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:
Charting the Course
Leslea Wahl
2024 Finalist
228 Pages
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
Charting the Course is a YA mystery and adventure novel by Leslea Wahl. Liz Kennedy is tired of shuttling between her parents' homes in Minnesota and Illinois after their divorce. When her father takes her on a cruise for his high school reunion, Liz is convinced it will be ten long days. Liz has a strained relationship with her father, which manifests itself in some self-destructive behavior. She strikes up a burgeoning friendship with a boy her age named Cole. Meanwhile, she continues to follow the clues of a scavenger hunt. When called upon to save the job of one of the ship's staff who's been wrongfully accused of theft, Liz feels guilty and falls back on her faith. However, someone else has the stolen items, and Liz must now get to the bottom of the mystery.
With a touch of mystery, romance, and intrigue, Leslea Wahl delivers the perfect sleuth adventure yarn for young adults. Charting the Course is a captivating tale of a young woman's journey of self-discovery. Wahl masterfully incorporates themes of faith and forgiveness into the story, showing how making amends for past mistakes and forgiving oneself can help a person turn their life around. The plot has a couple of unexpected twists that I never saw coming. However, the main highlight of the book is the characters. Wahl's characters have depth and layers to them, and this makes them so compelling to read. The relationship between Liz and her father feels genuine and realistic. I also enjoyed the blooming romance between Liz and Cole. Overall, this is a riveting novel I highly recommend to young adult readers.
Recommend this book:
Magi Apprentice
Dan E. Hendrickson
2024 Honorable Mention
331 Pages
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
Dan E. Hendrickson's Magi Apprentice transports readers to a historical epoch expertly, breathing new life into a familiar tale. Unfolding in 7 BC, the narrative revolves around Rassan, a Parthian cavalry cadet and the progeny of General Surena. His mission is to thwart a rogue Magi headmaster from infiltrating Judea without authorization. What he stumbles upon is a scene of devastation – a dying Magi and a shattered caravan. This encounter upends Rassan's journey, leading him down an unforeseen path. As an angel relates a prophecy to the dying Magi, Rassan is chosen to continue the quest for the prophesied savior. Armed with sacred star charts, his expedition unfolds with Emperor Phraates IV's blessing. Skillfully intertwined is Rassan's apprenticeship with the Magi, guided by headmaster Daraya-Vous into a tapestry of intrigue and significance.
Dan E. Hendrickson's narrative prowess shines brilliantly in Magi Apprentice, immersing readers in the bustling streets of Babylon and the intricate political and religious web of the Parthian Empire. The meticulous historical groundwork creates a rich canvas for the unfolding narrative. By interweaving Zoroastrian tenets, ancient Egyptian wisdom, and biblical prophecies into the era, the story gains a multi-dimensional texture, enhancing the reading experience. Rassan's evolution from a cadet to an apprentice Magi entrusted with decoding astronomical enigmas illustrates his growth and resolve. The intricate interplay between diverse religious orders and the simmering power dynamics contribute layers of complexity, heightened by Dvandas' schemes that introduce imminent danger. Hendrickson's exploration of enduring themes, such as the struggle between temptation and righteousness, echoes both Rassan's journey and the overarching biblical narrative. An ode to transformation, destiny, and the timeless call to the extraordinary, this work captivates and resonates, etching itself into the reader's memory.
Recommend this book:
Merlin's Revelation
Footnail Book 3
Akorede Adekoya, Howard Haugom
2024 Bronze Medal
326 Pages
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
Action fantasy lovers are in for a treat this Christmas, for Akorede Adekoya and Howard Haugom have brought them the third installment of The Footnail Series, Merlin's Revelation. Following the events of Forging the Sword, Genesis Isherwood (Gen) has grown into the role of the Nailbearer, who together with her protector Mark Reynolds, leads a close-knit group united under extraordinary circumstances. But a new threat is brewing as a corrupt soul gets his hands on the Crown of Thorns. As Myrddin sets off to tackle the potential calamity, he finds himself robbed of his powers. He must seek help from his old friend, as a descendant of a past enemy is determined to exact revenge. Meanwhile, a member of the Citadel is on a mission to eliminate Lucilius. Can Gen and her friends prevail?
Merlin's Revelation has undoubtedly been my favorite book of the series. Akorede Adekoya and Howard Haugom's plotting seems much more intricate, while the characters feel even more fleshed-out than ever before. Merlin plays a key role in this story, and this is the first book in the series where he gets a significant portion of page time with a fully formed backstory that has ramifications for the present. The narrative switches between two timelines and multiple characters, which keeps the plot moving at a blistering pace. The different factions are seamlessly woven into the narrative, and as a reader, you will find yourself invested from the outset. A stellar saga for fantasy fans.
