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:
Retro Active Television
An In-Depth Perspective on Classic TV's Social Circuitry
Herbie J Pilato
2023 Finalist
240 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
Retro Active Television: An In-Depth Perspective on Classic TV's Social Circuitry by Herbie J Pilato delves into the television landscape throughout the decades to see how viewing trends developed. Join historian Pilato as he takes you through the ever-changing world of television with the evolution of entertainment that includes the early obsession with Westerns, mysteries, and medical dramas. Check out the black and white classics that started it all like Bewitched, then meet the first out-of-the-closet gay characters such as seen on Will and Grace. View the impact shows have on society that saw Doogie Houser inspiring a rise in computer sales through a weekly electronic diary and the creative influence of Star Trek. This book analyzes viewers’ interests and popular tendencies that have occurred to transport you throughout television’s rich and engaging history.
TV lovers, historians, and scholars will enjoy reading this thorough and incredible resource for all things television. From the perspective of someone that genuinely enjoys the medium, this book takes you on a journey from the beginning to more recent trends. The work includes a look at the quirky characters and science-fiction space adventures that have become favorites with viewers. Written from an analytic perspective, the book serves as an ideal source for studying the landscape of television. Television is used to attract attention and Herbie J Pilato examines how it has been used for marketing purposes which is a common phenomenon. It's fascinating to see how public tastes have changed over the decades, going from Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie to more Western-based content and dramas. The book provides many familiar examples for each genre such as education-based programs, puppets, mysteries, and game shows. The content of television programs later moved toward anthologies, talk shows, and country-themed rural sitcoms that saw the rise and fall of genres. Screen gems such as Leave It to Beaver, Bewitched, and Dennis the Menace are compared to the emergence of Nick at Nite with the Dick Van Dyke Show, while Christmas animations have stood the test of time. Each example gives you a well-rounded understanding of television’s history by seeing it through attitudes and preferences which reflect the changing decades. Well-researched and thorough, Retro Active Television is a must-have reference for those seeking to expand their television knowledge, delve into history, and understand TV trends.
Recommend this book:
Family Matters
dreams I couldn't share/and how a dysfunctional family became America's darling The Addams Family
Lance Lee
2023 Honorable Mention
436 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
Lance Lee has penned a biography, Family Matters, that allows readers into the imperfect and often heartbreaking behind-closed-doors story of his youth. Lee's father is the television creator of The Addams Family, a famous show of the 1960s that retains a cult following today. Lee's mother is the model Lucille Wilds. Lee recounts a wide-ranging number of stories that are relayed in mostly chronological order, dipping back for some memories and 19th-century family history and pushing forward with what he's heard and what he's seen. The American Dream is on full display and so too is the nuanced, unspoken truth of what we all know but are unwilling to admit: it's a myth. Manicured lawns and Manhattan apartments are just camouflage for debt, infidelity, family infighting, signs of sexual abuse, and seeing your mother and sister have to get on their knees and bark for a little spending money.
When a lot of Gentiles imagine antisemitism, it tends to be a violent and overt hatred that boils over into public visibility. Lance Lee immediately puts this thought to rest by speaking of micro-aggressions. Relinquishing a name and, to the horror of one's parents, marrying a Christian. Out of all of what happened and given the control of his paternal grandmother, this is shockingly less appalling than all that came after. Family Matters has a reader enthralled in the same way one watches a train wreck. You cannot turn yourself away, no matter how bad it gets. There's contempt mixed with a gross allure and signs of the impact that reverberate in Lee's later experiences. I saw parallels between Lee finding a tyrannical trigonometry teacher being the key to him succeeding in the subject as if he is so accustomed to fire branding that anything else is boring. From a literary standpoint, Family Matters is pitch-perfect and a fine read that is hard to digest and impossible to forget.
Recommend this book:
Making It in Country Music
An Insider's Look at the Industry
Rich Redmond with Jennifer Della'Zanna
2023 Bronze Medal
224 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
Making It in Country Music: An Insider's Look at the Industry by Rich Redmond with Jennifer Della'Zanna offers a candid, eye-opening exploration of Nashville's music scene and what it takes to make it in the country music industry. Redmond started playing drums at the age of eight. His father was transferred to Texas when he was eleven, and he soon joined the band at his new school. After completing his master's degree in music education, he moved to Dallas and later to Nashville to advance his music career. Redmond documents his journey, sharing invaluable advice for aspiring artists. He draws from his education and vast experience, including years of performing with country music megastar Jason Aldean on some of the biggest stages in the world and many other outstanding artists. He is also a successful songwriter and has recorded many radio hits.
