features interviews with a wide selection of characters, each with a unique background. Readers encounter characters like Michael, a school teacher; Larry, who is a music producer; Tillie, the retailer; the musician, James; Mel, the retailer; Janet, an inbound marketer, and many others, including models, personal trainers, and cosmetologists. Behind each tattoo is a story, a message for the beholder, and a world to explore. This book helps readers understand why some people get tattoos and how some tattoos reflect their backgrounds and stories. The story also uncovers how people look at those who tattoo. The author asks characters in the book to share their stories and she asks a unique question of each one. I enjoyed how the interviews reveal exciting journeys with their tattoos. This is a great book for readers who enjoy tattoos and art in general, filled with beautiful images and information on an art form that is increasingly becoming part of contemporary culture and an expression of identity.
Recommend this book:
Before the Curtain Goes Up
India Blake Johnson
2020 Silver Medal
78 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
Before the Curtain Goes Up by India Blake Johnson is a fascinating book that captures the author's interest in theater, which also helped her develop a deep appreciation for small-town community and professional playhouses. The book speaks about the various and distinct operating ways of six small-town playhouses, thereby enabling the communities to experience the best of theater. There is nothing to beat the experience of sitting in a secluded and intimate theatre space, waiting for the curtain to rise. There is something very surreal and human about theater, mainly because it connects viewers with live performances.
Before the Curtain Goes Up captures the rawness, intimacy, and the true human experience of theater and the photographs shared by the author give readers the essence of preparation and the performances. The words and images will fascinate any theater lover and performer. The photographic journey through these six small-town playhouses in America reveals the preparation that goes on behind the scenes, the excitement, and the actors who travel deep within to find others. The pictures capture the important and critical moments of transformation and go through the universal process - applying makeup backstage, running lines with other actors or sometimes alone, memorizing the dialogues, etc.
India Blake Johnson captures the essence of theater through this unique book and encourages readers to look into the eyes of actors and feel the creative process. There are a lot of stories to be told and this book shows how theater connects everyone, the behind-the-scenes, and the sense of belonging that exists there like no other place. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the creativity in theater and the images took me to another dimension.
Recommend this book:
No Cameras Allowed
My Career as an Outlaw Rock and Roll Photographer
Julian David Stone
2019 Gold Medal
252 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
No Cameras Allowed: My Career as an Outlaw Rock and Roll Photographer is a nonfiction music/entertainment book written by Julian David Stone. Stone is a photographer, filmmaker, screenplay writer and author. As a child, he had dreams of becoming a musician, but his early misadventures with a French horn inspired him to consider photography as an alternative way to be a part of the music circuit. His earliest forays were photos taken at country fairs, but he really wanted to do more. When The Ramones were scheduled to appear at the Keystone in Palo Alto, the eighteen-year-old was ready to get some live pictures with his 35mm camera. He was somewhat taken aback by the club’s security guard’s refusal to let him in. What do you mean cameras aren’t allowed? While his first instincts were to go home, he decided instead to cleverly conceal camera, lens, and film on his person. His hiding spaces evaded even the pat-down the security guard conducted and Stone was in. It would be the first of his outlaw shoots of rock concerts across the country and overseas.
Stone's pictures have intensity and power, and the black and white format works so well for his art. His photos of Sting during the August 18 concert at Shea Stadium are surprisingly detailed considering the venue, even with the lucky burst of rain, and his coverage of U2 during their 1983 concert in Dublin, and the following year in San Francisco is inspired. Stone’s candid shots make the reader feel as though they’re present at each of these amazing concerts, up close and personal, and each picture gives new insights to musicians we’ve admired from afar. He may have been an outlaw taking all these photographs under the table so to speak, but his work is monumentally good. No Cameras Allowed: My Career as an Outlaw Rock and Roll Photographer is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Artist's Journey
Bold Strokes To Spark Creativity
Nancy Hillis
2019 Silver Medal
144 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
The Artist’s Journey: Bold Strokes to Spark Creativity by Nancy Hillis delves into helping artists through the common frustrations and road blocks that hinder their inner creativity. It is a map that guides the struggling, the uninspired, and the lost with unique exercises, quotes, video links to videos the author herself has done to exemplify her book’s teachings, and even a look into her journey into art. It is a book that aims to inspire, guide, and help artists through the most trying parts of their creative lives.
Nancy Hillis’ The Artist’s Journey: Bold Strokes to Spark Creativity is an unforgettable, thought-provoking read, with an inspiring and determined tone. It is peppered with the author’s anecdotes and wise advice that would do a lot of good to any artist. Hillis offers personal stories and thoughts in the book and I can see how this would help other frustrated and lost artists in the same situation. The exercises offered in the book are extensive, ranging from: questions as to the reason why you do art and what you struggle with (allowing the artist to have a good look or get an idea as to why they are struggling) to easy-to-follow art activities with creative twists.
