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 - Science/Technology
- 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:
Night of the Hawk
Poems
Lauren Martin

2025 Finalist
88 Pages
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Poetry - Inspirational

Night of the Hawk by Lauren Martin is a collection of the author's original poetry, consisting primarily of free verse poems but also incorporating occasional sprinklings formatted in epistolary, list, and even one in the classical ode style. Each poem exhibits its own distinctive length, tone, and tenor and conveys a message unique to itself. ÒSun Wè Mímó invokes the Yoruba goddess for purification and forgiveness, leaning toward themes of renewal and abundance. Tuesdays looks into the aftermath of a significant loss, symbolized by a red leaf, conveying a mix of sorrow and difficulty in acceptance. Chattanooga expresses admiration for another artist, celebrating the shared love for creativity and the resonance found in mutual experiences. Throughout the collection, Martin offers diverse emotional landscapes and experiences, gifting readers with a variety of poetic forms and insights.
Lauren Martin gives us a masterclass on what it means to convey thematic richness and emotional depth in contemporary poetry in Night of the Hawk, displaying the versatility of both form and function. We get intimate glimpses into Martin's personal experiences and emotions, organically fostering authenticity and relatability. For example, Mother serves as a heartfelt tribute, celebrating a mother's resilience and imparting wisdom with sincerity. For me, I most appreciated the works that address social issues, such as feminism, environmentalism, and societal expectations. Yemoja Speaks to Scott Pruitt, which confronts environmental concerns using the voice of a deity to advocate for the protection of the oceans and marine life, was my favorite and the standout for me. Overall, Martin delivers a beautiful, thoughtful, and thought-provoking body of work that will delight those who take the time to absorb it. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Unleashing the Power Within
A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Poetry
Lisa McCarthy

2025 Bronze Medal
102 Pages
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Poetry - Inspirational

Unleashing the Power Within by Lisa McCarthy is a collection of original poems that cover multiple themes, with each reading as a standalone, and all ranging greatly in length, tone, and tenor. The poem New Year, New Chapter uses a rhythmic, chant-like structure and an optimistic tone to encourage looking inward and goal setting, symbolizing transformation at the start of the new year. Embracing Life with Gratitude and Joy uses a smooth, flowing rhythm to harness the importance of living with gratitude and a positive attitude, even in hardship. A Helping Hand is structured with rhymed quatrains (ABAB) and a steady rhythm, leaning into the impact of kindness and compassion. My Promise of Heavenly Father uses a reflective style to convey reassurance, divine guidance, and strength during difficult times.
Unleashing the Power Within: A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Poetry by Lisa McCarthy is a beautiful poetry collection, and I went back multiple times to reread several pieces of McCarthy's work. It's so hard to pick a favorite, but I love March On, Brave Soul, which uses rhymed verse to deliver a powerful message of resilience, encouraging readers to embrace change and recognize their own strength. A steady rhythm and rhyme to create a sense of urgency and forward motion is one of the hardest things to capture on a page, but McCarthy does it easily. I also enjoyed The Butterfly's Lesson on Life, which is written in rhymed couplets and uses the symbolism of the butterfly’s metamorphosis to illustrate transformation and fleeting beauty. Here, McCarthy’s adept use of rhyme and meter elevates the impact of her words. Overall, this is a remarkable collation of work and one that lovers of poetry will agree is absolutely worth a read. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Unheard
Bhavini Bhargava