For anyone seeking success as an artist, this is an invaluable work that offers an in-depth, unembellished look into the journey of an accomplished music artist. It also includes practical advice for anyone who wants to make it in other fields. Redmond's diligence, expertise, and commitment to his craft are inspiring. I loved that the perspectives of many other accomplished musicians are offered, and the work expands beyond Nashville to other cities. These perspectives include an analysis of country music's current state and possible future, which will prove helpful for young artists starting their journey and more accomplished musicians who want to expand their outlook and knowledge of the industry. An incredible work with many encouraging and informative discussions surrounding country music, Making It in Country Music by Rich Redmond with Jennifer Della'Zanna is a must-read for country artists.
Recommend this book:
Moments In Time
Stories About Artists & Songs Of The 50s, 60s, And 70s. For Fans Of Music ... From A Music Fan
Tom Locke
2023 Silver Medal
292 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
A simple formula of introducing a song, the rest of the story, the QR code, and the song. Simple and also effective in bringing interesting information about some of the songs we know, and many we have never heard. That’s the beauty of Tom Locke’s Moments in Time: Stories about Artists and Songs of the 50s, 60s and 70s for Fans of Music…From a Music Fan. The book presents many facts not often known about the origins of songs, including the similarity of “Rock Around the Clock” to Hank William’s “Move It on Over”, Johnny Cash’s recording of “Ring of Fire” first recorded by June Carter Cash’s sister and the interesting journey of the Bachelors and their song “Marie”. Buddy Holly’s “True Love Ways” is described as borrowing from the gospel song “I’ll Be Alright” which was one of his favorites.
The QR Codes bring the recordings to the reader, who listens to them after learning the background. It is truly a living book that can be read and played in any order. The songs are grouped by their categories rather than as a chronology. These include Early Days of Rock and Roll, From R and B to You and Me, Street Corner Harmony, Group Dynamics, The Girls with the Biggest Hits, Country Crossovers, From Across the Pond, Great Disappearing Acts, and several other sections with a wide variety of songs and their origins. Even strange songs like “The Ballad of Irving”, “Potato Chips”, “More Money for You and Me”, and “Yogi” were included as Just for Fun in the collection. “Here’s the Rest of the Story” is Paul Harvey’s formula which the author adopts for a series of radio scripts that make up the contents of this book about songs, the stories surrounding them, and the artists that made them famous. In Moments in Time by Tom Locke, readers can read the stories and listen to the music for many enjoyable hours.
Recommend this book:
Sneaky Showbiz
Simo Ben
2023 Gold Medal
254 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
I’ve never been a fan of magic, and when it comes to black magic, well I’ve always figured that’s the domain of fantasy fiction writers and filmmakers…that is, until I read Sneaky Showbiz by Simo Ben. Now I am seriously wondering if the downturns in my life were the result of bad choices, or is it just possible I’ve been the victim of black magic? If I lived in Morocco, I would definitely come to that conclusion! But for readers to fully grasp the extent to which black magic can disrupt lives, you have to read this book that Simo Ben, an entertainment reporter, took seven years to write. What he shares is mind-boggling.
Picture using a corpse’s hand to stir the popular dish of couscous to close a husband’s eyes to a cheating wife. Yes, Moroccans…many of whom are Muslim… believe that works. Or how about adding corpse water to someone’s coffee? Why corpses? Because “Everything that surrounds a corpse is priceless in the world of magic.” That priceless factor affords a sorceress like R’kia a lucrative income. Much of what Simo Ben shares with readers comes from countless hours hiding behind a curtain while he observes R’kia in action, meeting with those desperate for her spells. People seek her services…and pay big money…in hopes of attaining fame and fortune. Jealousy of others’ looks, wealth, and possessions is another prime reason for paying someone like R’kia to cast a spell.
