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:
Airplane Stories and Histories
Norman Currey
2022 Finalist
224 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
Airplane Stories and Histories by Norman Currey is an interesting book for all those who love flying and chronicles some of the unusual events and accounts in aviation history. Readers learn about two hundred years of aviation history through this book and the author also throws light on some of the famous names in aviation history; the Wright Brothers, Sir George Cayley, Frank Whittle, Wiley Post, Amelia Earheart, R.J. Mitchell, etc. The book also speaks about the first Transatlantic flight, the Jet Engine, Boeing 737, Concorde, and the other scientific developments during that period. The author's File 'A' has aerodynamics, design, history, structure, materials, and much more that will take readers into the world of airplanes.
The book speaks about the topic extensively and in detail, giving readers a lot of information on the subject. It is quite fascinating to read about the exploits of these pioneers of aviation history and the author also covers some of the exciting events that happened. The images shared in the book are a treat for all those who love airplanes and flying. From then to now, the rapid progression in the development of aircraft carriers and scientific advancements is incredible and the book will make readers aware of the new century of aviation. The author also speaks about his 47 years in the aircraft industry and the exhilarating experiences he had while flying and during his travels. Airplane Stories and Histories by Norman Currey is for readers who are interested in learning more about the history of airplanes, flying, and the aviation industry.
Recommend this book:
What They Didn't Burn
Uncovering My Father's Holocaust Secrets
Mel Laytner
2022 Honorable Mention
304 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
What They Didn’t Burn: Uncovering My Father’s Holocaust Secrets by Mel Laytner is the non-fiction memoir of the author in which he documents a paper trail that leads to a search spanning the globe. Laytner is a journalist, which proves helpful in both the investigation of his father’s past, which is incredibly extensive, and the writing of this book, which is exceptional. His father is Josef “Dolek” Laytner, a survivor of the Auschwitz sub-camp Blechammer, prisoner 177904. The facts that emerge as the layers begin to truly peel back are stunning. Laytner weaves his father’s tale initially as the story of his search for information, transitioning to the story of his father from the earliest moments under a rising Nazi Party to his days as a prisoner and all that followed.
“My father survived that nightmare and went on to build a new life,” writes Mel Laytner. The line is striking to me. It parallels how very little he knew about his father initially but is written as he finally begins to grasp the scope of what was required to be one of those who survived in What They Didn’t Burn. Tightly written and compelling on every page, the progression of Dolek’s “luck” proves to be a terrifying endurance test. This is most certainly not luck. It is the grit and rapid intelligence of a man who can read a situation quickly to maximize the odds of survival. Knowing what jobs permit indoor work and rations of 1,700 calories per day compared to the 1,300 allotted to "unskilled" workers, though still far below the 2,500 calories a day required by a man doing heavy physical work. Knowing when to partner and bend power and when to fade into a box in the barracks, fighting back only when a precious blanket is stolen, and bribing his way out of a camp for transfer. The death marches are brought to life and the way Laytner describes his father’s final escape... I was choked up. Particularly as he is told: “Well, you are free now. And safe.” Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Mentchu-Hotep and the Spirit of the Medjay
Mfundishi Jhutyms Hassan Salim
2022 Bronze Medal
212 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
Mentchu-hotep, the son of the supreme ruler of Upper Kemet, is on a mission to learn what it takes to become a ruler and succeed his father. He must learn about their allies and foes, become connected to nature and the people, and learn to be an articulate thinker, writer, speaker, and fighter. Thus, he is assigned to Jhutyms Ka-en-Heru—a decorated Medjay warrior from Kash. Will Mentchu-hotep be brave and strong enough to withstand the rigorous training and the dangerous paths of the mighty Medjay warriors? Mentchu-Hotep and the Spirit of the Medjay by Mfundishi Jhutyms Hassan Salim portrays the fearlessness and greatness of the Medjay warriors as they take on the spirit of animals and wield nature to battle anyone that dares to challenge them.