2025 Silver Medal
128 Pages
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Poetry - Inspirational

Unheard is a collection of poems by Bhavini Bhargava. The author started with a focus on badminton, but after an injury, she moved to cricket and her poems reflect the shift. The pieces are meant for every age group, as Bhargava covers a period between her fifteenth and nineteenth years. She discusses love, loss, grief, success, and determination in her work, mirroring the decisions that led her to Australian pitches where she continues her sports-related dreams with a full college scholarship. Drawings accompany her poems and most lines follow an AABB pattern.
Have you ever felt something so deeply that even if you spoke it aloud, you believe it would not be heard? Bhavini Bhargava lays open her heart as she details her deepest emotions and shows her unbreakable spirit. Even in the introduction, Bhargava uses a poem to describe herself during the time she penned her poems, showing readers that poetry is her chosen form of expression. Readers can tell that Bhargava focuses on her dreams and encourages them to pursue their wishes as soon as possible. Her work is inspirational, and some short poems could even be used as affirmations. With a lovely vocabulary and intense emotion, Bhargava maintains positivity, even when she conveys disappointment. "Society's Reality" touched me the most, and I feel it is one of the truest pieces I have ever read. Readers who enjoy poetry by tenacious individuals, which echoes the thoughts of many in their late teens as they journey through lost love and a search for purpose, will love Unheard.
Recommend this book:
The Lilacs I Once Knew
Friddie’s Poems
Roni Rosenthal, Lior Gazit-Rosenthal

2025 Gold Medal
194 Pages
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Poetry - Inspirational

The Lilacs I Once Knew by Roni Rosenthal is a collection of poems. In 1937, in Bucharest, Romania, Rosenthal's cousin Freda Stoleru married a scientist her parents disapproved of. Just weeks after they were married, her new husband disappeared. Friddie was accused of the crime. Was she a scapegoat? Was it because she was Jewish? Friddie was then thrown into a Romanian prison for nearly a decade. After that, she languished in a communist labor camp for four years. Separated by life periods, the over 100-poem collection begins with Friddie's journey as a young woman. Halfway through the poetry diary, the concepts become more intense. Friddie, seemingly feeling more depressed and desperate with each passing day, expresses thoughts and feelings about how her captors grew from innocent boys into the violent men she knows.
The Lilacs I Once Knew by Roni Rosenthal should be required reading. In my opinion, it is a classic collection and is still relevant today. Never having read anything so real, raw, personal, and powerful, I was overwhelmed. Therefore, I suggest savoring only a few poems at a time to get the pure essence of each one. Like Friddie herself, her poetry is a mix of both delicate grace and icy endurance. Although her circumstances were extreme, I found the nature themes threaded throughout the rhymes relatable. Friddie's poem "Mama's Lessons" is a favorite of mine. It is a memorial to her youth. She recounts memories of her nurturing mother and mentions the scent of lilacs, which the young poet sees as a symbol of hope. I admire Friddie, who was a brave warrior for putting into words her anger, fear, and eventually maybe even acceptance of her impending death. Friddie's life mattered. Such honest words are a testament to her innocence, proving not only that the "pen is mightier than the sword," but misguided vengeance is no match for a stellar human spirit like that of Friddie Stoleru.
Recommend this book:
Letters to Untitled
Tósìn Peters

2024 Finalist
106 Pages
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Poetry - Inspirational

Letters to Untitled is a collection of poetic works in the healing, mental health, and emotive writing subgenres. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Tósìn Peters. This powerful collection of poetry and prose delves into the depths of human emotion and experience. Divided into four distinct sections—Pain, Trauma, Shedding, and Deconstruction—the book takes readers on a profound journey through the complexities of life and healing. Each poem and prose piece is a raw and honest exploration of themes such as love, heartbreak, childhood trauma, and religious trauma, resulting in a deeply emotional and thought-provoking experience that both allows you to get to know the author and to reflect on yourself.
Author Tósìn Peters has a remarkable ability to capture the essence of pain, trauma, and the process of healing through words that resonate with authenticity. What struck me most about this collection is its ability to evoke empathy and understanding through carefully crafted images and delicately placed words that never overdo their references or sensations. Peters's words are not just an expression of personal experiences but also a universal invitation for readers to reflect on their own journeys of pain, healing, and self-discovery. The writing is both vulnerable and wise, offering solace and inspiration to those who have faced similar challenges in life. As someone who appreciates poetry that delves into the depths of human psychology and emotion, Letters to Untitled left a lasting impression. Overall, it's a reminder of the power of words to heal and connect us on a profound level and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone seeking solace and insight into the human experience.
Recommend this book:
Patience, Insanity, and Wisdom
Anna Casamento Arrigo

