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:
The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry
Rebecca Laxton
2023 Finalist
252 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Rebecca Laxton’s The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry is a contemporary page-turner that will resonate strongly with younger audiences. Emma and her friend Sophie are young teens who enjoy skateboarding, art, and, perhaps most of all, butterflies. In fact, as members of the Environmental Club, they can often be found planting flowers to help enhance the local monarch butterfly garden. However, Emma's love for the environment is tested when a celebrity family convinces many in the town that the economic boon from their planned ski resort is more than worth any damage it will cause to the local ecosystem. Torn between her blossoming relationship with the social media icon Jeb Scott and her deep love of nature, Emma must sort out her feelings to make the right decisions.
With an upbeat writing style, Rebecca Laxton crafts authentic characters that will make you cringe at the awkward moments when Emma meets Jeb, root for her friendship with Sophie, and cheer on her fight against a townful of opponents. In this heartening story of transformation, whether Emma is managing change in the community, change among friends, or within, she finds herself in numerous situations where she must adapt. The primary coming-of-age storyline is enhanced by an aura of paranormal mystery and a lighthearted romance, though neither strays from the book’s fresh and crisp, family-friendly tone. The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry is an entertaining and rewarding book about personal growth, the value of friendship, environmental awareness, and standing up for what is right.
Recommend this book:
Deception of One
Donovan Smith
2023 Honorable Mention
205 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Deception of One by Donovan Smith is a gritty whodunit with plenty of suspense. The story introduces Detective Charles Wilson, a worn-out detective with little going on except his all-consuming career. Stuck at work late, he is ordered to investigate a disturbance at an abandoned home. Little does he know that the grisly murder scene that awaits him will horrify him and the entire police force. Wilson and his partner, Cassidy Stewart, follow the leads until the clues stop making sense. The partners soon realize their prime suspects have disappeared, seemingly one step ahead of the law. Wilson quickly concludes that something far more sinister than he and Stewart thought may be at play, and he is the only one with enough access to the crime scenes to put the puzzle together.
Deception of One is a fun, fast mystery read. Donovan Smith captures your attention early and holds it through the entire book. The clues come quickly and easily (sometimes too easily), and each pulls the reader further into solving the crime. Smith takes his time to immerse the reader in his detective's world. The details of the crime are well described, leaving just enough to the imagination while conveying the horrific nature of the act. Smith does a remarkable job of bringing to life the relationship between the role players through rich depictions of their interactions. This continues with the refreshingly natural dialog laden with snarky yet supportive sarcasm that seems right for his characters. This young adult novel is perfect for the mystery lover looking for a quick escape.
Recommend this book:
The Tracks
Sally Royer-Derr
2023 Bronze Medal
116 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Sally Royer-Derr presents The Tracks, a young adult mystery about a young woman who spends her free time down on the train tracks in the woods behind her house. Emily uses her time on the tracks to enjoy the momentary escape from the reality of having to move to a run-down home in a new town after her father's death. When she meets Tommy on the tracks, things start to look up as she is finally able to make a friend. Tommy seems to be a bit of a loner, so he and Emily make the perfect pair. Although their friendship is developing and Emily is finally able to smile again, she still isn't sure that she can trust Tommy. He isn't willing to open up about some things, and Emily is sure that he is keeping something from her. With a bit of research, Emily is on her own again, trying to uncover whatever secrets Tommy is hiding.
I love it when a story crosses the boundaries between genres, and Sally Royer-Derr manages to do just that. The Tracks is a thrilling mystery with a bit of adventure, romance, and horror thrown into the mix, with unexpected twists and turns that are sure to keep readers guessing. I love the way that the sturdy dialogue is used to develop different relationships between the characters throughout the story. I think that the underlying theme of recovering after a loss in the family is beautifully portrayed. Even minor characters, such as Emily's brother and mother, have their methods of dealing with the unexpected and not-so-pleasant changes in their lives and it is fun to travel beside them as they learn to accept their new lives.
Recommend this book:
Streets of Shadow
Rebecca Bischoff
2023 Silver Medal
386 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff is a historical fiction novel that follows its protagonist, Kenna Somerled, a 17th-century teenager and granddaughter to an earl. Her life at this point should be on the brink of blooming and not the deadly spiral that lands her locked in a labyrinth of underground streets that make up Stewart's Close in Edinburgh. She discovers a vial that leaves no doubt that her older sister, being the only parent Kenna had known since the death of their parents, was murdered by her sister's husband, Oliver. News of a plague in the household makes its way rapidly to Edinburgh, and Kenna is charged with knowingly spreading 'pestilence' and locked in the close where nobody is willing to help her, out of fear she is plagued and contagious. Still a child herself, Kenna finds herself caring for a young girl named Annie as she is again suspected of a new crime, the murder of her own sister, and must now not only prove her sister was murdered, but that she was not the one who did it.
