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:
Halloween Horror Nights Unofficial
The Story & Guide 2017
Christopher Ripley
2018 Finalist
354 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
Halloween Horror Nights Unofficial: The Story & Guide 2017 by Christopher Ripley is a colorful story, constructed around the historic and highly attended Horror Night (Halloween Party) in Orlando. And this is not fiction, neither is it your run-of-the-mill Halloween story. It is a powerful guide to one of the most attended events in the history of Orlando, a guide that offers a vivid and engaging history of the event, looking back at its twenty-seven-year history. This book is written for fans of Halloween Parties, especially those who are keen on witnessing the goriest, scariest, bloodiest, and most thrilling experiences of the most horrific night of the year. In this book, the author walks readers through the significant moments of the event, including the scare zones in HHN history, back stories of icons of the event, survival tips, maps, graphs and a lot more.
From the very first page, the reader knows they are not dealing with an amateur. Christopher Ripley writes in an excellent and professional style and the words flow with the confidence of someone who knows the subject matter intimately. The book is punctuated with entertaining illustrations and images, and readers will also enjoy the references that are so neatly integrated into the narrative. Halloween Horror Nights Unofficial: The Story & Guide 2017 had me intrigued and mesmerized. Apart from the author’s storytelling skills, he has a knack for arresting the reader’s attention with his popular, conversational style. This book is as entertaining as it is informative and after you’re done reading, you’ll want to be part of the exciting event.
Recommend this book:
Salsafy Your Life
Dancing Solutions to Energize Your Life an A-Z Guide
Claus Franz Overbeck
2018 Honorable Mention
136 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
Create a deeper connection with yourself, your partner, and your friends by learning the Salsa in the book, Salsafy Your Life (Dancing Solutions To Change Your Life An A-Z Guide) by Claus Franz Overbeck. Discover the healing power of the Salsa and feel your worries, troubles, and cares wash away as you dance to its rhythmic beat. Enjoy the music, follow the flow, and become one with your partner as you awaken your Kundalini, activating your chakras, and becoming mindful and focused on the moment. Learn how the Salsa can be used as a meditative dance, how you can awaken your authentic self, and become more open to new and exciting experiences; all through the creative energy of the spicy Salsa dance. Become your most vibrant self while balancing your feminine with your masculine and explore love in its purest form. What are you waiting for? Let's dance!
I loved this book. Salsafy Your Life (Dancing Solutions To Change Your Life An A-Z Guide) by Claus Franz Overbeck is a delightful, upbeat look into the Salsa as a dance, and as a therapy. I loved how the author starts by introducing the Salsa and its various forms, then instructs the reader on the basic steps, with links to more instructions and videos. After the reader learns the Salsa, they are guided through the many ways that the Salsa can improve their health, even citing a psychological study on the positive effects dancing has on depression. The beautiful blend of spirituality and dancing makes this book a must-read for the beginner and advanced dancer alike. If you are looking for a fun and inexpensive way to enhance your life, then this book is for you. Open yourself to the beauty and creativity of the Salsa and then dance like no one is watching!
Recommend this book:
The Outback Musician's Survival Guide
One Guy's Story of Surviving as an Independent Musician
Phil Circle
2018 Honorable Mention
216 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
The Outback Musician's Survival Guide is a non-fiction autobiographical account by author Phil Circle, described as ‘One Guy's Story of Surviving as an Independent Musician’. The book is compiled as a series of stories, some in a storyteller, fictionalized style whilst others are more anecdotal and directly addressing the audience. There is a common thread of the development of a very creative individual throughout them, and Circle always returns to the music and influences that his past and present life have on his work. The tales of struggle are certainly not watered down, but there’s a great sense of hope for aspiring indie musicians and advice to be taken from a strong voice of experience.
As an independent creative myself, I really appreciate the candor with which Phil Circle writes. It’s no easy business pursuing your craft when you don’t have (or want) the backing of the big machines which rule creative industries nowadays, and that struggle to get your voice heard is really prevalent in Circle’s work. The Outback Musician's Survival Guide, however, does what it says in its title, giving helpful insight and a clear reality check to those attempting to follow Phil Circle’s path. I particularly loved his message of passion and pursuing your art for the love of it first, then taking any success beyond that as a bonus. We tend to think this is only reserved for artistic people, but I believe Circle’s candid writings expand this metaphor as a way of living in general, and it’s an important message that everyone should hear.