2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Poetry - Inspirational

Patience, Insanity, and Wisdom is a collection of poetry in the inspirational, slice-of-life, and emotive writing subgenres. It is suitable for the general teen and adult reading audiences. Penned by author Anna Casamento Arrigo, this visceral feast explores a wide range of emotions and themes, from love and overcoming obstacles to grief, betrayal, childhood, and depression. Arrigo's words are not only thought-provoking but also emotionally charged, making each poem a journey of self-discovery and reflection. The inclusion of artwork between the poems adds an extra layer of depth to the reading experience, creating a harmonious fusion of words and visuals.
Whether it's the realization that you are enough or the exploration of generational differences, author Anna Casamento Arrigo's poetry has a way of speaking directly to the heart and soul. What struck me most about this collection is its ability to resonate on multiple levels, drawing from sophisticated literary techniques but also remaining highly accessible and easy to read. As I explored these vivid and varied poems, I found myself immersed in the intricate tapestry of human emotions and experiences. Each piece felt like a glimpse into the author's soul, and her talent for conveying complex feelings through beautifully crafted verses is evident. For me, the works on Alzheimer’s and loss particularly struck a chord. Arrigo's ability to capture the essence of life's ups and downs is nothing short of remarkable, and I wholeheartedly recommend this collection to anyone who appreciates the power of words to inspire, heal, and provoke deep introspection. Overall, Patience, Insanity, and Wisdom is an accomplished poetic journey that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
Recommend this book:
Wild Child of the Monsoons
Ann Zachariah, M.D.

2024 Bronze Medal
95 Pages
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Poetry - Inspirational

Wild Child of the Monsoons by Ann Zachariah, M.D. is a collection of poems that touches on various themes ranging from pain and love to grief. Like the rains in a monsoon, the emotions from these poems rain upon you and drench you in lyrical prose that will touch your very soul. Speaking of the resilience of human beings and their ability to overcome immense hardship and pain, Wild Child of the Monsoons invites the reader to delve into their mind and find inspiration.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Wild Child of the Monsoons by Ann Zachariah. The poems were all beautifully written and so emotionally provocative that I read the book in one sitting. I will say I have found myself going back to read a few poems especially Healing Hands and A Love Song, which really resonated with me and my personal experiences. Zachariah truly has such an amazing way with words and you can tell how much emotion and thought went into this poetry. The flow, the tone, and the beautiful illustrations that tie everything together make this such a wonderful poetry book to own. I feel as though poetry isn’t as revered as it once was but books like these make me glad that the art of writing poetry hasn’t died out. This book will definitely be going onto my list of favorites and I hope other lovers of poetry will pick this up and give it a read. I hope it will move others as much as it did me.
Recommend this book:
Eternal Love
A Poetic Pathway to God's Heart and Mind
C. Peggy Atoche

