2023 Winners
PRINTED BOOKS
Grand Prize Winner:
Moraline by Cintia Alfonso Fior
$100 Drawing Winner:
Becoming Bully Proof by Rich Grogan
Activity Books (Adult)
1st Place: EASY Brain Activity Book for Adults and Kids by Myeongkeun Yang and Inseon Yang, illustrated by Kuiok Lee
Activity Books (Children)
1st Place: Glitter the Unicorn Loves to Color by Callie Chapman, illustrated by Bronwyne Chapman
2nd Place: Glitter the Unicorn Loves to Color at the Beach by Callie Chapman, illustrated by Bronwyne Chapman
Honorable Mention:
My Fingerpaint Masterpiece Coloring Book by Sherrill Cannon, illustrated by KJ Kalpart
The Case of the Hidden Animals by Sara Furlong
Animals/Pets
1st Place (tie):
General Jack and the Battle of the Five Kingdoms by David Bush
Pebbles and the Biggest Number by Joey Benun, illustrated by Laura Watson
2nd Place: Polar Bear and the UFO by Cynthia Huijgens, illustrated by Anne Costa
Honorable Mention:
Bentley's Treasure by Sandra Harry and Catherine Lawson, illustrated by Nikki Boetger
Bob Tales, Land of the Woody Warbles by Susan Sullivan, illustrated by Lauren Reeves
Into Our Lives by Jackie Ferrell
Marco & Me by Johnny Marfia
Schoolhouse Dogs Face Life by Dawn Renee Darnell and Jim H Darnell Jr
Audiobooks
1st Place: The Magic In Metaphor: Empowering Children Through Healing Stories by Harley Sears, narrated by Lauren Hodges
2nd Place: The Sheriff's Catch by James Vella-Bardon
Honorable Mention:
A Crisis Is a Terrible Thing to Waste by Kelly Walden
Kindergarten at 60: A Memoir of Teaching in Thailand by Dian Seidel
Light in the Shadow (RAK Initiative Trilogy, book 2) by Frank Saraco
Thrown to the Wind by Amanda M. Cetas
Wealth and Privilege by Jeanette Watts
Who Killed Jerusalem? by George Brown
La Finca: Love, Loss, and Laundry on a Tiny Puerto Rican Island by Corky Parker
Best Cover Design
1st Place: Mimi and the Gold Baton by Cheryl Olsten, illustrated by Nicolo Carozzi
2nd Place: A Thousand Flying Things by Kathryn Brown Ramsperger, illustrated by Estella Vukovic
Honorable Mention:
Crossing Lake Pontchartrain by Arthur Byrd
Edgar Allan Know and His Big Busy Brain by Rahni varieur-Davies, illustrated by Barbara Owczarek
Naptime with Imani and The Fox by Lena Bee, illustrated by Jesse Navarette
Pebbles and the Biggest Number by Joey Benun, illustrated by Laura Watson
Proud Pada by S.G. Blaise
The Greatest Treasure by Anne Lacourrege, illustrated by Joshua Wichterich
The Not So Funny Bunny (Happy Tails) by Michele L. Sayre, illustrated by Christina Cartwright
The Unluckiest Leprechaun by Far (Happy Tails) by Michele L. Sayre, illustrated by Christina Cartwright
A Sofia Special by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Vivian Mineker
Bentley's Treasure by Sandra Harry and Catherine Lawson, illustrated by Nikki Boetger
Changing Tide by Robert Joncas
How Happy Is a Lark? by Gail Kuhnlein, illustrated by Jenny Kalejs
My Place Among Them by J. Stanion
Best Illustrations/Photography
1st Place (tie):
Reindeerache by Brian Donnelly
Pebbles and the Biggest Number by Joey Benun, illustrated by Laura Watson
2nd Place: Shiny Friends Super Squad Book 1: Starr of the Show by Leigh Alley, illustrated by Mark Hurry
Honorable Mention:
A Sofia Special by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Vivian Mineker
How Happy Is a Lark? by Gail Kuhnlein, illustrated by Jenny Kalejs
Is Your Doctor Awesome Like Mine? A Story of Immigration Understanding by Hollie Davis Frick, illustrated by Francesca Pesci
Naptime with Imani and The Fox by Lena Bee, illustrated by Jesse Navarette
