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:
Unsinkable Spirit
One Man's Journey that Changed the Lives of Thousands of Children
Fred Engh
2015 Honorable Mention
112 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
Unsinkable Spirit: One Man's Journey that Changed the Lives of Thousands of Children by Fred Engh is an inspirational memoir where the author takes readers into the world of sport. The book reveals the ugliness that exists in sports, thereby hampering the growth of a person. Fred Engh, a true visionary, dedicated his entire life to making a difference in the lives of children. This book is his story of fortitude, belief, determination and perseverance, and is definitely a book for all coaches, parents and children, irrespective of their age. The author created a global organization from humble beginnings that altered the landscape of youth sports for the better forever.
The book shows the spirit of Fred Engh, how he overcomes the obstacles in his life to create a non-profit organization, The National Alliance For Youth Sports (NAYS), that provides safe sports to the youth of America. The author's story and the pictures shared in the book help readers connect with the author and his story. The author's achievements speak of his caliber and his efficiency. The book is uplifting and changes the perspective of readers about sports, training and sports management. The author's passion, vision and commitment to reach out and help children throughout the world as well is motivational. An interesting memoir that speaks about one man's dedication to reach out to the youth and give them a healthy ambition to pursue sport.
Recommend this book:
Broken Pieces
Essays Inspired By Life
Rachel Thompson
2015 Bronze Medal
104 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
Broken Pieces by Rachel Thompson is truly a unique book. A compilation of essays, each one independent of but connected to the rest, so as to construct a seemingly random string of confessions from the very soul of the author. Seen as one, they make up a powerful narration of her life. Life-changing, scarring experiences that no woman should have to endure, such as childhood abuse and a passionate, karmic, but destructive love, deeply affected the author's psyche. Each word, each line leads the reader through her experiences, the depth of her emotions, flowing seamlessly from past to present, depicting how her past marked her marriage and family and formed the remarkable person she is today.
Rachel Thompson endeavors and eventually succeeds in getting the reader emotionally involved in her life's story, the unfathomable darkness and rawness of a multitude of the feelings she describes but which a large majority of readers will relate to. Every woman can relate to another woman's emotional world, her soul and the impact of tragedy, love, family and motherhood on a female's life. A large majority of women will even be able to identify with many of her expressed (or unexpressed) thoughts and emotions, even the more delicate nuances and colors. Broken Pieces is not only a memoir of the soul-searing experiences of a special woman. It is a tribute to the greatness of every woman's truth and essence, how deep she can love and trust, how dark the depths of her grief and pain are, but simultaneously how magnificent is her ability to rise from her ashes and love again. That's what all women are: the total sum of our scars - but glorious, nonetheless.
Recommend this book:
Life, Love, and a Hijacking
My Pan Am Memoir
Wendy Sue Knecht
2015 Bronze Medal
208 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
Life, Love, and a Hijacking by Wendy Sue Knecht begins with the great elation she felt at her selection by Pan Am, the joy of flying and the greater joy of clearing the bone caliper test. Getting nicknamed goodie-goodie for her adherence to rules, falling in love with her job, how the sweet aroma of travel as well as the fun of living with pools made this a remarkable life to lead; how each of the lands she frequented had their own distinct olfactory experience - like the pungent spicy smell of India or the smoky Turkish aroma of Istanbul - find description here. Missing out on planned events by unscheduled stops and delays, as well as her most idiotic move, a solo visit to Africa on an eight-day off, add anxious twists to this page turner.
Life, Love, and a Hijacking by Wendy Sue Knecht is a collection of memories rich in its variety and content. The excitement of the glamorous life the high flyers lead comes alive in these pages. Though in this book she mentions a condition, OCD, obsessive cleaning disorder, I think it is more likely that she has ORD, obsessive recollection disorder. I can tell that there aren’t many opportunities for entertainment or celebrations associated with a flying career that are not mentioned here. An excellent read, it held my attention from the moment I started till I turned the last page.
Recommend this book:
With Angel's Wings
Stephanie A. Collins
2015 Silver Medal
304 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
In With Angel's Wings by Stephanie A. Collins, Laura is a military wife who is expecting her second child. She has a beautiful three-year-old daughter and another beautiful girl on the way. But before she can give birth to the baby, her husband Kevin is deployed. At birth, the new baby is perfect, but thirteen days after her birth the doctor detects a heart murmur. Left alone with the responsibility of a young child and a toddler, Laura is desperate, but she never backs down. Soon her other daughter is also diagnosed with a disease that cripples Laura. With two children with special needs, she has to navigate a very narrow path. The horrors of both diseases bring out the strong woman in her and make her understand her own powers.
