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:
From The Sky
From the Sky Trilogy Book 1
J E Nicassio
2024 Finalist
346 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
From The Sky by J. E. Nicassio is a riveting blend of romance, mystery, and interstellar intrigue that captivates readers from the first page. The story follows Samantha Hunter, whose life takes a dramatic turn after a miraculous escape from a deadly car crash. Little does she know, her savior is Lucien Foster, a mysterious boy with eyes like the cosmos, whose true nature and intentions remain shrouded in mystery. When Lucien and Samantha begin to nurture the attraction they feel for each other, they draw the attention of the MJ 12, a shadowy government organization that will stop at nothing to harness the power unleashed by their attraction. Heart-pounding action, tender romance, and spine-tingling suspense create a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
From the chaotic aftermath of the car crash to the clandestine pursuit by shadowy governmental forces, every scene is imbued with a sense of urgency and intrigue that propels the story forward. The characters are lovable and cleverly executed, and the plot is intriguing. Samantha's journey of self-discovery and grit is compellingly portrayed as she navigates the challenges of loss, love, and the unknown. Likewise, Lucien's enigmatic presence creates an atmosphere of mystery and danger. The romance between Samantha and Lucien is both tender and tumultuous. As they embrace their forbidden love amidst a universe-spanning conspiracy, their chemistry leaps off the page, drawing readers into their passionate and complex relationship. From The Sky blends different genres, effortlessly moving between moments of heart-pounding action and quiet introspection. Whether it's a brutal confrontation between Lucien and his brother Cassiel or a tender moment of intimacy between Samantha and Lucien, each scene is expertly crafted to evoke a range of emotions in the reader. I was invested in the characters, the beautiful worldbuilding, and the phenomenal conflict. Fans of I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore will be thrilled by this novel.
Recommend this book:
Ever the Same
Michelle Wishner
2024 Honorable Mention
170 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Ever the Same by Michelle Wishner is an intriguing story about a teenager named Sam who moves with her family during her senior year because her father receives a promotion at work. Having to separate from her best friend Becky, she must adjust to the new area, including her new school. Sam inevitably meets up with a handsome young man named Conner, who is captain of the hockey team. They seem to have an instant connection, but Conner has secrets of his own; things he has not revealed that could make their relationship complicated. Jake is another teenager on the hockey team who is attracted to Sam, and his competitive nature with Conner shows. Sam has to survive the year alongside her new friends.
Ever the Same features a fast-paced narrative with alternating points of view. Michelle Wishner created realistic characters that will captivate you as the plot unfolds. It was fun to see Conner and Jake's relationship progress as they ran into each other in different areas, all because of Sam. It was wonderful to see how friends can be like family because of Sam's relationship with Becky, Jess, Rachel, and Lynn. Michelle Wishner created a fantastic twist near the conclusion of this tale. Bibliophiles will root for Sam after everything she goes through. After reading Ever the Same and thinking about it, the book cover makes sense. Ever the Same will entertain readers regardless if the characters are at school, hanging out, or talking over the phone.
Recommend this book:
The Dark Prince of Lazera
E. Croxton, Rachel
2024 Bronze Medal
275 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Rachel E. Croxton’s The Dark Prince of Lazera transports readers to the enchanting world of Zormonia, where Simina, a poor girl from the village of Lazera, finds solace in the pages of her beloved books. Simina’s favorite tales of fairy tales and romance offer her an escape from her mundane reality. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon a mysterious book titled The Dark Prince of Lazera, which speaks of an evil prince with dark magic. Initially skeptical of the book's claims, Simina's disbelief is shattered by a fateful encounter that brings the dark prince into her reality, setting off a chain of events that forever alter her life.
Rachel Croxton excels in weaving a captivating plot that blends the allure of fantasy with the complexities of personal growth and discovery. Simina’s character is well-developed, her love for books making her relatable to readers who share her passion for stories. The dark prince is equally compelling, a figure shrouded in mystery and power. The incredible world-building is rich and immersive, drawing readers into the vibrant landscape of Zormonia. It further enhances the narrative and makes it work for this particular genre. Fans of YA fantasy will appreciate the novel’s blend of magic, adventure, and romance. The author's ability to craft a narrative that keeps readers on edge, combined with relatable characters and a well-paced plot, makes The Dark Prince of Lazera a must-read for those who crave an escape into a fantastical world filled with intrigue and enchantment.
Recommend this book:
Choices
Will she murder her husband to save her daughter?
