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:
Plantation Theory
The Black Professional's Struggle Between Freedom and Security
John Graham

2022 Silver Medal
150 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Motivational

Plantation Theory by John Graham sheds light on the plight of Black people working in various companies of corporate America who never get a fair chance to climb the ladder. Systemic racism is embedded into the very fabric of basically every major American institution. That also includes corporate America. Author John Graham draws from his own personal experiences and uses anecdotes of some fellow Black professionals to showcase how the work done by African Americans in companies is often overlooked or bypassed in favor of someone with a lighter skin tone. To put things in perspective, there are only four Black CEOs currently leading a Fortune 500 company. And not a single of one them is a woman. Graham cites multiple examples where qualified Black professionals aren't given the opportunity to succeed.
Plantation Theory is a must-read for anyone interested in the inner workings of companies that represent corporate America. The work culture and environment cultivated within the framework of the industry systematically prohibits the growth of Black professionals and becomes a major barrier in the linear rise of their career trajectories. John Graham minces no words in his sharp and accurate criticism of the institutions that protect the status quo and make it nigh impossible for oppressed minorities to bridge the gap between the socio-economic divide. In one of the examples, Graham relates how Black people in certain situations are sometimes forced to change the way they talk to mingle with their White colleagues. This is one of the best books I've read this year. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Magical Guide to Bliss
Daily Keys to Unlock Your Dreams, Spirit and Inner Bliss
Meg Nocero

2022 Gold Medal
464 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Motivational

The Magical Guide to Bliss: Daily Keys to Unlock Your Dreams, Spirit and Inner Bliss by Meg Nocero is a fabulous self-help book. The cover, title, and sub-title immediately caught my eye. It is as much fun and as useful as the title and sub-title imply and I am delighted that I chose to read it. It is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide that reflects our needs and caters to them. I loved the way the author addresses the issues. I enjoyed the book and also her wisdom. This book is inspiring and the focus on positive thinking is so important nowadays. Too many people are disgruntled, exhausted, and close to burnout. We do need this type of guide and I am extremely grateful to Meg for sharing her thoughts.
The Magical Guide to Bliss by Meg Nocero is an amazing self-improvement guide that focuses on sharing daily slices of wisdom. It is perfect for busy people, like me, who can only take a few minutes every day to explore ways to better our lives, to make our days more blissful, and more importantly, more meaningful. We tend to forget ourselves while helping others such as family members or students. We also live in a world in crisis and we need to pause each day and do something for ourselves. This book is one I will read every day. What it covers is essential reading and should be made mandatory for all children from a young age.
Recommend this book:
7 Unicorn Drive
From Startup To A Billion Dollar Sale In 7 Years — A People-First Leadership Success Story
Dani Polajnar

2021 Finalist
302 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Motivational

I have never read a book quite like 7 Unicorn Drive by Dani Polajnar. It is a non-fiction story about the adventure of Iza and Samo Login - a couple that is connected in as many ways as a couple could be, and yet they are so different that they complement each other. The two are humble, well-grounded, and demanding of themselves in the workplace. This makes them the ideal candidates to set out on the life journey of all life journeys together. So they decide to become self-employed and start this epic adventure. Samo quits work at a big all-time company that specializes in IT and handpicks a small team of colleagues to come with him. Each is to buy in a percentage share, and together they plan to form a company with well-grounded ethics working through the favoritism of the universe to reach the all-time goal of 100 million in profit over 5 years by writing apps that people will download.
Dani Polajnar's 7 Unicorn Drive: From Startup To A Billion Dollar Sale In 7 Years is a fascinating story that keeps you glued to your reading as the book unfolds. I can highly recommend it as a motivational real-life story, as well as a tale that will keep you intrigued to the end. For everyone who is aspiring to become someone without getting lost in the rat race of the corporate jungle, this book by Dani Polajner is definitely for you. It teaches you to set clear goals and how to attain them step by step. I loved it to the end and, in fact, I think I will happily read it again soon.
Recommend this book:
Unbounded
Journey to Your Within
Aaron McCormick

2021 Honorable Mention
206 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Motivational

We all need inspiration at some point in our lives, some more than others. Despite the challenges in his childhood from being raised by a single mother, along with his three siblings on the Southside of Chicago, and no college education, author Aaron McCormick was able to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. Throughout his life, he has accomplished a lot which comes with some life lessons that can be an asset and beneficial for others on their journey. He is using everything that he's acquired from being a multi-million dollar top-performing sales executive, entrepreneur, and international speaker to getting his MBA to help others by packaging it into a book, Unbounded: Journey to Your Within. He begins with the question that we all ask at some essential time of our lives: What is my true purpose? This handy book will help you to navigate through the clutter and go beyond your fears, uncertainty, and take the risks necessary to live your life to the fullest.
If you want to improve, you must be honest and open about everything, which is what Unbounded: Journey to Your Within by Aaron McCormick offers. In order to tap into that purpose, this book challenges you to look at everything that surrounds you. As you get into the weeds of your life, you will discover what holds you back and what works. These are the gems of this book. I fully enjoyed that no subject was taboo; it was all laid out from anxiety, tough love, relationships, and anxiety to forgiveness. To get the best that this book has to offer, get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive in because Aaron asks some tough questions to make you go inward. Enjoy!
Recommend this book:
The Little Book of Greatness
A Parable About Unlocking Your Destiny
Ari Gunzburg