There are very few writers who have the ability to make the reader live the story. Stephanie A. Collins is one of those writers. With Angel's Wings is such a powerful tale of motherhood and love that your heart will cry for her. I really appreciated the fact that Collins did not sugarcoat anything. When diseases are this bad, there is nothing magical. Her passion and her despair were real and the reader could feel the emotion. You will not find many flowery words in the novel, but the words used are enough to move your heart and soul. Kudos to Collins for verbalizing her story in such a beautiful and riveting manner. Five stars!
Recommend this book:
America's Got Talent Winner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr
From Washing Cars to Hollywood Star
Landau Eugene Murphy Jr,Rick Robinson
2015 Gold Medal
160 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
America’s Got Talent Winner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr: From Washing Cars to Hollywood Star by Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. and Rick Robinson is a story about the 2011 AGT winner’s humble beginnings, success and his new life as a singer. I followed AGT almost devotedly in 2007 when Jerry Springer was the host along with judges David Hasselhoff, Sharon Osborne and Piers Morgan. The participants, especially the ones with incredible talent, were enjoyable to watch. Afterwards, due to the inconsistent airing time of the show (at least on my side of the world) AGT simply fell off the radar for me, but I’m always aware with its popularity.
I searched for Landau’s videos on YouTube starting from his audition, which I always consider the best part in any talent show. “The funny thing is, I didn’t enter America's Got Talent expecting that I would win.” This is the first sentence that begins his story and he looked relaxed enough during the audition. However, in his own words, “I was so nervous from the interview (with host Nick Cannon) I forgot to toss my gum into the garbage can before I walked onto the stage.” He was told by Piers Morgan to spit his gum, which he had to put in his pants pocket. Then he wowed the crowd with Sinatra’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”
With a clear-cut and witty prose, this is a great book and I enjoyed looking at the included photos of him with friends, fans and famous people. Gifted with a great voice, Landau’s story is humble yet deeply inspiring. To have a crooner like him is truly a blessing, as I don’t really get what the ‘kids’ are listening to today.
Recommend this book:
Higher than Me
The Story of the Voices of Glory
Claudia Stewart Farrell
2014 Finalist
382 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
Higher than Me: The Story of the Voices of Glory is the account of a family’s struggle and strength at the time of a horrific crisis when their mother, Felicia Cole, was hit by a drunk driver. The story follows Michael Cole’s story of how he had to care for his beloved wife while she was in a coma while juggling the care of his three children, Mikey, Avery, and Nadia, and his job at IBM. It also goes into Mike’s background of generational poverty that he had to endure at a young age with his ten siblings and how they were all separated by child services. The story explains how Mike’s remarkable children were inspired to create their own singing group with their “The Voices of Glory” and how their group went on to achieve national recognition.
Claudia Stewart Farrell writes with compelling depth and sensitivity about Mike Cole’s real life tragedy and how his strong faith in religion and God helped him and his family through it. The book is truly an inspiring book about hope and faith that the world needs urgently. I’m not particularly religious, but this book will move you even if you don’t believe in God. It is also a story about deep family values and how love will get you through the tough times. I shed many tears while reading this book and it warmed my heart to read about the inspirational Cole family. They really touched my heart and my life. They taught me many valuable lessons about tenacity, strength, and perseverance. There are many levels to this book and, overall, it is inspiring and insightful!
Recommend this book:
A Far Cry...from Home
A Mother's Journey of Loss, Loss and Healing...Through the Eyes of an Angel
Sandy Richards
2014 Honorable Mention
211 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
The loss of a loved one is a painful transition that, unfortunately, many people are forced to experience. Though the mourning process is spent with many dark, difficult days, the power of words have served to comfort those in need. In A Far Cry...From Home by Sandy Richards, the memoir of her son's early death is told through the eyes of an angel...her son himself. Written with a raw and organic diction, this book will comfort you through the difficult days of healing. No matter where you are in your life, you will be touched by the beautiful piece of art that author Sandy Richards so humbly paints.
Life is filled with critical moments divinely placed in one's life that challenge, hurt, and strengthen the soul. While I have not firsthand experienced an excruciating loss, there have been moments that moved me. A Far Cry...From Home by Sandy Richards was a book that encouraged me. What I loved most about the book is the unique point of view that Richards took on. Typically, a book about a loss would be written from the point of the view of the one who lost the other person, but Richards decided to tell the story through her son, who passed away at a young age. This story was beautifully written, displaying the fullest extent of excellence. I could not imagine the pain she felt when retelling the story, but I have full confidence in that through telling it, many lives will be touched with a spark of hope to get through their difficult time.