Seas the Day! Malibu Mel's Beach Adventure Book 1 by Melissa Piquette, illustrated by Claire Harris
Tex the Explorer and The Jared Box Project by Ellie Smith, illustrated by Eyen Johnson
The Easter Gator by Kathy Olsen Thibodeaux, illustrated by Mary Beth Hebert
Turning Pennies into Dimes (Doc the Wolf) by Kevin Chu
Best Interior Design
1st Place: Pebbles and the Biggest Number by Joey Benun, illustrated by Laura Watson
2nd Place: The Greatest Treasure by Anne Lacourrege, illustrated by Joshua Wichterich
Honorable Mention:
A Sofia Special by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Vivian Mineker
Bentley's Treasure by Sandra Harry and Catherine Lawson, illustrated by Nikki Boetger
Edgar Allan Know and His Big Busy Brain by Rahni varieur-Davies, illustrated by Barbara Owczarek
Glitter the Unicorn Goes to the Movies by Callie Chapman, illustrated by Bronwyne Chapman
Magic Gifts by Marlene Bryenton, illustrated by Allison Wolvers
Biography/Autobiography/Memoir
1st Place: Sacrfice: The Green Berets, A Fateful Ambush, and a Gold Star Widow's Fight for the Truth by Michelle Black
2nd Place: Where the Lilacs Bloom Once Again by Roni Rosenthal
Honorable Mention:
An Aussie Character and Patriotic Latvian by Jennifer Reilly
Every Other Weekend—Coming of Age With Two Different Dads by Anthony J. Mohr
Searching for Charles: The Untold Legacy of an Immigrant's American Adventure by Stephen Watts
The Questioning: Finding Truth Between Worlds by Tonya Cole
Wander: A Memoir of Letting go and Walking 2,000 Miles to a Meaningful Life by Ryan Benz
Were You Close? a sister's quest to know the brother she lost by Anne Pinkerton
A Purposeful Life by Agitu Wodajo
All is Well: Life Lessons from a Preacher's Father by Kevin Martin Jr.
Behold the Monster: Confronting America's Most Prolific Serial Killer by Jillian Lauren
Coming Home: A Spiritual Memoir by Lori Vos
Crossing Borders: The Search for Dignity in Palestine by Christa Bruhn
Book Trailer
Honorable Mention:
General Jack and the Battle of the Five Kingdoms by David Bush
Owning Your Destiny: A Woman's Guide to Harnessing The Power Within by Duncan McLauren
Business & Finance
1st Place: Irresistible: The Seven Secrets of the World's Most Enduring, Employee-Focused Organizations by Josh Bersin
2nd Place: Assemblage: The Art and Science of Brand Transformation by Emmanuel Probst
Honorable Mention:
Reinvent: Navigating Business Transformation in a Hyperdigital Era by Faisal Hoque
Sales Essentials: The Tools You Need at Every Stage to Close More Deals and Crush Your Quota by Rana Salman
Spending Money and Having Fun: Your Practical Guide to a Fearless Retirement by Brad Gotto
Tom Peters' Compact Guide to Excellence by Tom Peters
Winner Takes All: Case Studies in How Online Marketplaces are Creating Modern Monopolies by Shirish Nadkarni
Careers
1st Place: The 5-Day Job Search: Proven Strategies to Answering Tough Interview Questions & Getting Multiple Job Offers by Annie Margarita Yang
2nd Place: Sell Yourself: How to Create, Live, and Sell a Powerful Personal Brand by Cindy McGovern
Honorable Mention: Level Up: From Unseen to Sought After by Shirin Danesh
Children’s Chapter Books
1st Place (tie):
Mortimer and Me: The Moosical by Kathie McMahon, illustrated by Tom Tate
The Buoyancy Project: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures–Book 2 by Marsha Tufft
2nd Place: Into the Unknown: My Journey into the Realm of Monsters by Sara Furlong
Honorable Mention:
The Lolly Shop Book Series by LBE Hackney
The Tales of Scuba Steve: Isfjell Point by Steven Kamlet, illustrated by Shannon Marsolais