But this is just a fraction of what will keep readers spellbound…pun intended…in Sneaky Showbiz. What is even more astonishing is the hypocrisy of Moroccan society, a factor that repulses both R’kia and Simo Ben. For instance, while virginity is highly prized and demanded of young women by their families, prostitution is rampant! And if anyone thinks the families aren’t aware of what their daughters do at night, think again. With such high poverty, for far too many it’s the only way to eat and pay rent. Then there’s the “fake success” of the many young women in the entertainment business. What younger girls aspire to as they follow these models and actresses on social media is a far cry from reality. Honestly, you just have to read this book to understand why Simo Ben has titled his expose Sneaky Showbiz.
Both the author and R’kia won’t spare your sensibilities or sensitivities when it comes to the language they use. So brace yourself. Ben is a great writer, but the presentation is raw in its honesty. Toward the end of the book. Simo Ben mentions a movie, Much Loved, that portrays the prostitution elements in Moroccan society. As this aspect was almost as incredible to me as black magic, I decided to watch some of that film before writing this review. Phew…eye-popping!
Recommend this book:
The Independent Filmmaker's Guide to the New Hollywood
Success in the Era of Netflix and Streaming Video
Gabriel Campisi
2022 Finalist
221 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
The Independent Filmmaker's Guide to the New Hollywood: Success in the Era of Netflix and Streaming Video by Gabriel Campisi is a comprehensive book that provides a first-hand account of the transformative nature of the visual entertainment industry and the radical shifts evolving within and without, for better or for worse. Campisi breaks his book down into two parts. The first part is an insider's guide that covers the industry, ranging from the different styles of delivery to the catastrophic financial ruin following flops [we're looking at you, Cutthroat Island], to filmmakers copying each other's homework and recycling themes in the same year, and on to the battle of the home streaming companies in a dog-eat-dog new world of media entertainment. The second part is a collection of interviews with an enormous number of industry professionals that round out all Campisi has taught us and raises new questions about what is to come, and how to harness it effectively.
My father-in-law grew up in a small California town with Academy Award-nominated special effects artist Randy Dutra, telling stories of how his childhood buddy would shoot animated movies in their neighboring garages before the pair were even aged in the double digits. This is what comes to mind when I now think of Gabriel Campisi and his experience starting from around the same age in The Independent Filmmaker's Guide to the New Hollywood. Campisi quotes George Lucas on the importance of the actual human element of a story over special effects, an eye-opening admission from a filmmaker I always associated with the latter. I loved having the curtain pulled back and reading a book that wasn't on acting - which are, frankly, a dime a dozen with very little by way of quality - and taking a deep dive with a highly seasoned Campisi. Part two is my favorite as the interviews are so diverse and we get a true sense of how firmly integrated into the industry our author is. The book is tightly written and concise, easy to navigate, and flush with details, and I am certain it will be a long-respected textbook to filmmakers, old and new.
Recommend this book:
Mysteries in the Music
Case Closed
Jim Berkenstadt
2022 Honorable Mention
275 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
Who actually discovered Elvis? Did the Beach Boys steal a song? Could a copper wire in a shoe be laced with cancer and kill a reggae legend? What was the outcome of the FBI's investigations into complaints about obscene lyrics on a record? How thorough was the investigation and how many millions were spent? Who was the true father of Mississippi Blues? Were there secret Supergroup collaborations in the late 60s? Is there an invisible song on the biggest album of the 90s? How did five of the greatest vocal and guitar geniuses get together to make an unforgettable album whilst finding hilarious ways to fool the world about their identities?
Jim Berkenstadt's thoroughly researched book, Mysteries in the Music, explores rumors and conspiracy theories around some of music’s greatest unanswered questions. In it, he investigates every conceivable avenue open to him, documents historical interviews, and conducts his own with those still alive to answer questions. As an experienced attorney, he makes no assumptions; instead, he sets out to trace and prove facts. The reader is left with no doubt of the veracity of the conclusions he reaches. Jim Berkenstadt literally ‘Closes Cases.’ He also does it all in a captivating and very often humorous manner. He is clearly passionate about music and this shines through his writing. He has been around for a while so is lucky enough to have met many of the people mentioned between these pages. I loved Mysteries in the Music and would recommend it to anyone interested in modern music.
Recommend this book:
The Uninvited
Steven Vance Taylor
2022 Bronze Medal
216 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
The Uninvited is the story of the greatest rock band you've probably never heard of. Steven Vance Taylor recounts his days on the road with the mid-90s alt-rock act The Uninvited, giving readers a rare glimpse into the lives of him and his fellow band members, who almost became the biggest band in the world. Steven recalls some entertaining personal anecdotes about being on the road with the band, like discovering they were lost after traveling almost 120 miles in the opposite direction on their way to a gig in Tulsa. Or being offered a huge contract by a reputable record label on the condition that their single "What God Said" tops the charts, only to be outshone by an emerging Kid Rock. Despite all the fame and money, Steven never forgot what was most important in his life, his love Mia.