2021 Bronze Medal
239 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Motivational

When a distraught man stands on a cliff, contemplating the ineffectiveness of his life, fate steps in, enabling him to change the course of his life in the motivational allegory, The Little Book of Greatness (A Parable About Unlocking Your Destiny) by Ari Gunzburg. Lost in the unceasing, time-sucking bombardment of the media, and feeling inadequate to meet any personal goals, David is at the end of his rope. Out of the darkness, a man approaches and offers David a way to turn his life around. Introducing David to the idea of unlocking his dormant greatness, the stranger gives him the name of the first of five keyholders who help people transform their lives and achieve their dreams. Intrigued, David agrees to meet the first keyholder and returns to his car at the bottom of the hill. The next day, David meets Regina, who guides him to each of the 5 keyholders, and his journey into unlocking his destiny commences.
Illustrating the advantages of spiritual and self-awareness, The Little Book of Greatness (A Parable About Unlocking Your Destiny) by Ari Gunzburg is a profound and eye-opening guide to an empowered and meaningful life. Written as a short allegory, it is an absorbing story that introduces the five keys to greatness and how they have the potential to alter and revolutionize lives. In a step-by-step approach, it teaches the reader how to revise perspectives and attitudes and how to be in the moment, effectively gaining the ability to transform our mindset into a more positive vibration, ultimately promoting the means to living our best lives and achieving our dreams. It is a thought-provoking and motivational book that will inspire everyone who desires to get off the treadmill and attain the life of their dreams. I challenge everyone who wants to be different and to make a difference to read the book, apply its concepts, and change their life!
Recommend this book:
Heart-Dreamer
Stepping into Life, Love, Creativity and Dreams - No Matter What
Cheryl Melody Baskin

2021 Silver Medal
267 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Motivational

Heart-Dreamer: Stepping into Life, Love, Creativity and Dreams - No Matter What by Cheryl Melody Baskin is a wonderfully inspiring and motivating way to think with your heart instead of your head, which will automatically have you pursuing your dreams or returning to the lost dreams you've left behind. We're born creative creatures, but sometimes life, goals, work, and other obligations get in the way of building our dreams. Baskin shows us how to return to our first loves - our dreams - to achieve happiness and success. Yes, we all face challenges, and it seems that fulfilling our dreams might be a fruitless venture. But with determination and a plan (and this book, of course) you can head in a positive direction toward healing and personal satisfaction.
Baskin has crafted the perfect guide for those who have lost a dream, and I like her idea that those who think they have no dream can find one if they allow themselves to look inside and are open to it. The author writes with a concise, personal style that is highly enjoyable and relatable. The life advice within these pages can help you attain self-awareness, better health, self-forgiveness, and a solid foundation for moving forward. You'll find inspirational quotes like "A life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit," and other thought-provoking prompts to get you thinking about your own needs, goals, and dreams. I especially like the author's concept of finding your inner child or going back to the joys and dreams you had as a child and using them in your dream journey. The cultural references are entertaining and inspiring as well. This book would be great for anyone in a slump or anyone just starting out in life and wondering how to choose the right path. If that is you, pick up Heart-Dreamer: Stepping into Life, Love, Creativity and Dreams - No Matter What by Cheryl Melody Baskin.
Recommend this book:
A Gay Man's Guide to Life
Get Real, Stand Tall, and Take Your Place
Britt East

2021 Gold Medal
274 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Motivational

A Gay Man's Guide To Life: Get Real, Stand Tall, and Take Your Place by Britt East is written for gay men and represents life seen through the lens of a gay man. The author's story is a good tool for gay readers not to repeat the mistakes he made because of their sexual and cultural orientation. The memoir will help gay men own their truths, acknowledge their harms, atone, amend, and then move on so that they are empowered. The author's words are a good way for the community to get to know gay men and understand them better. The book is a good manual that will help gay men implement the practices they require to live their most authentic life so that they can start thriving.
A Gay Man's Guide To Life is straightforward and honest. Britt East speaks of his childhood being lonely. His conflicting emotions, being too tender-hearted, and his masculine and feminine traits that confounded many people he met and how they affected him have been discussed in detail. The importance of self-love is stressed, and he also stresses the importance of having a good relationship with the body. The author's approach to the topic will give confidence to gay men to thrive as gay men, and come to terms with their homosexuality, manhood, and gender identity. The author's personal experiences that shaped him to be who he is today will help readers understand him and his words better - which are insightful, uplifting, and motivating. The techniques and suggestions he shares are helpful to gay readers to take hold of their lives.
Recommend this book:
Conquering Life's Course
Common Sense in Chaotic Times
Richard V. Battle