Recommend this book:
Naked
Stripped by a Man and Hurricane Katrina
Julie Freed
2014 Bronze Medal
198 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
Naked: Stripped by a Man and Hurricane Katrina by Julie Freed is the motivating story of a woman who overcomes loss and disaster with a lot of strength and will power. Julie finds herself amid turmoil and chaos when her marriage disintegrates and she faces a divorce. Simultaneously, living in the Gulf Coast she finds her home destroyed in the hurricane. It is an incredible story of setbacks and losses, hurt and rejection, and ultimately rising above all the crises and turning life around in a positive way. The author's expressions, experiences and traumas are eloquently shared with readers and anyone who has undergone a personal loss can relate to the story.
It is a powerful and emotional memoir about a woman who starts rebuilding her life. The story is honest and stark and it shows the strength of a woman who does not give up, despite the setbacks she faces. The starkness, rawness and the candor with which the author has written the story is gripping. It is a story of loss, redemption, survival and finally renewal that will inspire and motivate many readers and also leave them tearful. The author's experiences and emotions are so personal that it is like reading a personal diary. The memoir is poignant and the author pulls readers into the story, making them feel as if it is their personal journey. The story is empowering and can be equated to a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Recommend this book:
Both Sides Now
A True Story of Love, Loss, and Bold Living
Nancy Sharp
2014 Silver Medal
306 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
Nancy Sharp and Brett Brett Zickerman seemed to be the perfect couple until, unbelievably, he got brain cancer while only in his 30s. After surgery and chemotherapy it seemed his cancer was gone, but since they knew he would be sterile after the chemo, they had stored some of his sperm. They felt safe to have children, and so proceeded with in vitro. When she got pregnant, they learned they were to have twins, and life seemed to be joyful again. But on the very day she gave birth to Rebecca and Casey, they found that Brett’s cancer had returned. Throughout Both Sides Now, a sensitive book of many short chapters, you’ll grieve with Nancy as they celebrate Brett’s last cheese steak sandwich, the last dinner party with friends, and his last goodbye with the children. He fought the cancer as long as he could and then suddenly he was gone. The twins were just toddlers and didn’t understand. They would wait for him outside his bedroom door. They were afraid for their mother to go anywhere without them for fear she wouldn’t come back either. You’ll weep at the tenderness of the children missing their father. And finally the story comes full circle, and they find a temple to belong to. They move on with their lives, as a family team, and find normalcy once again. Brett is always with them and they will always miss him, but life is happy again and their hearts are open to new experiences.
Both Sides Now is a true story and conveys the raw nature of life when hard things happen. It’s painful when loved ones get sick and die and yet a young mother has to go on for her children. Nancy Sharp’s story should help bring comfort to others facing the impossible. This is a fabulous book that made me cry in a few spots and I'm not usually one to cry; maybe at a movie, but never a book. Five stars to Both Sides Now.
Recommend this book:
Freeways to Flip-Flops
A Family's Year of Gutsy Living on a Tropical Island
Sonia Marsh
2014 Gold Medal
328 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
Freeways to Flip Flops: A Family’s Year of Gutsy Living on A Tropical Island written by author Sonia Marsh is the true tale of her family’s adventure. Duke Marsh was a very successful lawyer in Orange County, CA. He, his wife Sonia, and their three sons, Steve, Alec and Josh were living the American dream. They had a 3500 square ft. home in a very nice neighborhood and were financially secure. However, their son Steve was rebelling. Duke and Sonia were very concerned for their oldest son and perhaps they craved the adventure of something out of the ordinary. For whatever reason, they sold their home and packed up the kids and the dog and moved to the paradise of Belize. Duke adjusted to the laid back culture faster than the rest of the family. At times, Sonia worried that he had adjusted too fast. They saw a change in Steve; he became more responsible and focused. They also saw a change in Alex; he tried to adapt but it was not easy. They had sacrificed the well-being of one son to save the other.
There is so much more to Freeways to Flip Flops than I can share in this review. I found their adventure to be fascinating. Author Sonia Marsh’s writing style was conversational. I felt as if we were sharing a cup of coffee as she told me about their year in Belize. Her words are very descriptive. This tale is humorous at times and a little frightening too. I would also consider this tale a love story for it is obvious that Sonia and Duke love each other and their children. Freeways to Flip Flops is a fascinating look at the life of one family when they give up the materialistic rat race and move to a hut in what they believe will be paradise.