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:
Optimism for Autism
The Inspirational Journey of a Mother and Her Autistic Son
Susan King, with Patrick King
2014 Silver Medal
313 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Drama
In her book, Optimism for Autism, Susan King reveals, along with notes from her son Patrick, a life that was fulfilled not by her son's autism, but from her faith that led her through some very troubling days. Days where the tasks she undertook to get help for Patrick seem rather heroic. The road is often very rocky for those with autism and King holds nothing back in her assessment of what was needed to provide her son with a chance to overcome this illness and lead a normal life. She writes with the love of a mom and not only covers the great things that happened over the years, but stays grounded by writing that it was never a walk in the rose garden. Despite some setbacks, it was all due to the Lord and His blessings that enabled such a wonderful story to come forth from a frightful beginning.
I was blessed to have read this book. Many parents and caregivers would be wise to read it as well, not only for the magnificent writing, but for the powerful tools they can use in their own circumstances. In her book, Optimism for Autism, Susan King, along with her autistic son Patrick, tells a story that should be read by any struggling parent trying to raise a child who needs intercession. Armed with a boatload of faith, King (along with her husband David) embraces the challenges of raising Patrick, who started life with such struggles that it was difficult for her to know where to start. And there are many parents in the same boat. But help is here and anyone can find encouragement by reading this book.
Recommend this book:
Lori's Song
The true story of an American woman held captive in Iran
Lori Foroozandeh
2013 Silver Medal
244 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Drama
After I read Lori’s Song I had to think about it before I could write a review. Lori was abused by her biological parents. She was molested and raped by her adopted brother. Her mother was neglectful and cruel. At 15 years old she escaped her home life by marrying. The marriage was short lived. Next she joined the military and became pregnant by the recruiter. The military didn’t work well for her either.
In 1993 she met Mohammad Foroozandeh. After graduating from nursing school the couple married. In 1998 they moved to Iran. Adjusting to Iranian life was difficult. She soon learned that women had no rights.
Lori shares much about the culture and living arrangements. She tells of cockroaches, toilets, showers and shopping.
Mohammad changed while they were in Iran. That was when the beatings started. After 9/11 Mohammad told her they were going to leave Iran. They went to a bus station where they were arrested. She and others were taken to a POW camp. There were repeated beatings and rapes . I cannot describe the atrocities she lived through . Eventually she escaped . She came back to the states with nothing.
This story has a happy ending. Lori is married to a man that loves her and that’s good to her. She has a relationship with her son.
This book should serve as a wakeup call to Americans. Women have no rights in many countries. Think carefully before you commit yourself to a man from another country especially the Middle East. However it is not the only country that has honor killings.
I noticed the first part of this book needed some editing to make it flow smoothly. However, I was quickly caught up in Lori’s story. Lori’s Song is a raw emotional account. I wish Lori success. This is a must read.
Recommend this book:
Jacob's War
J. B. Kaufman
2012 Bronze Medal
884 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Drama
Jacob Benjamin Kane was born in the early 1930's to parents who were observant Jews. His mother was a pianist from Poland and his father a Rabbi and a mathematician who was involved with the scientists at Los Alamos, New Mexico, and the Oak Ridge Laboratories in Tennessee. Jacob or Jake becomes friends with Toshiro Tokani whose father tutors him as a young teenager in the martial arts. He also becomes lifelong friends with Charles Henson who once bullies Jake but goes on to acknowledge his Jewish heritage and moves to Israel to help build the Israeli state. Jake Kane is highly talented and becomes not only a neurosurgeon, an athlete in high school, a concert pianist and martial arts expert, but also a decorated member of the Special Forces, part of its 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam where his training as a surgeon is needed. But Jake is more than this. He is a Golem who feels a need to destroy enemies and serves as a secret agent in the Israeli Mossad for years. But as the years pass, will Jake Kane change, mellow?
"Jacob's War" is a brilliant but very long novel that is both well-written and well-edited. Main character Jacob Kane and all major and minor characters such as his lifelong friends Charles and Toshiro, his military friends Jeremiah Greene and Jackie the nurse, and Jake's loves Hannah and Juliette, are well-created and totally believable. The story flashes back from 199 to the 1950's and different times in Jake's life which works well to support this story of an incredible, multi-talented man whose medical genius and his ability to turn into a killer par non for the downtrodden will inspire all readers. J.B. Kaufman's "Jacobi's War" is a long but terrific read, detailing parts of history that most may not know.
Recommend this book:
The Cuckoo's Egg
The Story of an Extraordinary Woman
Anna Morten
2012 Finalist
456 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Drama
In The Cuckoo's Egg, author Anna Morten describes her childhood, and how as a young child she was told she was a cuckoo's egg. Anyone who hears this at first may not understand it; however, Anna was determined to break the mold of her circumstances...that her family could not accept her for who she was due to her looks and personality. Despite war breaking out, she prospered and triumphed through everything.