It was quite refreshing to see some African spiritual concepts that I grew up hearing about as a Nigerian in the book, including warriors who can transform into animals, change the weather, and control some other natural elements. Mentchu-Hotep and the Spirit of the Medjay presents an intricate yet cohesive and enjoyable plot that combines such diverse themes as adventure, romance, fantasy, history, combat, nature, rebellion, war, and politics. Mentchu-Hotep and the Spirit of the Medjay will not only entertain you but also enlighten you and awaken your curiosity about how powerful and honorable our African ancestors were and African cultural history in general. As someone who wishes to see more African supernatural characters, I enjoyed Mfundishi's epic, awe-inspiring narrative about the greatness of the Medjay warriors immensely.
Recommend this book:
From Auschwitz with Love
The Inspiring Memoir of Two Sisters' Survival, Devotion and Triumph
Daniel Seymour
2022 Silver Medal
210 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
The Holocaust is one of the most bloody events in history. Although one cannot begin to imagine the extent of physical hardships and mental trauma the victims went through in those concentration camps, From Auschwitz with Love by Daniel Seymour attempts to look into the minds and hearts of two survivors. His mother-in-law, Manci Grunberger, and her sister, Ruth Grunberger, watched their happy family crumble into a gloomy pit of despair in a matter of mere months. Even though they did not watch the Nazis kill their mother, father, and six siblings, they witnessed Josef Mengele as he picked their family from the queue destined for the infamous gas chambers. In the face of unimaginable suffering and torment, many prisoners threw themselves onto the electric fences to end their miserable existence. Even so, Manci and Ruth "... still wanted, deep down, to somehow live." And they not only survived but thrived.
From Auschwitz with Love by Daniel Seymour is the story of perseverance and human determination to survive. The memoir develops slowly and then picks up pace as the real torment begins. The words are so authentic and filled with passion that the readers can almost hear the trembling voices of Manci and Ruth as they recount the ugly and devastating events. The audience watches the sisters living a happy life with their siblings and parents, thriving under their love. Then, gradually, everything changes. Whether it was their stuffy life in a ghetto or their suffocating commute to the Auschwitz concentration camp in a cattle car, Daniel Seymour has done a brilliant job of painting a graphic picture for his readers. From the sighting of the daunting smoke from a chimney to the courage with which Manci shouted "Shame on you," every single event etches itself into the hearts of the readers. I highly recommend From Auschwitz with Love by Daniel Seymour.
Recommend this book:
The Redhead of Auschwitz
A True Story (Holocaust Survivor True Stories WWII)
Nechama Birnbaum
2022 Gold Medal
282 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
The Redhead of Auschwitz: A True Story (Holocaust Survivor True Stories WWII) by Nechama Birnbaum is an addition to the series. Redheads are cursed, isn’t that what they say? Certainly, Rosie was always told that but she brushed it aside. She dreamed of getting married to a man she could love forever but her life changed in 1944. Rosie was sent to Auschwitz, with her beautiful red hair shaved off on arrival. Her dreams and her red hair may have gone but the Nazis could never tame her red-headed spirit, could never hold back her resilience and her determination to get back home, even when all those around her had lost hope of ever being free. No matter what the Nazis put her through, she never lost hope. Rosie was the girl who believed she could survive the horrors of the death camp and sometimes belief is all you need.