Fans of alternative rock or music in general will find a lot to love about The Uninvited. Author Steven Vance Taylor offers an unflinching account of his days with the mid-90s alt-rock act, showcasing the struggles and challenges that came with being a rock star on the road. The narrative is written in an intimate and personal style that makes the people associated with the story relatable and easy to root for. The story feels authentic, and you find yourself genuinely caring about the band members and those closest to them. I very much enjoyed this book. If you love rock documentaries or a behind-the-scenes look at musical acts, I highly recommend The Uninvited.
Recommend this book:
Open Up
Alex Woodard
2022 Gold Medal
147 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
Open Up by Alex Woodard was full of unexpected treasures like those one might find in an old trunk full of well-lived memories. Bouncing between experiences of his teen ‘wonder years’ to the older and wiser present life lens, Woodard ‘opens up’ in his memoir with humor, raw emotion, and poetic musings. Accompanied by old family photos, song lyrics, and poems, we learn about key relationships that are fundamental to Woodard’s growth, including the significant impact of his mother’s dementia upon his multi-faceted relationship with her - an important touchstone throughout the book. His writing is strong, sarcastic (in a good way), and full of heart as he weaves the philosophical and the practical into one: “the most beautiful moments can’t be captured looking through a screen because when we capture through a screen, we miss capturing through our heart.”
Never overdone, Open Up moves quickly through each chapter, revealing a new angle on people, connecting modern times – like insights on technology - and dropping gifts for the reader to contemplate, like: “What good would knowing do, when the end stays the same?” Juxtaposing deep and meaningful to a Skippy peanut butter ad, I laughed out loud recalling the scene where lovestruck Woodard describes his co-star as “super-hot former Mouseketeer Annette Funicello”. Woodard, who is also a musician, encourages other artists to stay true to their craft. He challenges using the number of social media ‘likes’ as a proxy for quality, granting others permission to choose to go old school instead; face-to-face, up close, and personal. Open Up reveals how Woodard goes against the flow before learning to stand up and surf. Once in the flow, he trades the need for a father’s acceptance for the unconditional love of a yellow Labrador. Woodard’s beautiful unfolding will encourage and inspire others to Open Up their own treasure chest to live and love well.
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Dance Adventures
True Stories About Dancing Abroad
Megan Taylor Morrison
2021 Finalist
306 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
Dance Adventures: True Stories About Dancing Abroad by Megan Taylor Morrison is a unique collection of essays opening a doorway into the wonderful world of dance. If you're the curious type and like to learn new things, you'll love this book about dance. I must admit I didn't know much about the art form, only that I appreciate it on a casual level. But this anthology shows the diversity, power, and beauty of it from many walks of life and many points of view. What is striking about these stories is that they're true and cover a wide spectrum of topics, from dance passed down through generations to a sense of togetherness it can bring, to how it shaped their character and gave them a purpose and a form of expression. Besides dancers themselves, you'll hear from those who teach it, and those who study and write about it on an academic level. The stories delve into dance from all over the globe, from Brazil to China. You'll soon realize just what dance means to each culture, and how it can bring cultures together. Whether a novice or insider, you will get a lot from these stories and the people in them.
Morrison has crafted a thorough anthology that both entertains and educates. You'll be impressed with how comprehensive the anthology is, whether it be stories on the roots of dance, the connections dance brings, new discoveries during dance-related adventures, and inner growth. The accompanying images are a nice touch. From the Koukou dance to the dance called Pangalay, you will be informed. Like other art forms, dance encourages expression, self-esteem, healing, and positivity. You'll find humor, inspiration, and great examples of humanity, but there are some tough subjects too, so nothing is sugar-coated. Dance is one of our oldest and most universal forms of expression. During our time of social strife, dance can play a big part in bridging the gap between groups of people and can highlight more similarities than differences. They say time heals all wounds. Well, maybe dance can too. For an enriching cultural and educational experience, put Dance Adventures: True Stories About Dancing Abroad by Megan Taylor Morrison at the top of your reading list.