2020 Finalist
222 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Motivational

Conquering Life's Course: Common Sense in Chaotic Times by Richard V. Battle is a book of practical wisdom to face the doldrums of everyday life and find more meaning and fulfillment navigating the challenges that life throws at the reader. The author defines the reader right from the start and spells out the purpose of the book in simple and clear terms: It’s not a book for the academic, but for the ordinary person and is aimed at providing them with tools that will help them create a better life for themselves and their children. In this book, readers receive lessons the author learned from his parents and lessons he’s passed on to his daughter. It also features stories and essays containing what the author calls “lessons that I learned from my positive and knothead experiences, and the complementary education that I received from observing the lives of others.”
The book is filled with insights and some of the topics are really spot-on and required reading for contemporary readers. I enjoyed how the writing and the message of this book invited me to think about my actions, to become aware of what happens around and within me, and to use the power of observation to steer my actions towards positive outcomes. In this book, readers will understand how hurtful peer pressure can be and how it has gradually become part of our human nature, to the point that very few people understand they aren’t acting out of their own free will. The stories are inspiring, and Richard V. Battle uses humor to augment the delight the reader finds in these pages. The writing is fluid and confident and the popular tone of voice invites readers to indulge in frank conversations with themselves and to be more critical about their choices in life. Conquering Life's Course: Common Sense in Chaotic Times is a gift that will change the way we face life every day and give us the wisdom to navigate life freely, reach deeper levels of success, and experience less stress. It is a must-read for anyone looking for tools to improve their life.
Recommend this book:
The Mentor In Me
What To Do & What Not To Do
William Todd

2020 Honorable Mention
154 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Motivational

In every aspect of our lives, we all should have a mentor. You probably had a mentor and didn't know it. A mentor is someone that you confide in and trust from your personal development and business to spirituality. The mentor helps you to navigate onto a better path for the future. In this self-help book, The Mentor In Me: What To Do & What Not To Do by William Todd, the reader will learn about the author as he discovers a lot about himself. Through his own journey, while being mentored by author Bob Proctor (Thoughts Are Things, It's Not About the Money and many other works), he explains how the Seven Levels of Awareness principles changed his life and can change yours too. This book provides the tools necessary for creating and developing a mental paradigm shift in your behavior and thinking. This book offers readers the mentor approach of the deep dive from dos and don'ts to words of wisdom as they embark on their journey without being bogged down with fluff. The reader will learn a wealth of useful information as the author gives real-life examples and quotes.
I enjoyed The Mentor In Me because sometimes I can get buried under things in life that either don't suit, serve, or lead to anything productive. Reading this book has helped to unclog the wheels that are churning in my mind; as a mentor would. Just like William Todd states; with a mentor you may not always listen or agree but the goal is to acquire optimum results with each step that you take. If you're not getting the results that you desire, remember it's insane to keep on doing the same thing. In order to improve your life, you have to work at it. I love this statement by Bob Proctor that sums it up: "The Mentor in Me is not a book that you pick up and read. It’s a book you form a relationship with and you study daily for the rest of your life." Change takes practice so if you're looking for life improvements, add this book to your library. Enjoy!
Recommend this book:
What Game Are You Playing?
A Framework for Redefining Success and Achieving What Matters Most
Robin Moriarty, PhD

2020 Bronze Medal
184 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Motivational

Do you feel burdened by your life – the life that you were conditioned to live? Do you feel like your life is meeting the expectations of others, but not bringing fulfillment and joy to you? If so, this self-help book is the one for you! By using the concept of life being a game you play, you can decide what the game will be. The author’s personal goal is “Spending the Most Amount of Time in the Coolest Places,” and she is living it now. By developing a business career centered around traveling to different cultures and continents, Robin Moriarty, Ph.D. shares her method in What Game Are You Playing? A Framework for Redefining Success and Achieving What Matters Most.
A great amount of information is contained within this book, and it is imparted in captivating ways. There is a pragmatic and often humorous tone throughout her writing, engaging the reader from the first page to the last. The author shares her own poignant story. The sketches in each chapter are eye-catching and helpful. The worksheets illustrate how to achieve your goals. While every chapter leads the reader through the process of change, two of them are especially beneficial. Chapter 6, Designing a New Game, spells out a practical process. Chapter 10's What Are You Waiting For? is delightfully motivational. What Game Are You Playing? A Framework for Redefining Success and Achieving What Matters Most, written by Robin Moriarty, Ph.D., can be a life-changing guide for anyone who wants to find satisfaction and joy in life.