The Redhead of Auschwitz by Nechama Birnbaum is another one of those Nazi survivor stories that you must read. Our beautiful heroine, the young red-headed Rosie, teaches us that sometimes hope and belief in yourself are all you need to give you that nudge to keep going. This Auschwitz survivor story is a lesson to all of us and should be on required reading lists at schools and taught in history lessons. It informs us about Jewish culture, about the bonds of family and friends, and it teaches us to have a true, deep belief in all we want to accomplish – believe, and you can do it. This is a harrowing book, as any death camp survivor story is, and it is a hard read at times. Be prepared to cry, fume at injustice, and delight in Rosie’s triumphs. Be prepared to read this from start to finish in one go because you will be hooked. No matter how hard some people try to wipe away all traces of history, no matter how much they deny that these things happened, stories like this must be repeated because one thing is certain – we must never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Recommend this book:
Tiny Blunders/Big Disasters
Thirty-Nine Tiny Mistakes That Changed the World Forever (Revised Edition)
Jared Knott
2021 Finalist
457 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
Tiny Blunders/Big Disasters by Jared Knott is a mind-blowing collection of stories centering around real-world examples of the butterfly effect phenomenon. From ancient times to current events, these thirty-nine stories focus on how overlooked, seemingly insignificant details differentiate whether a ship sinks or stays afloat, life or death. These events include how an unopened letter saved the American Cause in the Revolutionary War, how a lone hunter in the African bush precipitated the AIDS pandemic, and how a German pilot’s small mistake saved Britain and changed the course of WWII. Offering an unparalleled look into the behind-the-scenes of history's most significant events, these well-researched, factual stories will keep you turning the pages far past your bedtime.
If you could take away only one thing from this book, it would be 'The devil is in the details.' Jared Knott's vivid descriptions and in-depth knowledge made Tiny Blunders/Big Disasters a truly worthwhile read. Instead of focusing on dates and places that more often than not blur into one, Jared Knott aims to humanize history by showing how a human's seemingly trivial mistake can change the course of a war. The pivotal figures in history no longer seemed like idols on a pedestal; instead, they appear like the strangers we pass by every day on our way to work. I loved how Jared Knott includes photos and artwork to illustrate his points and engage readers. The development of a tiny blunder into a colossal disaster is incredibly well-written and spares no details. Whether you are a history buff or just a casual reader, this book is a must-read!
Recommend this book:
All Present and Accounted For
The 1972 Alaska Grounding of the U.S. Coast Guard Jarvis and the Heroic Efforts that Saved the Ship
Steven J Craig
2021 Honorable Mention
276 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
All Present And Accounted For is the saga of the Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis and the heroic efforts of its crew in the 1972 near loss of the ship and all hands. Steven J. Craig has crafted an excellent history of the Coast Guard, centered around a harrowing incident off the jagged volcanic cliffs of Akutan Island in the eastern Aleutian Islands in Alaska. Mountainous seas and gale force winds mixed with treacherous “williwaw” wind bursts recorded at over 70 knots have run the ship aground and holed her hull. Craig’s minute-by-minute account of every aspect of the event is an edge-of-the-seat story of one of the few times in the history of the United States Coast Guard that an SOS/MAYDAY radio call would come from a Coast Guard vessel.
Captain Steven J. Craig’s recounting of the 1972 near disaster for the Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis is masterfully written. Craig covers a wide swath of background for the ship, the crew members, and the Coast Guard itself. He has created textbook history in an action-adventure reflective of the best novels. But this is not fiction. It is annotated, documented history that is eminently readable by sailors and non-sailors alike. An academic piece wrapped in a riveting narrative of events, blending history, technology, human interest, and humor amidst a harrowing experience. Craig’s detailed profiles of the individual sailors and their physical and psychological challenges amidst his overall narrative of the events produce an exceptional reading experience. As any sailor will recognize as a compliment, I offer Captain Craig a Bravo Zulu for All Present And Accounted For.
Recommend this book:
Kings, Conquerors, Psychopaths
From Alexander to Hitler to the Corporation
Joseph Abraham
2021 Bronze Medal
340 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
Have you ever wondered what the price of our progress was? What civilization really means? What makes us and even prominent scientists reject or deny logic, facts, and clear evidence in favor of what we prefer to believe? But most importantly, why do we still romanticize, admire, and even idolize history's worst criminals? Kings, Conquerors, Psychopaths: From Alexander to Hitler to the Corporation by Joseph Abraham provides helpful answers to all these questions and many others. Through anecdotes, historical events, graphic images, and terrifying descriptions, Joseph Abraham reveals to us the true nature of war and conquest and the realities of them. He dispels the romantic concept of war, the excitement of the past about kings and conquerors, and provides a more accurate view of them.