Recommend this book:
Nina Winter and the Age of Darkness
T.S. Maynard
2024 Silver Medal
200 Pages
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
Nina Winter and the Age of Darkness by T.S. Maynard is a dark and exciting story about a young girl, Nina, whose life in the Dark Ages revolves around her struggle to cope with the loss of her father while growing up in a small village. One day, a horrific event changes everything. After the dreadful attack by a ferocious beast on her village and her neighbors, panic and fear took over their almost idyllic rural life. Nina and the remaining villagers had to seek refuge in the reigning lord’s castle. Dark days descended on the people and the nobility, as they now had to do whatever they could to survive. Nina had to be careful where to put her trust to protect her mother and the rest of the villagers, in a place where safety was merely an illusion while fighting the darkness to survive.
T.S. Maynard pulls the reader into a dark time when human life was not valued as much, while, at the same time, creating danger that is almost invisible to the human eye. Nina Winter and the Age of Darkness is a story of survival, love, and care for one another. Maynard eloquently explores different states of human nature in unexpected and life-threatening situations. The character of Nina slowly grows from a scared young girl to that same girl finding her strength and power while facing imminent danger, which results in a culmination of events that lead to a surprising ending. Nina’s story is not for the faint of heart; however, it will take the reader to a different world than ours, making them envision and better understand the characters in this powerful story of love, loss, and finding one's strength.
Recommend this book:
Thrown to the Wind
A Country for Castoffs
Amanda M. Cetas
2024 Gold Medal
246 Pages
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
In Thrown to the Wind: A Country for Castoffs by Amanda M. Cetas, many in the population of La Rochelle are Huguenots. The previous king had allowed them to be, but the current king wants everyone to conform to the Catholic religion and sends his musketeers to enforce the new rules. Etienne has always wanted to be part of this elite force, but his Protestant roots stand in the way. His best friend has offered a way for Etienne to remain in La Rochelle and maybe even become a musketeer, as he has always wanted. But in a sudden twist of events, the family has to embark on a dangerous journey to start afresh in Amsterdam. How will Etienne deal with his dilemma? Will he accept his friend's offer or follow his family to this new place to avoid persecution?
One of the themes that stand out in Thrown to the Wind by Amanda. M. Cetas is the role of religion in society. The dynamics of power and control also become apparent, and one can't help but question to what extent governments should get involved in religion and the role of religious leaders in interpreting the scriptures. This thought-provoking work also aroused my curiosity about history and Calvinism. I cannot wait to read more about the Huguenots. The characters were well-developed, and the author subtly ensured that the narrative was effective in passing on the intended message without alienating anyone. All the events and places were vividly described, which helped to capture my imagination. I also loved the steady narration, which kept me intrigued.
Recommend this book:
I Fail at the Afterlife
The Afterlife Trilogy Book 1
Anni Sezate
2023 Finalist
357 Pages
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
When you die and become an angel, you don't expect there to be so much paperwork. David Garcia fell to his death at age seventeen. He spent his first ten years filing papers for dead people, boring in the extreme, until the archdemon of angels threw his uneventful afterlife into chaos. Inexperienced and frozen with terror, David could not prevent the demon Malum from escaping. Blaming himself, he joins a group of demon hunters intent on recapturing Malum before he destroys the world. Armed with ten years of receptionist training, mediocre fighting skills, and non-stop self-deprecating sarcasm, David soon learns he is in way over his head.
Following the brilliant success of her first books in The Aurella Trilogy, Anni Sezate hits the ground running with book one of her new Afterlife Trilogy — I Fail at the Afterlife. Weaving intrigue, world-building, and fast-paced action with humor and a sense of realism through her first-person narratives, Ms. Sezate shows a firm grasp of what it's like being a teenager thrown into serious adult life and "death-like" situations. The first-person narrative is hard to write; trust me. Sezate, however, writes it with ease and a style that demonstrates her talent to the fullest. Another hurdle for many authors writing in the YA genre is actually getting into the heads of the younger characters and here again, the maturity of her writing skills shines through.
Recommend this book:
Into the Spotlight
Leslea Wahl
2023 Bronze Medal
226 Pages
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
Into the Spotlight, by award-winning Leslea Wahl, is an intense and energetic YA faith-based novel about how a bad summer for teen Josie turns into possibility and hope for the future. She thinks she knows who she is, but situations present themselves that enable her to look deeper within to find what she's really about and what's important to her. She is sixteen and deeply humiliated at school, faced with challenging peer pressure, so she runs to an aunt who lives on an island in South Carolina and plans to stay for the summer. This chance at a new future leads to friendship and romance. A string of thefts presents thrills, but she is blindsided by a terrible incident that leaves her realizing what's most important in life. She is determined to get to the bottom of a mystery she's involved in and has to lean on her faith as she accepts the lessons God has to teach her about who she really is.