Detective Natty and Doggy Dale Follow the Clues by Deborah Hunt, illustrated by Ashleigh Heyns
In Search of Sparkle by Donna Lane
Marco & Me by Johnny Marfia
Penelope's Half-Birthday by Pauli Libsohn
The Song of the Marsh by Joan Verlezza
The Tree Hugger: A New Christmas Classic by F.M. Barrera
The Wonderful Friendship by David Swindell, illustrated by Vanya Cimino
Unknown Waters by Cynthia Bordelon, illustrated by Mariya Prytula
Find Me In Time: Meeting Columbus by L.T. Caton, illustrated by Nabeel Hayder
Mysteries of the Mist by C. A. Rand, illustrated by Danilo Cerovic
Sam, Sara, and the Red Ball by Jenifer Ratliff
Children’s Nonfiction
1st Place: Pebbles and the Biggest Number by Joey Benun, illustrated by Laura Watson
2nd Place: The Elements of Art: An Elementary Art Teacher's Guide to Color, Shape, Texture & More! by Maren Daniels
Honorable Mention:
Feathered Friends by Madelyn A. Lee
Kisaan by Simarjeet Kaur Sandhu, illustrated by Anastasiia Sokolova
The Girl and the Lock on Her Heart by Lauren Lee
The Mysterious Sound from Areca nut Tree by Kalya Karunarathna
The Sculpture for Children Through the Hands of Angel Tarrac-La Escultura para Niños a través de las manos de Ángel Tarrac by Carlos Francisco Tarrac
Children’s Poetry Books
1st Place: Toot the Flying Droodle: Part Dragon—Part Poodle by Julian Boram
2nd Place: A Fish in a Tree by Deborah C. Washington, illustrated by Ian Ward
Honorable Mention:
Alice’s Adventures: A Modern Version Of Lewis Carroll’s Classic, in Verse by Paul Buchheit, illustrated by Manahil Khan
Growing Up in the Dragonfly Zone by Marlana Demarco Hogan
Strange Creatures and Other Poems about Life by Marvin Druger
The Easter Gator by Kathy Olsen Thibodeaux, illustrated by Mary Beth Hebert
There's a Buzzard on the Balcony by Ruth Amanda
There's a Seagull on my Sailboat by Ruth Amanda
Coffee Table & Gift Books
1st Place: Lessons from the Sidewalk: Encounters with the Discarded by Barry Robbins
2nd Place: The Extraordinary Adventures of an Ordinary Girl by E. Grayson
Honorable Mention:
A Darker Demise by M. C. Ryder
Asylum Of Diction by Alyssa Milani
Conquered by Fog by Fabiana Elisa Martínez
Enchanted Menehune Tales: Of Gods and Little People by F.M. Barrera
I Didn't Know What To Say, So I Just Said Thanks by David Joseph, illustrated by Katarina Naskovski
The Books by Penn Fawn
Cultural Diversity
1st Place: Moraline by Cintia Alfonso Fior
2nd Place (tie):
Zoey Wonders Why by Nadia Khan, illustrated by Tasya Nabiella
A Thousand Flying Things by Kathryn Brown Ramsperger, illustrated by Estella Vukovic
Honorable Mention:
Dragonfly Free by Raya Khedker
Dragonfly Hunting by Raya Khedker
Finding Your Way by Eve Koguce
Holy Parrot by Angel A
Is Your Doctor Awesome Like Mine? A Story of Immigration Understanding by Hollie Davis Frick, illustrated by Francesca Pesci
Love Among the Sakura by P.J. Sanchez-Urcuyo
Our Very Greek Summer: and a Very Greek Baptism by Kassi Psifogeorgou, illustrated by Laura Mocelin
Royal Planet by Christina J
Sariri: Travels Through Bolivia by Ivar Mendez
The Superpower of Being Yourself by Eliana Jeong, illustrated by Christina Smith
We Both Speak English but … by Heather Bradley
Vivienne in Paris by Maria Castellucci Moore
Education
1st Place (tie):
Pebbles and the Biggest Number by Joey Benun, illustrated by Laura Watson
School Leadership from A to Z: How to Lead Well Without Losing Your Way by Bradley James Davies
2nd Place: What Is the Shape of My Egg? by Lisa M. Weckbacher, illustrated by Gabriela Vega