Recommend this book:
Dance Across the USA
Jonathan Givens
2018 Gold Medal
306 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
Over the course of three months, Jonathan Givens trekked across the United States with a Canon camera in his trusty van, The Mighty Buford - and got in a few flyer miles as well, but only because one can't drive to Hawaii. The mission was to photograph dancers within each state. The end result is the sublimely rich and brilliantly executed book, Dance Across the USA. Amid its glossy pages are 163 dancers forever captured in both space and time, suspended within beautiful choreography that's matched only by the stunning backdrops of some of the United States' most intriguing landscapes. Some of the photography is so surreal that it feels as if it must have been filtered and Photoshopped. Not so, Givens promises, which undoubtedly cements this photographer's masterpiece in photojournalism a place among some of the best coffee table books a reader can find.
The first thing I thought when I came across the first photo was "Woah." It took a bit of time for me to absorb it in its entirety, as each photo is striking in its own way. My favorite was of twenty-four-year-old dancer Maryann Payne, transfixed in a one-armed handstand, elegant and lithe against the backdrop of The Alamo at sunrise. The strength of the dancer is the human embodiment of fortitude, consistent in representing the spirit of the famous San Antonio mission. Next to each photograph is a description of the location, the number of miles traveled, and a synopsis of how Givens accomplished the shot. All in all, this book is a must-have for all lovers of dance, travel, photography, and art.
Recommend this book:
Heresies of Music: An A-Z Diagnostic Guide
An A-Z Diagnostic Guide
Patrick Brislan
2017 Finalist
296 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
Heresies of Music: An A-Z Diagnostic Guide by Patrick Brislan is a book that will appeal to music aficionados. It’s a hilarious book that dissects facts about the traditions of music, great musical figures, singers and composers, concepts, and a lot of what people have come to believe in the music culture. From ideas on the treatment of Lisztomania to Drog’s prophecy about Electronic Music, the author lifts the veil to reveal his own truths about the institutions and traditions of music. This is the kind of book that will be disturbing to some, entertaining to others, and revealing to the many with very little knowledge about what goes on behind the music scenes.
Patrick Brislan is a master entertainer who seems to have invested a lot of time in researching this book, but what makes it hilarious is the wit and the humor that are blended together to create an interesting read. I found Heresies of Music: An A-Z Diagnostic Guide to be more than a work of entertainment because it informs the reader on a variety of topics in the music industry. Organized in an alphabetical order, the book contains powerful commentaries, anecdotes, and a critique of the many traditions in the music world. In the introduction, the author writes: “Despite the pejorative connotations of its name — and hence its reputation — heresy in fact serves some worthwhile purposes. Heresy challenges, and thereby threatens, orthodoxy. It hastens the decay of myths, lifts veils from mysteries, and provides some alternate clothing for naked emperors.” And this is what this book is all about: heresies of music. Readers will enjoy the terse tone, the excellent writing, and the unbridled humor.
Recommend this book:
Secrets of a Mariachi Violinist
D.R. Ransdell
2017 Honorable Mention
294 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
Secrets of a Mariachi Violinist by D.R. Ransdell is an engaging memoir that chronicles the life of a classical violinist and how she becomes a mariachi violinist. The author speaks about her direct experiences of playing in a mariachi group, about her life in Durango, Mexico, and her struggles to better herself as a violinist. Readers get to see her passion for violin and mariachi as they read her story and how she considered it to be her life. The book also educates readers about living in another country and learning its culture through the author’s experiences, as she takes up a job as an English speaking teacher in Durango. The author’s passion for music is tangible as the book progresses and takes readers into a world of something that is beautiful, rich, and valuable.
It is a fascinating book for all music lovers, especially those who are passionate about violin and mariachi. The author’s determination to pursue her passion while living in another country is encouraging to everyone as it not only speaks about her teaching, but also about adjusting to another culture and reinventing her music. The book throws light on mariachi music and gives us a lot of information about that style of music. The personal stories, experiences, and anecdotes shared by the author are helpful in drawing readers closer to her, her music, and her life in Durango. I found the book interesting as it not only educates us about a new style of music, but also shows how to adjust and adapt to a new culture in a good way.
Recommend this book:
OverEasy
Conversations with Pam Rossi
Pam Rossi
2016 Bronze Medal
470 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
OverEasy: Conversations with Pam Rossi by Pam Rossi is an entertaining book that highlights the power of music. OverEasy is a radio show that showcased music from classic rock artists. The book leaves readers with a good feeling and teaches them something new about the artists and their great music. Readers will enjoy the conversations and will also come across a lot of musical treasures in the OverEasy show. The private backstage stories and the laughter in the interviews strike a chord in the hearts of readers and, with the music shared in the book, readers get to know more about the kind of music that was played and the uniqueness of the show.
