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 Beedog
A Strange Insect Discovery
Addie Broussard
2018 Honorable Mention
42 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
The Beedog: An Insect Discovery in Portugal is a children’s educational picture book written by Addie Broussard and illustrated by Joyeeta Neogi. Cora and her friend, Manny, were all ready for a fun-filled day at Carvalho beach in Portugal. They had their beach towels, sand buckets and frisbees ready and waiting. Cora’s mom drove them to the beach where they marvelled at the beauty of the beach and the surrounding hillsides. Cora and Manny were having a grand time building a sand castle and playing when they suddenly discovered a strange insect that seemed to also be building a sand castle. Cora thought it looked like a bee, but she wondered about how its eyes were different, and the digging behavior was definitely strange. When they got home, they decided to try to find out what their little 'beedog' actually was.
Addie Broussard’s educational picture book for children, The Beedog: An Insect Discovery in Portugal, is a book filled with beach time fun that also teaches kids about travel to other countries and the different types of animals and insects one might encounter. I loved watching how Cora and Manny use their computer skills to research the beedog and identify it. Joyeeta Neogi’s illustrations are brilliant and lots of fun. From gorgeous views of sandy beaches to a whimsical picture of a bee holding a sand shovel, each panel is boldly colored and works to reinforce the story. The Beedog: An Insect Discovery in Portugal is an ideal selection for story time, but the print size and carefully limited vocabulary also make it a perfect choice for a new reader. It’s most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Doodle and the Magic Christmas Float
Cindy Shirley
2018 Bronze Medal
34 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Doodle and the Magic Christmas Float is a holiday-themed children’s picture book written by Cindy L. Shirley and illustrated by Cleoward Sy. Doodle was a little girl who lived with her grandparents, Mimi and Paw-Paw, on their farm in the town of Tinsel. There were lots of fun things for Doodle and her friends to do on the farm, and they spent many happy afternoons after school playing there. One afternoon, they went exploring in the woods nearby and found an abandoned trailer. Its paint was faded, and several of its tires were flat, but Doodle’s imagination was captured by the sign still attached to it that indicated that the trailer had a name, and it was “Magic.” The excited children ran back to the farm and asked Paw-Paw if he could help fix that little trailer, and he jumped right on his trusty tractor and drove over to see it. Paw-Paw’s an inventive sort, so he was able to quickly hook it up to the tractor and bring it home, and between him and Doodle, they figured out a perfect plan for Magic, the trailer.
Cindy Shirley’s holiday-themed children’s picture book, Doodle and the Magic Christmas Float, is a charming and beautifully illustrated book that pays tribute to the imagination and ingenuity that is present in every little boy and girl -- as well as some very fortunate adults, like Paw-Paw. I Ioved following as he and his granddaughter see the possibilities hidden in that old, broken-down trailer and transform it into something special and, yes, magical. And throughout the story, that theme of recycle and reuse appears in a number of clever and fun ways. Cleoward Sy’s illustrations are marvelous! The predominant reds, whites and greens he uses in each panel enhance the Christmassy feel of the tale, and the facial expressions of the characters work very well indeed. This is a grand selection for story time that is guaranteed to get children even more into the Christmas spirit than they may already be. It’s also a challenging and worthwhile option for more experienced young readers to try on their own. Doodle and the Magic Christmas Float is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Angels, Angels Everywhere
Susan M Branz
2018 Silver Medal
21 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Angels, Angels Everywhere is a Christian picture book for children, grades K-3, written by Susan M. Branz and illustrated by Ashley D. Bostanic. Alieya loved to hear about the angels. She and her mom would spend hours talking about God and His angels, and her Gram’s house was filled with statues and pictures of the angels she loved to hear about. There were little, chubby angels that Gram referred to as cherubs, and lovely women angels, but Grandpa told her that there were men angels who were fearless, strong and protective. Alieya’s mom loved to read passages from Genesis and other parts of the Bible to her, and Alieya began to wonder about how angels came to be. When were the angels created? She loved knowing they were watching out for her, and wanted to learn everything she could about them.