Honorable Mention:
Carl Circle Feels Terrible by Natascha Louise
Magic Gifts by Marlene Bryenton, illustrated by Allison Wolvers
Naptime with Imani and The Fox by Lena Bee, illustrated by Jesse Navarette
The Tales of Scuba Steve: Isfjell Point by Steven Kamlet, illustrated by Shannon Marsolais
Fiction: Novel
1st Place: A Thousand Flying Things by Kathryn Brown Ramsperger, illustrated by Estella Vukovic
2nd Place: Hope for the Worst by Kate Brandt
Honorable Mention:
Battle Creek: The 500 Song Rock & Roll Daydream by Ayla Webb
Canvas of Healing by Suzette Welling
Circus of the Greats by Ali Al-Naama
Crossing Lake Pontchartrain by Arthur Byrd
Dragonfly Free by Raya Khedker
Dragonfly Hunting by Raya Khedker
Falling Star by Michele Kwasniewski
Jaguar's Claw: A Taz Blackwell Intrigue by Brooks Yeager
Look 'N Up Invasion by Janice Carr Smith
Mad King Robin by James Vella-Bardon
Moving Men by Karene Horst
No, You're Crazy by Jeff Beamish
Revelation: A Novel by Gary McCarragher
Rogues of the Crosslands: Azoria's Blade by John Daze
Royal Planet by Christina J
Symbiosis by Milagros Lasarte, illustrated by Giuseppe Monterisi
The Accidental Cop by Eve Koguce
The Cream of Chivalry by James Vella-Bardon
The Last Man off the Mountain by Daris Howard
The Neighbors by M. C. Ryder
The Sassana Stone: A Rebel North by James Vella-Bardon
The Soul Machines by Alexandru Czimbor
Fine Art/Photography
1st Place: In the Museum of My Daughter's Mind by Marjorie Maddox, illustrated by Anna Lee Hafer
2nd Place: Sunset Beach Dances by Sheree Nielsen
Food-Related
1st Place: Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door: 50 American Chefs Chart Today’s Food Culture by Emmanuel Laroche
2nd Place: On the Rocks by Maria C. Palmer and Ruthie Robbins
General
1st Place: Revelation: A Novel by Gary McCarragher
2nd Place: Falling Star by Michele Kwasniewski
Honorable Mention:
Dragonfly Free by Raya Khedker
Dragonfly Hunting by Raya Khedker
Royal Planet by Christina J
Graphic Novel
1st Place: The Bucket of Blood by Paul Malott, illustrated by Kokin Kokambar
2nd Place: Pirate Mouse and the Sea of Peril by Jon Duncan
Honorable Mention: Rage Runs Deep by Demetri Capetanopoulos
Green Books/Environmental
1st Place: Splash The Dolphin Racing Against Time by Lise Ménard, illustrated by Ananta Mohanta
2nd Place: Nature's Apprentices by Elizabeth Bekolay, illustrated by Jennifer Lynn Becker
Honorable Mention:
Macy the Mermaid: A Chesapeake Bay Adventure by Cindy Freland, illustrated by Emily Hercock
Seas the Day! Malibu Mel's Beach Adventure Book 1 by Melissa Piquette, illustrated by Claire Harris
Health, Diet, Nutrition
1st Place: Bunny's Big Problem by Simone Majetich, illustrated by Jecoe Firmalan
2nd Place: Fentanyl Goes Away and Chippo Saves the Day by Nita Brady, illustrated by Amy Auld
Honorable Mention:
Nurse Florence®, What is Heat Exhaustion? by Michael Dow, illustrated by Janel Halton
Super Stars Battle Fentanyl by Christine Thomas Doran, illustrated by Bob O'Brien
Historical Fiction
1st Place: An Enemy Like Me by Teri M. Brown
2nd Place: Thrown to the Wind by Amanda M. Cetas
Honorable Mention:
A Home in the Wilderness by Amanda M. Cetas
Aboard Blackbeard's Queen by Robin Reams
Baker Street Irregular by Craig W. Fisher
Calling the Circle by Heather Cobham
Cheerful Obedience by Patrick McLaughlin
Esther by Connie Huddleston
Follow His Lead by Richard LaMotte
Faythe of North Hinkapee by James T. Hogg
Guilds and Gunpowder: Crimes Against the Crown by Wendy Bayne
Mad King Robin by James Vella-Bardon
