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
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Recommend this book:
Supernatural Hero and the Zombies
Eran Gadot

2016 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Action

Supernatural Hero and the Zombies by Eran Gadot is a fun preteen book, book 3 in a series. We meet Andy again as he is getting ready to spend his summer with Zoe. Andy's 'to do' list involves things like going to the beach with Zoe, spending time with Zoe, and basically being with Zoe. This plan could go really well if zombies were not such a big problem. Andy can also talk to ghosts and his grandpa's ghost takes center stage. Dealing with his grandpa's death, Andy begins seeing his ghost. I found this to be an interesting way of introducing preteens to death, and also the message that those we love never truly leave, even though they do not stay around us as ghosts.
Supernatural Hero and the Zombies by Eran Gadot is a fantastic preteen book. Dealing with a lot of themes from love and death to school and bullies, this is a well rounded book. As a adult, I decided to give this book a try because it sounded interesting and I was not disappointed. Andy deals with problems that most preteens would deal with, and I was able to relate in some ways to him. I enjoyed the pacing of the story and the humor within. The art work throughout is amazing. I found myself staring at the illustrations. I loved the way the pictures were pencil drawings and that added so much to the story. I feel that adults, teens, and preteens will be able to enjoy this series.
Recommend this book:
The Uninvited Visitors
Starfoot and Brown Books Volume 2
Rhoda Canter

2016 Honorable Mention
288 Pages
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Children - Action

The Uninvited Visitors (Starfoot and Brown Books) (Volume 2) by Rhoda Canter is a children’s book full of fantasy, fun, and laughter because the animals talk and come to life. Chihuahuas Sergeant Starfoot and Chief Inspector Brown work together to solve the mystery about the two uninvited visitors on Bald Head Island. One day Isabel Hamidi’s father, Reza, a noted nuclear physicist visiting professor at the university, told her that he must return to Tehran because he may be forced to continue the nuclear program. He believes that the only thing that can force his hand is his daughter, so he told her that she must disappear completely and tell no one, not even him of her whereabouts. The plan is for Reza to send a text message with one word “boson”: this will be the code to vanish. Jordy Jordan is an interesting boy that went on a field trip one day to Bald Head Island. He was left on the island because he began to wander off, communicating and being fascinated with the mockingbirds, dogs, and other animals roaming around. As luck would have it, Isabel heads to Bald Head Island to complete her disappearing act when she encounters Jordy and the animals - and then the adventure begins.
The Uninvited Visitors by Rhoda Canter is an interesting story that puts you in mind of Dr. Doolittle because of the wonderful mixture of animals throughout the book. To witness the intriguing character of Jordy and his interactions with and mimicking the sounds of some of the animals, particularly the mockingbirds, will make you wish that you were there. Children of all ages will definitely love becoming enthralled in this story because of the fantasy, excitement, and amusement that it brings.
Recommend this book:
Sophie and Scottie's Adventures of the Monarch Mystery
The Adventures of Sophie and Scottie - Volume 1
Cindy C Murray

2016 Silver Medal
160 Pages
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Children - Adventure

Sophie and Scottie's Adventures of the Monarch Mystery: The Adventures of Sophie and Scottie - Volume 1 by Cindy C Murray is a fascinating story that revolves around the adventures of Sophie and Scottie. The 10,000 acre Shear Heaven Ranch is an ideal place for Sophie and Scottie to grow up. It's summertime now and they are hoping it's going to be fun and exciting. Scottie has a feeling that this holiday is going to be different from others. It begins with Aunt Jill's special gift that tells them that it will show them many new places. Will Sophie and Scottie decide to jump into the magical crystal frame and travel to another land?
This story, filled with mystery and adventure, will enthrall kids and tell them about the Mexican culture and places. The excitement of the two girls while eagerly opening their gift and watching the changes in the frame is palpable to readers. All the characters woven into the story line, along with Scottie and Sophie, are exciting. The book has everything that will attract young readers - action, mystery, adventure, and lots of interesting facts about Mexico. The narration is detailed and vivid and it also teaches children to believe in themselves, have perseverance, and how to take care of the environment. It's a fun read with good pace and movement. The teamwork of Sophie and Scottie will encourage many children to work as a team. The story is magical and enchanting and that's what makes it appealing to readers.
Recommend this book:
Jodie and the Library Card
Julie Hodgson