Susan M. Branz’s Christian picture book for children, grades K-3, Angels, Angels Everywhere, is an engaging and educational book that introduces angels and scripture to young children. Ashley D. Bostanic’s masterful illustrations work quite well with the theme of the book. Her panels are richly colored, and her use of watercolor washes, especially for the sky and heavenly scenes, is inspired. I enjoyed Alieya’s theory that shooting stars could actually be angelic protectors, as well as her intellectual curiosity about their relationship with God and Genesis. This book is a grand selection for story time as well as a suitable choice for more advanced young readers to try on their own. Angels, Angels Everywhere is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Nonni's Moon
Julia Inserro
2018 Gold Medal
18 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Nonni's Moon by Julia Inserro is one of those feel good books for kids and parents alike. Beanie misses her grandmother who lives far, far away and wishes she could see her grandmother more. They settle on a new way to send messages to each other through a common means that all kids can appreciate. Beanie shares this with her teacher, who then decides to use it to send messages to her sister. Well, right away the reader has learned a new way to communicate with loved ones they seldom see. One of the first things that hooks the reader in Nonni's Moon by Julia Inserro is the artwork. Lucy Smith's illustrations capture our hearts. The illustrator won a Kidshelf cover design award. However, each and every page is captivating. Diversity is shared within the illustrations. The blended family is a mixture of Caucasian and Middle Eastern cultures.
The story line seems at first to be a bedtime story. But, there's much, much more. There are "hidden" connections with the world of science and social issues. The obvious settings in the illustrations can lead to good discussions about different cultures. This would be a great means to introduce time zones and the earth's movements to young children, as well as use in a discussion of where the moon is when it can't be seen. Some of the repetitive phrases provide opportunities for children to be active participants by reading those as they are repeated throughout the book. Nonni's Moon by Julia Inserro would be useful in the classroom and as a great Mother's Day gift for grandmothers.
Recommend this book:
Rice & Rocks
Sandra L. Richards
2017 Finalist
32 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Rice and Rocks by Sandra L. Richards is a stunning, heartwarming children's book about a young boy named Giovanni. Giovanni's family always has Jamaican stewed chicken with rice and beans, or what Giovanni calls rice and rocks, every Sunday. But this time, Giovanni has friends coming over, and he is worried that his friends won't like it. Giovanni's auntie wants to show him that his friends will like the food, so the two shrink down, and climb onto the back of Giovanni's bird, Jasper. They visit the countries Giovanni's friends' families are from, and find out about many traditions in his friends' cultures that involve the same kind of food that Giovanni calls rice and rocks. Giovanni serves rice and rocks to his friends. Will they like it?
I really enjoyed reading Rice and Rocks by Sandra L. Richards. The book teaches the importance of traditions, family, and friendship. I liked that the characters are very diverse, and are from many different cultures. The book is full of adventure, and has some funny parts. The pictures, by Megan Kayleigh Sullivan, are very well drawn, and help to depict each scene. The illustrations of Jasper and Auntie's dogs, Skye and Honey, are adorable. The characters are likeable, because they all understand or learn the importance of tradition. The book is relatable because many people are worried about what they're feeding their friends. Children will enjoy reading this book again and again. I would definitely recommend this book to all young readers.
Recommend this book:
Kobee Manatee
Shipwreck Sea Friends
Robert Scott Thayer
2017 Gold Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
"Kobee Manatee: Shipwreck Sea Friends" is a fun underwater adventure written by Robert Scott Thayer and illustrated by Lauren Gallegos. Kobee, a bold manatee, along with his friends Tess, a brave seahorse, and Pablo, a fun loving hermit crab, head to Puerto Rico to explore the shipwreck of the SS Antonio López. Along the way, they meet several new friends of all shapes and sizes, ranging from an eight-inch long spotfin butterfly fish to a 40-foot long whale shark! This is the third book in the Kobee Manatee series and is published in collaboration with Fabien Cousteau, grandson of the legendary ocean expert Jacques Cousteau. While you don’t necessarily need to read the other two books first, you’ll find yourself falling for Kobee and friends and wanting to hear more about their adventures.
Whether you are an avid sea explorer or simply someone who wants to learn more about our oceans, "Kobee Manatee: Shipwreck Sea Friends" is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that is the perfect addition to any bookshelf! Kobee reminds readers that our oceans are precious resources and the habitat for many a wonderful creature, and that we should do everything we can to protect them. In addition, each page contains some of Kobee’s Fun Facts, which provide children with real life information about the animals and locations that they read about in the book. The story truly comes to life thanks to Lauren Gallegos’ wonderful illustrations as you find yourself diving into the story and enjoying every moment of Kobee and friends’ adventure.
Recommend this book:
The Day My Fart Followed Me To Hockey
Sam Lawrence,Ben Jackson
2017 Silver Medal
42 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
The Day My Fart Followed Me To Hockey by Sam Lawrence and Ben Jackson is the hilarious story of Timmy, who wants to be part of the hockey team, but thinks he is not that good at playing the game. Little Fart encourages and supports him. With all the morale boosting he has received from Fart and his mom, Timmy goes to try out for the hockey team. Timmy does not want Fart to follow him as he will be known as the stinky kid, and asks him not to come. But Fart wants to support his friend and follows him. When Timmy gets there and goes onto the ice, he sees Fart has followed him. How does Fart help Timmy and will he be able to help Timmy make it onto the team?