Gary Markman
2024 Silver Medal
361 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Choices is a work of fiction in the coming-of-age, cross-cultural writing, and romance genres. It is best enjoyed by mature young adult and new adult readers. Penned by author Gary Markman, this interesting and engaging novel weaves mystery and romance, centered on Harper James, a teacher deeply affected by his students' struggles. Harper recalls Arianna, a brilliant Iranian girl who vanished, and Devi, passionately in love with her, as well as Eddie, a former NBA player. Their intertwined lives reflect Harper's teachings on acceptance and love. Despite his efforts, Harper questions the impact of his lessons as he faces an eerie, surreal journey that blurs reality and introspection, raising questions about the choices his students will make in a troubled world.
Author Gary Markman uses a natural gift for character development to craft an evocative novel, and I found myself hooked from the sensational opening right through to the end. Harper's journey through the abstract initial setting felt suitably surreal and gripping. I loved the narrative style with the strong, confident presentation of the narrator as he observes the lives of others. The multicultural dynamics and Harper's efforts to instill acceptance and love in his students is an abiding and resonant theme that consistently grows throughout the novel. The character-driven scenes are packed with dialogue brimming with emotion for us to read between the lines. This subtlety plays well into the drama, and the contrast between Harper's ideals and the harsh realities his students faced was a great foil for tension that is sure to keep readers engaged. Overall, Choices is a poignant novel that highlights the universal struggle for understanding and belonging. I would recommend it to fans seeking an accomplished blend of literary fiction and new adult coming-of-age stories.
Recommend this book:
Somewhere Between Dandelions
Trisha Larson Harmon
2024 Gold Medal
251 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Somewhere Between Dandelions is a paranormal drama by Trisha Larson Harmon. All Claire Goodnight wants is to move away from her small town and her alcoholic mother after her high school graduation. When Finn Peterson, a longtime crush with whom she recently had a perfect date, unexpectedly passes away in his sleep, Claire's entire world turns upside down. But soon, Finn's ghost appears to her and seeks her help to make things right. As Claire and Finn spend more time together, they uncover secrets about Claire's family and parentage that explain some of her mother's behavior over the years. However, Claire isn't ready to forgive her mother just yet. Meanwhile, a young man named Tyler develops feelings for Claire. How will she navigate family and love? Will Finn find peace?
Trisha Larson Harmon infuses a healthy dose of mystery, romance, and drama into this engrossing novel bound to be savored by readers of paranormal fiction. Somewhere Between Dandelions is a story about growing up, navigating family conflicts, forgiveness, and young love. Despite the supernatural elements of the tale, there is a sense of realism to Harmon's handling of the characters and the narrative that makes it all the more riveting to the reader. I was thoroughly engrossed with the protagonist and the relationship dynamics between her and her family and friends. The love triangle is compelling, and it puts you in a dilemma as to who you should root for to end up with Claire. Overall, I enjoyed the book very much and recommend it to romance and paranormal fiction lovers.
Recommend this book:
Lara's Story
Diane Merrill Wigginton
2023 Finalist
299 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Lara’s Story is a work of young adult historical fiction and drama, written by author Diane Merrill Wigginton. In a story set initially in the beautiful landscape of Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century, we first met our heroine Lara Flannigan when she is a young child surrounded by a loving family. But when tragedy strikes and Lara finds herself alone, a childless American couple rescues the girl and takes her back to the big city of Philadelphia. Here, Lara must forget her brash roots and try to grow and fit in with the high society of America’s finest, posing as the couple’s new daughter. But it’s hard to let go of the past when it won’t let go of her.
This was a gripping and emotional journey from start to finish, and Diane Merrill Wigginton really knows how to tap into her audience’s hearts. Lara’s Story is a superb novel of class divides, fitting in and self discovery from any angle at all, but what really adds the cherry on top is the vivid and engaging period of history in which it is set. Philadelphia in 1840 is a fabulous world of high society and appearances being put first, very far from the life Lara and most ordinary people of the time would know. Lara’s sense of being an outcast and keeping secrets is highly empathetic and makes her a great heroine to follow as she tries to navigate her own identity within this strange and beautiful new world. Overall, Lara’s Story is a highly recommended read.
Recommend this book:
Operation Mom
My Plan to Get My Mom a Life...and a Man
Reenita Malhotra Hora
2023 Honorable Mention
220 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Operation Mom: My Plan to Get My Mom a Life...and a Man by Reenita Malhotra Hora is a perfectly accomplished coming-of-age story with a nerve-jangling twist. Ila is a teenager who grows up in Mumbai and her overprotective, almost domineering single mother doesn't allow her to explore life and wants her to meet a guy who is family oriented. Ila plans to change all of that. Enlisting the help of her best friend Deepali, her mom's best friend Maleeka, and Dev, who attracts her interest, Ila sets out to find a man for her mother by setting up profiles on dating apps. What follows is a rollicking ride filled with laughter and fun.