2016 Bronze Medal
144 Pages
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Children - Adventure

The year is 2075 and library cards allow school children to travel through time to witness important historical events firsthand. Young Jodie Broom has a predilection for finding and collecting real books (banned in favor of eReaders) and for using her library card creatively, much to the chagrin of her nemesis, the evil librarian Ms. Noble. In the process of exploring various eras and significant events - including World War II, the sinking of the Titanic, and the Carnation Revolution in Portugal - Jodie learns some of the pitfalls of time travel, solves some formidable problems with the help of her friends Pacman and Kai, and meets a few new friends who help her to find a way to cope with what might well turn out to be the End of the World. The hows, whys, and wheres wait for eager young readers to discover all this in a thrilling adventure that they most assuredly will not be able to put down.
Jodie and the Library Card by Julie Hodgson is a highly imaginative, utterly enchanting fantasy for “tween” readers. Jodie’s adventures teach important values, morals, and personal accountability in a painless and thoroughly engaging way. Julie Hodgson has drawn finely detailed and richly layered characters, so real that they seem to pop right off the page. Jodie’s futuristic world and her firsthand encounters with history will enthrall, educate, and entertain readers of all ages in ways few modern writers have mastered.
Jodie and the Library Card by Julie Hodgson is a consummate page-turning adventure, replete with all of the requisite hair-raising moments and plot twists characteristic of the finest classic children’s literature. Jodie Bloom is a perfectly conceived and impeccably crafted heroine for young readers longing to sort out their own place in a complicated and rapidly changing world. This is a must-read fantasy for young readers, offering real-world wisdom and ideal opportunities for meaningful discussions about important life skills and life lessons.
Recommend this book:
The Taste of Snow
Stephen V. Masse

2016 Honorable Mention
207 Pages
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Children - Adventure

"The Taste of Snow" by Stephen V. Masse tells the story of Nicole, a young girl in Austria who receives a magical candy cane from a shopkeeper during the Christmas season. Nicole is skeptical at first, but then decides to take the candy cane and begins to think constantly about the idea of magic. After tasting the candy cane, some unusual things begin to happen to Nicole, some of them good and some of them not so good, and Nicole cannot decide whether this is the result of the magical candy cane or nor. Is the candy cane the reason for Nicole’s sudden outbursts? Will the magic that is held in the candy cane be enough to keep Nicole safe through a terrifying night alone in an Austrian blizzard? "The Taste of Snow" follows Nicole through some truly harrowing circumstances, and also celebrates the magic that is Christmas.
"The Taste of Snow" by Stephen V. Masse is a beautiful and well-crafted story. Stephen Masse has a gift for language that is rich but easily understood even by young readers. The reader can easily imagine life in Austria with all its rich holiday traditions. I was drawn to both Nicole, the older and supposedly wiser sister, as well as her younger sister Ashley, who is full of mischief and spirit. Young readers will like Nicole because although she tries hard to do the right thing most of the time, she still makes mistakes and young readers will identify with that. The story is full of vibrant and well-drawn characters, and readers will feel highly compelled to read on to see what awaits Nicole next. "The Taste of Snow" is a wonderful, magical story that introduces readers to a new culture and will leave them rooting for the spunky heroine as she learns about true magic.
Recommend this book:
The FunGkins
The Battle For Halladon
C. Raymond Gray

2016 Finalist
275 Pages
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Children - Adventure

The FunGkins: The Battle For Halladon by C. Raymond Gray is a fantastical tale about FunGkins. This is a magical race of beings that for centuries were enslaved by the evil Leprechauns and forced to mine gold, and suffered many hardships, until they were able to escape. Many of them found their way to America by disguising themselves as rats on board the Mayflower. The story begins with Clara and her family in Pirate's Cove. After picking mushrooms in the forest, Clara's father found a really big one and the FunGkins send Jack One, and Jack Two to retrieve it. It is a special mushroom that contains powerful magic the FunGkins need to supply the magic necessary to maintain their realm. As a reward for helping them, Clara and Aunt Tilly get a tour of the Mushroom Valley. Everything seems wonderful until a tall, dark stranger overhears a tale of little people. When he appears on the Gooday's doorstep, they invite him in. Our heroine, Clara, calls her Aunt Tilly. When Clara spies on him with her magic telescope, she becomes terrified, and sends out a warning to the FunGkins.
The author does an amazing job of describing everything in this tale so vividly that you, as the reader, can picture in your mind as if you are actually there. With all of the splendor, magic and wonder that could put Oz to shame, C. Raymond Gray's story telling reminded me instantly of the great J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. What I really liked was how when our villain appears the writing style became lyrical. By the story's end, you are left hanging in suspense for the next installment. The FunGkins is a wondrous, captivating book that can be enjoyed by all ages. All I can say is ... Wow!
Recommend this book:
The Fox Forest Band
Lisa E Lindman