The book is interesting and readers will learn about a lot of musical gems, and also about the different genres of music. The interviews are quite interesting and candid, and the secrets and stories of these highly talented musicians will keep readers entertained till the very last page. The book brings alive the radio show for readers and for those who regularly used to tune into OverEasy, this book is a real treat. Readers can go directly to their favorite musician's page and see what they have to say about music and their vibrant experiences on stage. The musicians, their music, and their projects are all highlighted through the interviews shared in the book, making readers more aware of local Michigan artists.
Recommend this book:
Long Legs and Tall Tales
A Showgirl's Wacky, Sexy Journey to the Playboy Mansion and the Radio City Rockettes
Kristi Lynn Davis
2016 Silver Medal
468 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
What a fun, fun book I just finished reading, one that I simply could not put down once I started it! Long Legs and Tall Tales: A Showgirl's Wacky, Sexy Journey to the Playboy Mansion and the Radio City Rockettes by author Kristi Lynn Davis chronicles the author's wild and wacky adventures as she moves from being a sheltered, small town girl from the Midwest to a Radio City Rockette in the Big Apple, and then to a steamy traveling dancer with Playboy's Girls of Rock and Roll. Relaying fun, funny and sometimes pretty amazing stories about her experiences while traveling the road as a dancer, this book will keep readers riveted from start to finish!
I loved Long Legs and Tall Tales! Loved. It. How's that for a review? Author Kristi Lynn Davis has done a simply fabulous job at telling the story of her life as a dancer, both the glamorous and not so glamorous parts. Any reader who has wondered what it's like to live their life in the spotlight, to meet and party with celebrities, and to travel the globe as a part of their job, will be enthralled with this book. This is also a good book for those who are looking to break into show business themselves; it provides a great insider's look into the realities of a dancer's life and the sometimes harsh realities of the business. I very highly recommend Long Legs and Tall Tales, and I would love to read more from the very talented, funny and engaging author Kristi Lynn Davis in the very near future!
Recommend this book:
Basic Music Theory
Joe Procopio
2014 Honorable Mention
80 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
Basic Music Theory by Joe Procopio introduces readers to the concepts of music theory and music structure, starting with the very basics. This simple, but exceptionally easy to understand guide assists interested readers in learning the contents within keys, scales, intervals, chords, and chord extensions.
The author provides readers with easily read and understood concepts, a simple layout, formatted pages, and a full introduction to the basics of music. A beginner music learner can easily become comfortable studying Basic Music Theory. The author starts with the very basics of reading and understanding an entire sheet of music, by giving a great explanation of what each particular item is and its purpose. For example: the music staff and everything involved with it; the treble clef, bar line, time signature, double bar lines, and measures. As the reader progresses in studying the book, Joe offers practice exercises with included answers. As the book comes to an end, the author provides readers with advice on how to play the measures with exercises specifically for different kinds of instruments.
Not having much knowledge and understanding of music theory and structure prior to reading this book, I can confidently state I grasped the concepts being introduced, and gained exceptional knowledge on how to properly build scales, and learned the names for intervals and chords, and how they relate to one another. Joe Procopio has created a wonderful book chock full of valuable study information for anyone interested in learning about music, music theory, and music structure.
Recommend this book:
Naked on the Bench
My Adventures in Pianoland
Robin Spielberg
2014 Gold Medal
374 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
Naked on The Bench: My Adventures in Pianoland is an engaging memoir written by Robin Spielberg, a renowned composer, pianist, and recording artist. As a child, Robin has a recurring dream and this will have a lasting impact on the little girl. Hyperactive and obviously talented, she believes everyone goes through life with music playing in their minds like she does. She also chronicles her life as a budding artist and regales her readers with her triumphs and failures. In New York, she divides her time between playing the piano in upscale places and acting in theater, eventually ending up as one of the founders of a theater company. As she tells of her professional struggles as an artist, we also get a glimpse of the trials and triumphs in her personal life and this makes her story quite endearing.
There is no doubt that Robin Spielberg leads a charmed life but reading her memoir makes me realize that the lady is exceedingly charming herself. She tells her story with sprinklings of wit and humor, and dashes of sadness and sorrow. With careful attention to detail, she takes us with her as she traverses her path to follow her dreams. Her book is full of funny narratives about a young woman who is not only passionate about her art but also about life in general. Indeed, this memoir is a must-read for all who are trying to find their place in the world. In the end, one cannot help but admire Spielberg’s drive and determination, not only to reach the pinnacle of success but most especially to find the real measure of her triumphs.