Rebecca Bischoff is a master of suspense, taking a familiar lady aristocrat-turns-street-vermin theme and spinning it into a fresh mystery in Streets of Shadow. As a reader that lives in the UK, I have had the great fortune of touring the warren of streets that make up the formerly hidden closes of Edinburgh. When I saw that Streets of Shadow used it as a setting, I was immediately drawn to the story. Bischoff does Stewart's Close one better and breathes so much life into it that it almost becomes a character itself. The writing is tight, engrossing, and keeps the tension threading through each page. I loved that Kenna's coming of age begins before our very eyes, where she finds the strength to care for herself in the dark underbelly of the city, forms a bond with little Annie, and even experiences her first kiss. Still, the jaw-dropper is a completely unexpected twist at the end that will have readers checking back in the story and realizing the clues were there all along, if only we, and Kenna, had not been so blinded to what we were certain to be true. I'm a fan. My goodness, now all I want is a shelf full of Bischoff's books. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Bardo by the Sea
Izzy and Elton Mystery, Book 1 (Izzy and Elton Mystery Series)
Chad Alan Gibbs
2023 Gold Medal
314 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Sixteen-year-old Izzy Brown refuses to end up as trailer trash. When opportunity comes knocking for her twin brother, Axl, in the form of a football scholarship at a prestigious high school, Bardo Academy, Izzy ensures she’s included in the deal. Overnight, the Brown family is elevated from their mobile home to a three-story mansion in an upscale community. However, Izzy will have to remember that when things seem too good to be true, it’s because they probably are. While Bardo looks perfect on the outside, things are not as rosy as they appear. There’s also the unsolved case of a murdered Bardo Academy quarterback, Ricky Lee, back in 1983, which everyone seems reluctant to discuss. Izzy must decide which is more important: her new life in Bardo or uncovering the sinister truth to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself. Find out what Izzy’s choice will be in Bardo by the Sea by Chad Alan Gibbs.
The story is told from Izzy’s perspective as she recalls her time at Bardo as a 16-year-old, and I enjoyed reading the story through her eyes. Gibbs masterfully depicts Izzy as a teenager in all her snarky, sarcastic glory, which made me laugh at several points in the book. The plot also cuts between Izzy’s time in 2008 and Ricky’s time in 1983. This was a brilliant use of backshadowing, as the 1983 timeline started with Ricky’s death and then walked us through the events that led to his last moments. It was very fun trying to guess who killed him. Even when I thought I had figured it out, Gibbs still surprised me with the big reveal. He also skillfully wrote the story around the 2008 financial crisis, and it was fascinating reading how it affected people in various ways. I also enjoyed the pop culture references of that time; they were nostalgic. Bardo by the Sea will be a perfect fit for lovers of YA mystery.
Recommend this book:
The Tale of the Tarot
Melanie Simpson Mystery Series Book One
DJ Schneider
2022 Honorable Mention
349 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Russian spies, cover-up stories, alien visits, alien artifacts, a teenage romance, and tarot cards are only some of the elements in The Tale of the Tarot by DJ Schneider. Mel, the protagonist, is only 15 years old and already had to deal with more than other teenagers. Not only has her dad been killed by a Russian spy because Russia wants to get their hands on some alien debris in her dad's possession, but she now is the one who needs to keep the material out of the wrong hands. In addition, a letter from her dad talks about another mystery. Mel makes a new friend, but also a new enemy. She learns that her own life is somehow connected to the stars. She and her friends want to find answers, but what can teenagers possibly do against the power of Russia and its government? It does not help that Mel's mother seems to lose her sanity, and her new caretaker seems to have more than just 'caring' in mind.
The Tale of the Tarot is book one in the Melanie Simpson Mystery Series by DJ Schneider and I am glad to know book one is not the end because the last few pages leave you with quite the cliffhanger! I found it quite interesting how characters were changing their attitudes within the story, i.e. how one went from some sort of friend to betrayer and then to a helper (can't say much more to avoid spoilers). You could never be sure who would be on which side and this added to the excitement factor. I also loved that the story takes place in an era of toll calls and letters. Mel's story would be so very different if it was set in a more modern time. All the characters were interesting and believable. The story felt authentic, by which I mean that it all made sense and you could imagine something like it happening. There were so many little details that all came together to create a fantastic story.
Recommend this book:
A Rule of Life
Patricia Brandon
2022 Bronze Medal
324 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
A Rule of Life is a coming-of-age novel by Patricia Brandon. Tricia Grimball feels the beckoning call of the unknown and seeks out a life different from her usual predictable one. For the summer, she goes to a camp for girls in the mountains of western North Carolina and works as a camp counselor. In a visceral place where risk and fear meet, Tricia hears about a strange kidnapping and a man named Chester being killed. This is also the first time she hears about local folklore, the ‘Sin Eater’, someone who eats the sins of a person who dies before they can ask for forgiveness. He takes them on himself, so the dead can go on to Heaven. Little does Tricia know that these incidents would lead her into an unexpected, mystery-riddled adventure!