Reenita Malhotra Hora plots cleverly and introduces a first-person narrative voice that draws readers from the very first page. Ila's voice reveals an intricate inner world as the story explores the world of teenagers growing up in Mumbai, virtual dating, and the complex landscape of contemporary dating. The quirkiness in the narrative voice rubbed off on me from the outset and I was so hooked that I kept looking out for Ila's next move. This plot is twisty and features characters that are complex and elaborate. The setting is vividly drawn and the beautiful prose adds a layer to the entertainment that awaits readers on these pages. Operation Mom is a beautiful story that is heartwarming and exciting. The author captures the hearts of readers in this engaging tale that explores the relationship between a daughter and a single mother, highlighting its complexities while being rooted in realism and humanity.
Recommend this book:
The Kiss List
Sara Jo Cluff
2023 Bronze Medal
292 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Written in the young adult romance sub-genre, The Kiss List by Sara Jo Cluff is about a high school student Camille Collins and her favorite activity: kissing. She enjoyed kissing her boyfriend Dylan so much so that it became her ultimate pastime. However, Dylan wanted more from her. Since Camille wasn't ready for the next step, Dylan decided to break up. Camille didn't mind the dumping part; what she did mind was the rumor that Dylan spread about her being a bad kisser. To discredit the rumor, she came up with the perfect solution: a Kiss List. Although the plan was simple, the sloppy execution created a social media fiasco that neither she nor her best friends (Hayley and Kaitlyn) could have imagined. To add to her ever-growing list of emotional setbacks, her mom had gone back to work and was rarely ever available. When Camille realized her first love was softball, she was shocked to discover that the whole softball team hated her for reasons unknown to her.
Inspired by Easy A and To All the Boys I've Loved Before, The Kiss List by Sara Jo Cluff is a fast-paced novel with enough twists to keep YA readers hooked. Camille, like many other romantics, lost herself in her boyfriend and, without even realizing it, changed her personality to suit her love interest. Sara Jo Cluff has very cleverly weaved the message of not losing one's real personality in a relationship in the plot. Camille's growth from a kiss-obsessed, boyfriend-immersed high school student to a well-rounded person with dreams, hopes, and passion was commendable. The plot has a range of engaging characters, each with their own unique qualities that set them apart. A delicious combination of family drama, smart comebacks, and fascinating writing makes The Kiss List by Sara Jo Cluff an absolute page-turner.
Recommend this book:
The First Buds of Spring
Woodlanders Tetralogy #1
Hermione Lee
2023 Silver Medal
427 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
The First Buds of Spring: Woodlanders Tetralogy #1 by Hermione Lee centers around the character of Azalea who survives the toxic social scene at Lakebay High by copying the mean kids. Azalea is instantly drawn to new boy Bruce Green and rises to his defense when Dean Landon chooses to harass him. Content to be ostracized by Dean and Suzanna, Azalea continues her friendship with Bruce. She shows him her drawings and he shows her his creative writing. Azalea is thrilled when Bruce confesses he loves her, but wonders why strangers attack the school and what the unusual tree growing in the Green home signifies. Is Azalea ready to make a life-changing commitment to her boyfriend?
The First Buds of Spring by Hermione Lee is an enchanting maturation story combined with paranormal romance. I liked seeing Azalea reject the bullies and begin to live as her real self. I enjoyed seeing her getting to know Bruce and bonding with his parents and their siblings. I also liked seeing busy Aunt Cecilia slow her pace to make more time for Azalea. The narrative hinted that Bruce was special and aroused a curious urge to discover exactly why he was different from the other teenage boys. I was surprised by the battle scenes and enjoyed the direction the story was taking as a new realm opened up in the narrative. The book underlines the importance of honesty and authenticity in relationships even as it transposed the action from the jurisdiction of the normal to the paranormal.
Recommend this book:
Cecily in the City
The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3
Krysten Lindsay Hager
2023 Gold Medal
308 Pages
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Young Adult - Romance
Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) by Krysten Lindsay Hagar is a story full of romance and suspense. Cecily Taylor dreams of being in the spotlight, and when she finally gets a real chance of fulfilling that dream, she grabs it, not knowing what consequences may follow. Cecily is put into difficult situations as she tries to navigate her new life in New York whilst also trying to keep her relationship with her pop star boyfriend strong. In the end, will Cecily have to choose between her two loves? Or will she find a way to make it work and live the life she's always wanted? Find out in this book!
If you are a fan of on-the-edge-of-your-seat romance novels, then Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) will satisfy your craving. From the moment I began reading Krysten Lindsay Hagar's book, I felt like I was immediately transported into the story. I could see each scene clearly and imagine the conversations between the characters as if these were happening right in front of me. I felt what Cecily felt. I was angry about certain situations with Andrew, and then the next minute I was tearing up with how romantic he was being. This shows just how talented an author Krysten is. Her writing is flawless and has been perfectly done to keep you wanting more. Keep writing such awesome content, Krysten. I honestly can't get enough. I look forward to reading more from this author soon.