The story, apart from being funny, also conveys the messages of friendship, teamwork, and relationships. The illustrations are bright and colorful, giving the story good pace and movement, and breathing life into the characters. It's a good bedtime storybook for parents and grandparents to read out to kids. The book can also be used for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries. Children understand concepts, ideas, and messages more easily when these are conveyed through stories and pictures. Timmy and Fart will capture the hearts of young readers with their display of teamwork and friendship.
Recommend this book:
Buzzy and Thomas Move Into the President's House
Vicki Tashman
2017 Bronze Medal
44 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Buzzy and Thomas Move Into the President’s House by Vicki Tashman revolves around adorable Buzzy who enjoys living in her big farm, Monticello, with her owner, Thomas Jefferson. She had good friends; Caractacus the horse, Bull the farm dog, and Dickie the farm bird. Buzzy had a lot of things in common with her owner. She loved lying at Thomas’s feet while he wrote his letters and they both liked to go for long walks. On one of their walks, Thomas tells Buzzy that he is going to be the president soon and they will be moving into their new home which is just for presidents. Buzzy is sad and confused. She does not want to leave her friends, Caractacus, Bull, and Dickie; at the same time she wants to go with Thomas and be with him all the time. Will Buzzy be happy in this new home?
The story is delightful and what makes it more appealing is the fact that Thomas Jefferson, who became the President of the United States, had a dog named Buzzy, a horse named Caractacus, another dog named Bull, and a mockingbird called Dickie. The illustrations are lively and colorful and they breathe life into the characters and give the story a good pace and movement. The book is informative and educational as it tells readers a bit about the history of the United States and teaches them new words. The book is a good bedtime storybook for parents and grandparents and can be used for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries. Buzzy’s fear of moving to a new place and missing her friends is palpable and readers can connect well with those emotions.
Recommend this book:
Tabitha Fink
Ninja at Night
Rick Felty
2017 Honorable Mention
67 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Tabitha Fink: Ninja at Night by Rick Felty is the story of Tabitha Fink, a cat who has only one eye. She likes to try out things that no other cat does. She is happy to be different and she lives with Bartholomew Blink, who is a mouse. They sleep every day on carpets and stairs, and play hide and seek around the tables and chairs. They have fun during the daytime, but when it becomes night, things are unpleasant for Bartholomew Blink. He gets scared of the dark and feels there is a scary monster in his closet, and an old witch with a scary old broom underneath the bed. There are a lot of other things too that scare Bartholomew Blink at night, and Tabitha Fink tells him what to do to deal with the fear of darkness.
The concept of the story is good. It tells readers to make friends with their monsters before turning off the light. Both characters, Tabitha Fink, the cat, and Bartholomew Blink, the mouse, are adorable and they also show how friends can support each other during difficult times. The illustrations are bright and charming, and they breathe life into the story and bring the scenes and characters alive. It is a good bedtime storybook and the concept makes it an excellent choice for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries. The story has good messages of friendship and overcoming the fear of darkness, which makes it an ideal storybook for children.
Recommend this book:
Courageous Gilbert the Groundhog
2016 Mom's Choice Awards Gold Medal Winner, Readers Favorite Gold Medal Winner and Readers Favorite 5 Star Review.
Regina E. McCarthy
2016 Gold Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Grade K-3rd
Courageous Gilbert the Groundhog by Regina E. McCarthy is an adorable storybook for children. Gilbert had many interests. He was a great collector of toy cars, action figures, and lots of rocks, and he also enjoyed listening to music. There were many things Gilbert didn't like - he did not like standing up in front of the class, he didn't like being made fun of when he sang, and he didn't like finding someone to sit with him for lunch. One day, while leaving school upset, he climbs an old oak tree. Readers see a friendship bond being developed between Gilbert and the old oak tree. The book conveys an excellent message to young readers and tells them the importance of deep breathing and that it is okay to express their feelings and emotions instead of hiding them.
The concept shared by the author is excellent as it helps build confidence in children. The illustrations are bright and lively and give a good pace and movement to the scenes and the story. The breathing techniques mentioned in the book can be practiced to ease tension and anxiety, and will help children release their emotions and fears instead of holding them inside. It's an excellent book for interactive sessions in classrooms and school libraries, and can also be used for bedtime story-telling. Therapists, counselors, and educators can use the techniques in the book while working with kids. The book also speaks about the importance of mental health and the benefits of deep breathing.