I commend her for what she did, and I greatly enjoyed her life stories. She learned not to believe everything a person said or did and learned to develop her own voice, regardless of what others thought. In the end, she became a stronger woman and was revered by those who looked up to her throughout the years. I highly recommend this book. I enjoyed reading about Anna's life and was inspired by her story. I believe that anyone can benefit from her amazing book.
Recommend this book:
Angels Gate
Andrew J. Rafkin
2012 Silver Medal
336 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Drama
Angels Gate is a fictional story based on an actual monetary heist. The setting is California in the 1980’s. Drug smuggling was big business in the area. Four surfing buddies decided to buy property in Costa Rica, build a hotel and retire. Airline baggage handlers did not make that kind of money. They thought smuggling pot in from Mexico, by using the airline, was the perfect way to make the money. When the airlines made changes the plot fizzled.
Their next bright idea was to rob an airline shipment from Brinks. Everything went well except the shipment did not contain money; it contained stocks, bonds and certificates. The bonds totaled three hundred fifty million dollars. They were afraid of getting caught. They did not know if the bonds were traceable. They were not sure that they could trust their partner.
This is an interesting novel of suspense and intrigue. The book is well edited. The plot kept me turning pages.
Recommend this book:
Orphans of Katrina
Inside the World's Biggest Animal Rescue
Karen Otoole
2011 Gold Medal
256 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Drama
This book was about the authors time spent rescuing pets in the New Orleans area after Hurricane Katrina left the area devastated and many owners were unable to return to their pets. O'Toole, along with other animal rescuers, travels about the area, breaking into homes and saving animals from death. She chronicles her trials and tribulations, the sadness, heartbreak, and destruction she witnesses. Telling photos are also used to help explain what was seen. A deep understanding is shared by the author, as well as a willingness to learn from mistakes and prior judgments.
I thought this book was well written, clear, and descriptive, without making me want to put the book down because it is so heartbreakingly sad. She keeps this in check nicely, by using facts and telling her story in a matter-of-fact way. It is still sad and devastating, but the author clearly made an effort to convey the story and identify the problems that were had in the Gulf so that they will not be mistakes made again in the future.
I think many people will be interested in reading this book. In fact, 3 people who saw me reading it asked to borrow it. Many people are curious about the Hurricane Katrina tragedy, and this is an all-too untold side of the story, and a chilling account. Animal lovers will also be interested and will enjoy the read.
Recommend this book:
Lori's Song
The true story of an American woman held captive in Iran
Lori Foroozandeh
2009 Bronze Medal
244 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Drama
After I read Lori’s Song I had to think about it before I could write a review. Lori was abused by her biological parents. She was molested and raped by her adopted brother. Her mother was neglectful and cruel. At 15 years old she escaped her home life by marrying. The marriage was short lived. Next she joined the military and became pregnant by the recruiter. The military didn’t work well for her either.
In 1993 she met Mohammad Foroozandeh. After graduating from nursing school the couple married. In 1998 they moved to Iran. Adjusting to Iranian life was difficult. She soon learned that women had no rights.
Lori shares much about the culture and living arrangements. She tells of cockroaches, toilets, showers and shopping.
Mohammad changed while they were in Iran. That was when the beatings started. After 9/11 Mohammad told her they were going to leave Iran. They went to a bus station where they were arrested. She and others were taken to a POW camp. There were repeated beatings and rapes . I cannot describe the atrocities she lived through . Eventually she escaped . She came back to the states with nothing.
This story has a happy ending. Lori is married to a man that loves her and that’s good to her. She has a relationship with her son.
This book should serve as a wakeup call to Americans. Women have no rights in many countries. Think carefully before you commit yourself to a man from another country especially the Middle East. However it is not the only country that has honor killings.
I noticed the first part of this book needed some editing to make it flow smoothly. However, I was quickly caught up in Lori’s story. Lori’s Song is a raw emotional account. I wish Lori success. This is a must read.
Recommend this book:
Looking For Closure
The Theresa Ferrara Story
Maria Stewart
2009 Honorable Mention
168 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Drama
Whatever happened to the beautiful beautician? This is a true story about the disappearance of a beautiful young beautician on February 10, 1979. Theresa Ferrara led a fast, exciting life. Was it this kind of life that led to her disappearance? Her oldest niece, Maria Stewart, was there when it happened. Stewart tells us all the details of that time. She has even included all the original newspaper clippings.
There are so many unanswered questions. The media has linked Theresa to the Mafia's legendary Lufthansa Heist. She was supposedly an informant for the FBI. Were the remains that were found really Theresa's as the authorities claimed? Stewart examines everything in her quest for the truth...police and court records, newspaper articles, psychics, interviews and new technology in DNA forensics. What she discovers is not what she expected. Her beloved aunt had a life she never knew.
I thought that the writing in this book was a little on the amateur side but I was really hooked on this story. I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. I was totally caught up in the life of Theresa and her family. I can't imagine being in Maria Stewart's shoes. How do you deal with what they went through? This is a great true crime book. I don't think you'll be able to put it down, either, till the end.