This book is brimming with good advice and instructions punctuated with fascinating anecdotes Hillis relates to the struggles of an artist, giving the reader a unique and different view on their journey as an artist, allowing them to draw their own answers from their problems, which makes the book more engaging and infinitely more helpful in my eyes. This book is a one-of-a-kind guide and is an absolute must-read for any artists suffering from artist’s block or any sort of creative meltdown. Truly worth a read.
Recommend this book:
Reconstructing the Shield of Achilles
An Artistic Reconstruction and Exploration of the Ingenious Ancient Greek Weapon Immortalized by Homer in Book 18 of the Iliad
Kathleen Vail
2019 Bronze Medal
190 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
The Trojan War is one of the earliest wars recorded in the history of human combat. The Iliad and the Odyssey are among the oldest extant works of western literature, written by the blind poet Homer in the eighth century. The Trojan War concerns the Achaeans of ancient Greece and the inhabitants of Ilios, the Trojans. But the story begins before that, at the wedding of the sea nymph goddess Thetis and the mortal but mighty king of the Myrmidons, Peleus. The seeds of this tragic and interminable war were sown when Eris, the goddess of strife, was not invited but arrived anyway, tossing into the company a golden apple inscribed with the words ‘to the most fair.’ Paris, the long-lost son of the Trojan King Priam, is asked to choose between the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Lured by her promise of bestowing upon him the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Troy, Paris chooses Aphrodite… Unfortunately, Helen is married to Menelaus, king of Sparta. And thus, the epic war begins, brought to life by the words of the poet Homer, and forever cemented in the minds of succeeding generations.
Greek mythology and the various heroes, gods, and demi gods have a solid place in modern popular culture, given the many novels and movies devoted to various mythological themes. Names like Zeus, Poseidon, Achilles, Hector, Paris, Helen, Menelaus and Agamemnon are not unfamiliar, especially the mighty Achilles, hero of the Greek forces. Achilles being the son of a goddess, Thetis, and a mighty mortal, Peleus, meant he was already special. Added to this was his legendary prowess as a warrior. When Achilles loses his armor during battle to Hector, the son of King Priam, his mother pleads with Hephaistos, the lame god, to fashion her son an incredible shield. Thetis, knowing that Achilles’ death would follow upon that of Hector, still had the shield made, bowing, one imagines, to the inevitability of the cycle of life. Hephaistos makes the shield, and the details are minutely described by Homer. These details bring us to the reconstruction of this magnificent piece of armor by Kathleen Vail, who documented this artistic project in her book, Reconstructing the Shield of Achilles.
A lifetime student of Homer’s ancient Greece, Vail has created a 'physical, artistically relevant, life-size reconstruction of the divine shield of Achilles based literally and solely on Homer’s specifications in Book 18 of the Iliad.' This is no easy feat because although many now discovered and similarly crafted and decorated Mycenaean artifacts – swords, daggers, vases, and more - prove the potential existence of this shield, Vail was working from the details in Homer’s poem and existing archaeological discoveries. The shield is described as having an awe-inspiring effect on Achilles’ enemies, notwithstanding his mighty prowess and physical attributes. However, for me, the importance of the shield is what the poet conveys in the descriptions and which Vail recreates for the reader with images of the actual reconstructed shield and the corresponding artifacts which provided the inspiration for the images.
Vail takes each section and describes it in detail, as well as the significance in Greek society at the time, starting with the centre piece, creation, and radiating outward in circles depicting levels of Greek society – civil, judicial, military, entertainment, daily and pastoral activities. Ultimately the shield depicts both earthly and heavenly cycles of life. The shield is a microcosm of civilization, depicting the values and ideals of the ancient world, and the eternal cycle of birth, death, renewal. If the shield ever existed, where could it possibly be now? Thetis held funeral games in honour of her son Achilles, offering his armor as the prize to the ‘best of the Achaeans.’ Odysseus won the armor but given his many wanderings and shipwrecks before finally reaching home and his beloved wife, Penelope, who knows what happened to the shield? Perhaps only the gods know?
Kathleen Vail offers both the interested amateur and the dedicated scholar a minutely detailed and incredibly well researched literary work, complete with meticulously referenced and labelled images and many bibliographic references. The reconstruction of the shield is, to me, more than a labor of love. There is far more to the story of Achilles, the flawed and magnificent warrior, than the war. The psychological depths, the drama, the tragic emotions, actions, and motivations of the characters, both human and divine, the merging of heavenly and earthly activities, and many grander symbolic themes make the Iliad more than just a poem. The reconstruction of the shield proves this.