Even though this premise sounds serious, the novel turns out to be a fun, uplifting read. There is a good balance of heavy subject matter and lighthearted themes. The humor helps soften the somber themes, and this balance is what Wahl is good at. Just like life itself, this book portrays the ups and downs, romance, and heartache that touch us all. This story could be called the perfect example of a beach read or summer read, but really, it would be enjoyable in any location, during any season. She also balances faith with adventure, which should appeal to almost any teenage reader looking to identify with faith-based novels that are fun, romantic, and exciting. The characters are interesting and believable, the writing is energetic, and the situations are intriguing. If you're looking for a solid YA novel with good character growth, be sure to read Into the Spotlight, by award-winning Leslea Wahl.
Recommend this book:
In Search of Rohan Chang
Lincoln Lee
2023 Silver Medal
552 Pages
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
In Search of Rohan Chang is a work of fiction in the Christian sci-fi and fantasy, adventure, and cross-cultural writing subgenres. It is intended for the young adult reading audience but can be enjoyed by adult readers and mature middle-grade readers too. Penned by author Lincoln Lee, this immersive and accomplished work follows an Asian-American teenager, the titular Rohan Chang, as a series of mysterious murders sends his world into disarray. Rohan begins to hear mysterious voices in his head, a serial killer stalks New York, and high school sweetheart drama rears its head at the most inopportune times in this incredibly magical and spiritual tale of self-discovery.
Author Lincoln Lee has penned an incredible work of young adult fiction that will quickly become a favorite read for so many young people and also adults that appreciate accomplished adventure works with plenty of depth and poignant themes. One of the major highlights of the work for me was the exploration of the immigrant experience and the clashing and melding of cultures that Rohan experiences as an Asian-American. This is penned in an emotive and natural way that makes the experience so accessible to readers and would be a fantastic talking point in any classroom or youth group. Beyond this, the mystery, suspense, and crime elements of the tale blend seamlessly into the magical realism and fantasy plotlines, giving an immersive and entertaining reading experience grounded in a core emotional concept. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend In Search of Rohan Chang to any reader anywhere, as it offers so much to so many different audiences.
Recommend this book:
The Mental Fight of Your Life
Freddie Floyd Jr
2023 Gold Medal
58 Pages
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
Men are meant to protect and shelter their families against harm. There has always been an urge in our minds not to give up. And when faced with confrontation, it can lead to situations that create dysfunction within our minds. The Mental Fight of Your Life is a self-help guidebook by Freddie Floyd Jr. that shows you the ways habitual patterns can be disrespectful in relationships and how you can replace them with responsible and mutually satisfying ways of relating. Complemented by Biblical teachings, the author explores the qualities of a loyal partner, which include maturity, contentment, self-control, value, respect, love, and trust. For a marriage to function seamlessly, both husband and wife must be committed to one another and work toward a true partnership that is beneficial to the family.
With statistics of divorce rates hitting record numbers all over the world in recent years, books like The Mental Fight of Your Life are a blessing in disguise for all couples out there. In this book, author Freddie Floyd Jr. discusses the importance of equal influence over important decisions between a husband and a wife, with an equal commitment to the relationship between them. He also emphasizes the need to strive for common goals and has some valuable insights for both men and women on how they can improve upon their existing states by following the lessons of the Bible to lead fulfilling lives together. Overall, I found the book to be very educational and illuminating, and highly recommend it to anyone who is in a relationship.
Recommend this book:
The Prophecy of the Seventh Elizabeth
The Battle Between Light and Dark, Book 1
Jarrod Edge
2022 Finalist
383 Pages
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
The Prophecy of the Seventh Elizabeth: The Battle Between Light and Dark, Book 1 by Jarrod Edge is a breathtaking Christian sci-fi fantasy story. It's the first book in the E7Prophecy™ series. It follows the family of the chosen one as it deals with the loss of two loved ones. On a wet, stormy morning, Samantha and Jonathan Sette were driving to the hospital for their baby to be born when a truck hit them. When Jonathan wakes up from a coma, he learns from his long-time partner, Agent Martinez, that his newborn baby girl was abducted from the nursery and that this might be the work of the Syndicate, the international crime cartel, Jonathan's only enemy. Will Jonathan be able to find his baby girl alive and learn who kidnapped her and why?
The Prophecy of the Seventh Elizabeth by Jarrod Edge is a beautiful book in every way. I got lost in it easily as there was always something going on that held my interest. It's fantastic and suspenseful from beginning to end. This captivating story is filled with non-stop action, vivid fight scenes, and inspiring and evil characters to be feared, including FBI agents, kids trained in an ancient form of martial arts, an apostle, creatures of darkness, and more. There is something unique about Edge's style. He impressed me with his storyline, which is both heartbreaking and purposeful. Readers of all ages will enjoy this book that revolves around a prophecy hidden in a secret room within the walls of the Vatican and a Christian family battling the forces of darkness.