2024 Silver Medal
124 Pages
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Poetry - Inspirational

As we travel through life’s challenges, we all need guidance and solutions on how to cope. People use various facets to work through conflicts; some methods can be destructive while others choose beneficial ways. For an optimal way to channel your life’s energy, get a copy of Eternal Love: A Poetic Pathway to God's Heart and Mind by C. Peggy Atoche. The author hopes that through reading these poems you experience God’s peace, and love and see the positive while dealing with the obstacles that cross your path or as you view world events. Reading this book offers comfort and a resting place to sit and embrace the beautiful words of poetry with an understanding that despite the situation or circumstance we face, there is tranquility in God. Before each poem, the author offers an explanation that inspired the piece of work, which enhances the context for the reader. This book has several lovely pieces and a few of my favorites are A Father's Message of Love; Forgiving is Hard, Not Impossible; Finding God, and The Final Scene which inspires serenity and clarification in knowing that God has a plan.
Eternal Love: A Poetic Pathway to God's Heart and Mind by C. Peggy Atoche will help the reader find their way to the truth in a unique poetic way. Feelings, emotions, and world conditions can appear to be overwhelming at times yet the message is clear that God is sovereign and gives hope. Our spirituality is continually being challenged to stimulate growth and to teach us. This book offers the comfort of knowing that God sees all, knows all, and has everything under control despite how it appears. Isn’t that comforting? Using this book is an ideal source in helping you to choose healthy ways of dealing with your life, improve your perspective on how you see things, and focus more on the beauty of God for yourself and in how you interact with others.
Recommend this book:
The Empowerment Alphabet
A Dictionary of Poems to Conquer Life’s Challenges
J.C. Dilley

2024 Gold Medal
111 Pages
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Poetry - Inspirational

The Empowerment Alphabet is a collection of poems by J.C. Dilley. These aim to help readers overcome life's challenges and are presented as letters that address feelings and things that hold people back from achieving success. These letters are directed toward things like insecurity, depression, procrastination, disappointment, fear, and adversity. The poems have a constant theme of love, happiness, and trust in God's plan. The author stresses the importance of not allowing negative emotions such as insecurities, anger, and resentment to consume one's happiness. Instead, the focus should be on showing kindness, love, and forgiveness toward oneself and others. Dilley urges readers to concentrate on their goals and on things and people that add value to their lives, and not let distractions, laziness, or fear control them. Additionally, they should avoid making excuses or conforming to other people's expectations. The book encourages readers to take charge of their lives and have a proper plan to follow patiently, learning at every stage.
The Empowerment Alphabet is a well-written poetry book that delivers a specific message to its readers. What I loved is that, unlike most poetry books that have random topics making them difficult to follow, this one was easy to understand. J.C. Dilley uses words that are easy to comprehend, making it easy to grasp the message. The book is intended to motivate, encourage, and inspire people to embrace their true selves and pursue their dreams while providing practical tips on how to do so. The poems also cover themes such as physical and mental health, as well as lack of self-esteem, thereby creating awareness of the struggles individuals face and breaking down stigmas surrounding these issues. This provides comfort and understanding to those who may be going through similar challenges. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection and highly recommend it to anyone who feels down and lacks motivation. Reading it will remind you that you are a warrior who can rise and fight any battle that comes your way.
Recommend this book:
Infinite Sea of Stars
Poetry to open the heart & wake the inner Divine
Shannon Crossman

2023 Finalist
156 Pages
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Poetry - Inspirational

Infinite Sea of Stars is an inspirational poetry collection by Shannon Crossman. Through her combination of free verse stanzas and poetic storytelling, Crossman weaves some beautiful poems that delve into the wants, needs, and desires of the human heart. These poems encourage readers to let go of the shackles of the limitations that bind them and instead embrace one's vulnerabilities to gain a better understanding of themselves. Release the prisons of anger, rage, and shame that you've constructed in the very cells of your being. Surrender yourself in times of sadness, and learn to love and share it freely to forge a connection with the Divine. Avoid self-doubt and take a leap of faith to cross the chasm of emptiness and reach your Beloved.
Shannon Crossman's poems have a soothing effect on your mind as her mesmerizing verses act as a healing balm for your soul. Infinite Sea of Stars is a collection that will help you get a better understanding of your place in this universe as you will gain the ability to perceive and rise above your flaws by embracing and acknowledging them through love. These poems appeal to the resilient spirit of humans, which helps us navigate the rigors of life and work toward fulfilling our inner potential. With the hectic nature of modern life and the uber-competitive work environment of the 21st century, books like this are a welcome reminder of the most important aspects of life. An inspiring piece of work that I will gladly recommend.