Kings, Conquerors, Psychopaths: From Alexander to Hitler to the Corporation by Joseph Abraham is an antidote to our romantic ideas of warfare and conquerors. It's also a revelatory account of the fullest expression of evil in human history. Joseph Abraham challenges readers' knowledge and leaves them an exceptional legacy that helps recognize those who fit many of the criteria for psychopathy, sociopathy, narcissism, Machiavellianism, and sadism. He shows us the modern descendants of the ancient rulers. No other book encompasses so perfectly the atrocities committed under kings, conquerors, psychopaths, and their successors. No other book accurately explains what actually separates the ancient and modern rulers from the rest of humanity, why we still admire them, and why we struggle to separate facts from fairy tales. I highly recommend it as it makes us determined to acknowledge that we can all become potential victims or potential criminals, that subjugation and domestication do not apply only to animals; they apply to humans too.
Recommend this book:
Separated Together
The Incredible True WWII Story of Soulmates Stranded an Ocean Apart (Holocaust Survivor True Stories WWII Book 7)
Kenneth P. Price Ph.D.
2021 Silver Medal
320 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
Separated Together: The Incredible True WWII Story Of Soulmates Stranded An Ocean Apart by Kenneth P. Price, PH.D. is a poignant memoir that chronicles the dramatic lives of Sonia and Abe during WWII, their adversities and hardships. The memoir looks at the intricacies and complexities of human relationships and throws light on how they survived the Holocaust and rebuilt their lives. The story is about how WWII breaks out when Abe was on a trip to America and Sonia was in Poland with their two children and had to deal with the Nazis. Theirs is a story of love, hope, resilience, strength, courage, and perseverance, and readers will be impressed by the way they made their life happen against all odds.
The story of Abe and Sonia is engaging and fascinating and sheds light on how they survived the challenges thrown at them despite being on separate continents and dealing with problems alone. Readers will find Abe and Sonia relatable as the author describes them and their personalities in detail, along with how their love story progressed. The memoir also throws light on the atrocities committed by Hitler on the Jews, planning the German attack on Poland, plans to extend Germany's borders and rule Poland, and how the war and the Holocaust affected all of them. The memoir is a fine blend of romance and history as it gives readers glimpses of WWII and the wonderful love story of Abe and Sonia where they survived being separated due to the war and how they managed to rebuild their lives.
Recommend this book:
Every Reason to Fail
The Unlikely Story of Miss Montana and the D-Day Squadron
Bryan Douglass
2021 Gold Medal
342 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Historical
Every Reason to Fail by Bryan Douglass is a mind-blowing, incredible non-fiction book centered around Miss Montana and the D-Day Squadron. Beginning with the creation of N24320 in 1944, this book tells of an exceptional military aircraft that was built too late to serve in World War II but eventually found purpose as part of a flying honor guard, invasion reenactor, and goodwill ambassador on the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. Written by pilot Bryan Douglass, this story also details the progress made to restore the 75-year-old historic plane in time for the transatlantic journey of the D-Day Squadron's Mighty Fifteen. In a year, the underdog of the D-Day Squadron faced insurmountable odds, constant delays, and a shortage of nearly everything except the determination of its crew.
Aviation, history, suspense, adventure, and teamwork are only a few of the things that make up Every Reason to Fail. Bryan Douglass truly hit the ball out of the park with this incredibly well-written and extraordinary book. By providing pictures of the plane and the crew, my interest in the book was piqued, and I couldn't stop reading. I loved how Bryan focused on the people who made the journey of Miss Montana possible. Bryan was exceptional at covering only the relevant events, making this book fast-paced and action-packed. Not only did he include the enormous support from the people of Missoula, but he also successfully captured the spirit of the Miss Montana crew and the beloved plane. Despite not going to war in 1944, the plane had a long history as a smoke-jumping, firefighting, and backcountry cargo plane in the Rocky Mountains. Reading this book has made me realize that all things are possible if you're determined to work hard for them and refuse to give up despite the obstacles in your way.