A Rule of Life is set in the historical era of 1919, North Carolina. Patricia Brandon has created a steady-paced novel that kept me in suspense from start to finish. I was as intrigued as Tricia when she learned about the story of the Sin Eater from Otha. I love how Brandon has created an air of mystery from the very first chapter and kept my attention right to the end of this tale. Tricia Grimball’s time in the mountains of western North Carolina is a far cry from her usual, predictable life and I followed her adventures with great anticipation! This tale is more than just a mystery; it is also a tale of trials and tribulations, of friendships formed and sacrifices made. This highly interesting novel is easy to visualize and I felt the story come alive as I got deeper into the plot. Overall, this was an enjoyable and thrilling read. Every chapter left me wanting more! Great work!
Recommend this book:
Against My Better Judgment
Mauzzy & Me Mystery
B T Polcari
2022 Silver Medal
298 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Against My Better Judgment (Mauzzy & Me Mystery) by B.T. Polcari is the first book in a new series. After acquiring an artifact, Sara Donovan finds herself in a whole lot of trouble. When she bought an Egyptian funerary mask, she never expected that it would land her on the trail of antique smugglers or lead to mysterious callers that won't leave her alone. She should have plenty to occupy her, such as studying, but she can't get her mind off proving her theory by showing everyone that her souvenir is real and was stolen. When a handsome stranger moves in next door, everything takes an unexpected turn and she gains a surprising partner as she takes it upon herself to investigate.
B.T. Polcari excels at creating a tone that makes you want to be friends with Sara, who is a great choice for an amateur sleuth as she likes to do things her way and considers herself passionate (rather than how others describe her as hardheaded and stubborn). Her internal commentary is brilliant and makes you want to see what she's going to get into. The story is charming, with the relationship between her and her dog Mauzzy being a sweet highlight. While Sara adds humor to the mystery, Mauzzy is a wonderful source of comic relief and is a companion that she can constantly confide in, adding a tone of canine-partner-in-crime to the mystery. Elements of flirty romance are woven throughout her investigation as she gets to know the handsome teaching assistant next door. Against My Better Judgment has a delightfully opinionated sleuth with writing that establishes her attitude from the first line, a charm that will keep you smiling all the way through, and a mystery that will make you want to read the next book.
Recommend this book:
Discovery of the Five Senses
K.N. Smith
2022 Gold Medal
341 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses is a work of fiction in the action and adventure subgenres. It is aimed at young adult readers and was penned by author K. N. Smith. The book follows a group of five friends who have their senses enhanced by a mysterious power, only to then be thrust into a fight for the future of the world. As they struggle to understand their new powers, they are forced to deal with mysterious creatures whose grand plans for mankind may be too big for them to stop, their whole worldview is challenged by their new powers.
Discovery of the Five Senses was an exciting and dynamic coming of age story which expertly uses the premise of enhanced senses to underpin the traditional mechanics of such tales with the boys' perception of the world literally expanding throughout the story. The cleverness of the premise is fully utilized by K. N. Smith whose gorgeous prose and descriptive writing sees the scenes in which their senses reach out into the world to tell them something new turn into an enchanting description of the familiar through new eyes. The craftsmanship of the storytelling is excellent and not an ounce of potential goes to waste, with the villainous Druth creating a perfect threat for the protagonists as they learn to fight together. The plot is a veritable rollercoaster of adventure, the characters are wonderfully realized, the world of the story is pitch-perfect in its conception and description, and at the end of the tale, you’ll be looking at your own world with fresh eyes.
Recommend this book:
Secret Storm
Edith Lee Chestnut
2021 Finalist
235 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
A young woman's past and present coincide in the fascinating mystery novel, Secret Storm by Edith Lee Chestnut. Callie lost her mother in a horrible accident when she was three years old. Despite her motherless state, Callie leads a typical life consisting of her family and close friend, Andy. When she is thirteen, two life-changing things happen. Callie learns the details surrounding the discovery of her mother's body, and Devin, a dark and mysterious high school senior, comes to town. A couple of years later, Andy moves to another town, leaving her to finish high school alone. Despite Andy's warnings against him, Callie starts spending time with Devin. Right before she leaves for college, Andy's concerns prove to be correct, and a shocking incident involving Devin shatters Callie's life. Even though her great-grandmother, aunt, and father are there for her, Callie can't bring herself to face Andy with what happened. What will he say? Will Andy look at her the same way?
Traveling through a woman's life from her childhood, Secret Storm by Edith Lee Chestnut is a suspenseful and intriguing mystery novel. With a captivating storyline, engaging characters, and an unexpected twist, the story is fascinating from the very start. Beginning with the introduction to Callie, her family, and Andy, the story's pace slowly builds to a shocking conclusion. Even though Callie experiences trauma and hardships, she pulls herself up by the bootstraps and continues living. Well-written, it is an extraordinary and sensational tale that is unforgettable. Finishing on an unexpected and dramatic note, it is a stunning story that will thrill everyone who enjoys suspense novels with extraordinary characters.