Recommend this book:
The Light of Deaf Women
Inspirational Stories from Visionaries, Artists, Founders and Entrepreneurs
Sofia Seitchik
2019 Honorable Mention
286 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
The Light of Deaf Women: Inspirational Stories from Visionaries, Artists, Founders and Entrepreneurs by Deaf businesswoman and life coach Sofia Seitchik is a wonderful collection of mini-biographies accompanied by black-and-white photographs highlighting the achievements of almost 90 Deaf women. These women represent a variety of racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds and life experiences and an even wider range of professions, careers, crafts, trades, and interests. Based on the theme that every person has an inner light to shine and share with others, each mini-biography is accompanied by a short quote. “Trust your flow; it is the Light of your life,” Seitchik writes. “When doubt or fear shows up, it is a sign to shift your way of thinking so your inner Light keeps flowing.” A list of the women, their occupations, and web sites is also provided along with photographic credits.
In The Light of Deaf Women, Seitchik gives us a glimpse into the lives of women whose achievements can inspire us all. The presentation is crisp and engaging. I especially liked the black and white images in which the women wore white or light clothing against white backgrounds. It focused my attention on their expressions and gave substance to their positive outlook on life. “Let’s enhance the path for a brighter, barrier-free future for young Deaf women so they can leap to new heights!” one of the women writes. As a book prepared by Deaf women to celebrate the achievements of Deaf women, it more than hits the mark and could be especially inspirational to young Deaf women. As a book featuring the accomplishments of women who might be our own mothers, sisters, daughters, neighbors, coworkers, and employers, it can appeal to readers of any sex, age, or background. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Art of the Living Mollusk
Charles E. Rawlings, M.D, J.D
2019 Finalist
166 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
Living mollusks are slowly disappearing due to environmental degradation and the destructive habits of human beings. The Art of the Living Mollusk by Charles E. Rawlings, MD, JD is a fabulous book that will delight readers who are dedicated to protecting the environment, the earth, and the ocean. This book is about the beautiful angles and curves of the mollusk and will raise awareness of how this living organism is much more than a dead shell. The author reveals the mystery of the creatures living underwater and gives readers a peek into their exclusive world. The book also gives a lot of interesting information about mollusks and their role in preserving the environment, their uniqueness, form, and color.
This book is a visual treat and the photos are clear and eye-catching. They teach readers about the family of mollusks, their beauty, and life. The topic is unique and will make readers aware of the creatures that exist underwater and realize the importance of protecting these creatures for the sake of the environment. The number of sea creatures discussed in The Art of the Living Mollusk is amazing and will leave readers awestruck by their beauty and contribution to the environment. The author weaves art, photography, and information together seamlessly, making it fascinating to readers. It is a good book to have in libraries as it can be used as reference material for projects and classroom discussions. This book will leave you wanting to learn more about the life that exists underwater and why it is important for the environment.
Recommend this book:
Living Mollusks
Charles E. Rawlings, MD, JD
2017 Gold Medal
179 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
Living Mollusks is an educational book written by Charles E. Rawlings, MD, JD. Seashells are created from extracted calcium carbonate by the mollusks which live, or had at one point lived, inside the shell. Photographing a living shell (shell and mollusk in its natural habitat in the ocean) is one of the most difficult things to do, as luck needs to be on your side. Most mollusks only come out at night and everything must be precise, such as the location, night diving equipment, the right cameras, locating a living mollusk during a dive and seeing it move in its natural habitat, enabling one or more photos to be taken. The variety of living mollusks discussed and photographed in Living Mollusks includes Slit Shells, Volutes, Cowries, Cones, Murex, Harps, Moonstails, Tuns, Bivalves, Cephalopods, Nudibranchs and more. While the shells that they wear are quite beautiful, the mollusk underneath which created such beauty is not one to be toyed with, as they have many defensive mechanisms which could prove painful, toxic, and even lethal when touched. Nature’s magnificence is proven in the stunning full-color photographs provided throughout this book and I am truly left in awe of these resilient and resplendent creatures.
Charles E. Rawlings, MD, JD has proven himself a master in the field of seashells and mollusks. His knowledge and ability to identify various seashells and mollusks seems without bounds. Not only does Living Mollusks provide breath-taking photographs of never-before-seen living mollusks and living seashells within the pages, but the information of their history, habitat, and creation truly is an eye-opener for somebody like me. Whereas before, my only exposure was to an empty shell collected upon a beach, I have learned how the shells are created, the various sizes that each of the mollusks can reach, and how climate change now endangers the future of many species of these beautiful and majestic creatures. I truly enjoyed reading Living Mollusks and recommend this book to all readers who have ever found a seashell on the beach and felt curious about where it came from.