2016 Silver Medal
30 Pages
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Children - Animals

The Fox Forest Band by Lisa E Lindman is a cute story about friends working together to stop an evil wizard from ruining their home. When fog starts to descend on the forest, the animals have to come up with a plan to stop it. By working together, can they come up with a solution?
I like that Lindman wrote The Fox Forest Band in order to help put a stop to bullying. It is an important lesson for children to learn. I also like to think that this book has more than just one meaning. When I first read it, I considered the fog that was taking over to be sadness and the music is what kept it away. My 4-year-old child really liked all the different animals in the story. Her favorite character was the mouse. She was even able to read most of the book by herself. The book itself is bright and colorful. The illustrations by Chandra Wheeler look as if they are painted in watercolors. I especially liked the cute spider that was included in every picture. This is a book that every child should read.
I wish that there were more books like The Fox Forest Band to teach children how to stand up to bullying. This book also teaches that there is power in numbers and you do not actually have to fight in order to get things to change. To teach children this through a colorful book is a great idea. I recommend teachers having Lindman’s book in their classrooms,
Recommend this book:
Spooner the Bear
Jake Willers

2016 Honorable Mention
28 Pages
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Children - Animals

Spooner the Bear is a children’s animal/picture book written by Jake Willers and illustrated by Lainie Bazzoni. Spooner is a young bear who lives quite close to a small town. The other local bears have gotten used to the idea of getting their food from the trash cans sitting outside the houses every night, and they make a terrible mess as they overturn the cans in their search for treats. Spooner and his friend, Fitzgerald the squirrel, travel to all the nearby towns looking for the messes the marauding bears leave and cleaning them up. At one point, they meet up with a giant bear named Rex, whose stomach is full of garbage from the cans he’s raided. Spooner tells Rex that he’s doing it all wrong. Bears should eat berries and greens, not garbage. Spooner also has a message for the humans he helps each night. If they use bear-proof containers, the bears would leave their garbage alone, and he and Fitzgerald could enjoy themselves at the lake instead of always having to clean up.
Jake Willers’ children’s animal/picture book, Spooner the Bear, is an entertaining and informative book about ways to make co-existence between people and bears work. Bears can’t resist the smells and tastes that exude from those garbage cans, and the resulting mess and unwanted interaction between species can easily be prevented. Lainie Bazzoni’s illustrations are superb! I love the colors and images of the natural places that she portrays, especially those featuring the lake and hillsides. Each panel is brightly and boldly colored, and the bears are a treat to look at, especially Spooner and the giant Rex. This book teaches kids and their parents about bears and how human food and trash is a big lure for them. Spooner the Bear is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The City Kittens and the Old House Cat
Mrs D.

2016 Gold Medal
34 Pages
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Children - Concept

The City Kittens and the Old House Cat is a story written with a Christmas backdrop. Nyda, the cat, is happy in the family where she is living and she has settled into a comfortable routine. Her life changes when the eldest daughter of the family brings in two new kittens, Mickey and Jack. There is a lot of activity in the house and Nyda feels a little irritated with all the noise and happenings, and she resents their presence in the family.
The story is a beautiful story of love and compassion. The way Nyda changes from a selfish and self-centered cat is truly amazing. It is a message for all of us that we need to change and a positive change is good for anyone. The book also speaks about how we get comfortable with our mundane lives and we do not want it to change for fear of losing comfort and the security we are used to.
The City Kittens and the Old House Cat is an inspiring story written from a cat's point of view. The story can be understood by all pet lovers. The book has some beautiful and colorful illustrations. That makes the book very attractive and visually appealing, something which all the kids love. Children's books should be colorful and bright. The message of tolerance is very important in the current living situation. The book has a nice moral which can be explained to children and they can be asked to practice it too.
Recommend this book:
The Pancake Menu
Menu & Cookbook Hands-on Math Fun (Kids Menu Books 1)
Lucy Ravitch

2016 Bronze Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Concept

I confess, I am a mom and I do not know how to make pancakes. So when I saw Lucy Ravitch’s book, The Pancake Menu: Menu & Cookbook Hands-on Math Fun, I grabbed it in hopes of learning. I was not disappointed and am happy to say I have a better idea of how to make pancakes now.
The Pancake Menu starts off with colorful pictures of all the recipes in the book. On these pictures are also prices that you can use to teach your children math when you order the pancakes. In the back of the book are the cooking tips and actual recipes for each item that was pictured. Ravitch has a bunch of pancake recipes in this book that I have never heard of. Such as Flying Saucer Pancakes and Overstuffed Pancakes. One thing is that they all look fun to make. The recipe I look forward to trying the most is the Alphabet Pancakes. Making letters and names would be fun. The hardest part of this recipe looks to be learning how to write mirror image. But thanks to Ravitch’s helpful tip about writing the letters out on paper, she makes me feel confident that I could do it.
The Pancake Menu is the first book in the Kids Menu Book series. I think a cookbook for kids is a great idea. It would even be helpful to adults like me who are still earning how to cook. I look forward to reading more books in the Kids Menu Book series.