Midnight Sleeper, Book 1 by Raeder Lomax, illustrated by James Willis
My Place Among Them by J. Stanion
Royal Planet by Christina J
The Cream of Chivalry by James Vella-Bardon
The Red Dress by Deborah Edmisten
The Sassana Stone: A Rebel North by James Vella-Bardon
The Soul Machines by Alexandru Czimbor
Unlocking Blackbeard's Skeletons by Robin Reams
History Nonfiction
1st Place: Searching for Charles: The Untold Legacy of an Immigrant's American Adventure by Stephen Watts
2nd Place: On the Rocks by Maria C. Palmer and Ruthie Robbins
Holiday
1st Place: Reindeerache by Brian Donnelly
2nd Place: Winnie's Christmas Treasure Hunt by Joy Ball, illustrated by Manuela Pentangelo
Honorable Mention:
Christmastime for Sawyer by Aimee Veile
I Have Questions, Lots and Lots of Questions: A True Story of Christmas by David Lane, illustrated by Caleb McBee
Santa's Magical Reindeer: Becoming Pen Pals by Michele Monaco
The Easter Gator by Kathy Olsen Thibodeaux, illustrated by Mary Beth Hebert
Who Says Christmas is All About the Gifts? by Kimberly Waters
Home & Garden
1st Place (tie):
The Art of Creating Houses: Polhemus Savery DaSilva by John DaSilva, photographs by Brian Vanden Brink
Permaculture Gardening for the Absolute Beginner by Josie Beckham
How-To
1st Place: Permaculture Gardening for the Absolute Beginner by Josie Beckham
2nd Place: The Guitar Decoder Ring: Featuring SIGIL - The New Language of Guitar by Asher Black
Honorable Mention:
Owning Your Destiny by Duncan McLauren
The Non-Obvious Guide to Better Presentations: How to Present Like a Pro by Jacqueline Farrington
Humor
1st Place: Teacher’s Pet by Jacob Alexander
2nd Place: Super Doople by K.A. Cummins
Honorable Mention:
Fregg Wants to Be Fancy by Natascha Louise
Lessons from the Sidewalk: Encounters with the Discarded by Barry Robbins
MFA Thesis Novel by Ian M. Rogers
Royal Planet by Christina J
Letters, Journals, Diaries
1st Place: Searching for Charles: The Untold Legacy of an Immigrant's American Adventure by Stephen Watts
LGBTQ+
1st Place (tie):
That’s Me in the Corner by Jeff Crim
Dragonfly Free by Raya Khedker
2nd Place: Revelation: A Novel by Gary McCarragher
Honorable Mention: A Woman's Persuasion by Jeanette Watts
Middle Grade Fiction
1st Place (tie):
Erift's Journeys: Secrets of The Sealed Forest by J.T Tenera
Moraline by Cintia Alfonso Fior
2nd Place (tie):
Shiny Friends Super Squad Book 1: Starr of the Show by Leigh Alley, illustrated by Mark Hurry
A Home in the Wilderness by Amanda M. Cetas
Honorable Mention:
A Home Called Haven Book 2: The Upper World by C. Anne, illustrated by Alessandra Liane
A Nose Apart: The Third Adventure by Deborah Edmisten
Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl
Hattie's War by Peter Serko
In Search of Sparkle by Donna Lane
Light in the Shadow (RAK Initiative Trilogy, book 2) by Frank Saraco
Lost and Found by Sara Furlong
Project First Flight: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures–Book 3 by Marsha Tufft
Rolo the Pet Earthling by Hans Ness, illustrated by Sofia Komarenko
Salmon Survivor by Christian Shane
Schoolhouse Dogs Face Life by Dawn Renee Darnell and Jim H Darnell Jr
The Conspiracy Page, First Encounter by Robin Landry
The Extraordinary Adventures of an Ordinary Girl by E. Grayson
The Last Football Player by John Blossom
The Lolly Shop Book Series by LBE Hackney
The Mermaid's Plight by Davina Liberty
The Mystery of the Lost Greek Treasure by Kimberly Mitchell
The Twelve Bibles by Chris Brown
The Water Door by Aggie L Jae
Through the Smoke (RAK Initiative trilogy, book 3) by Frank Saraco
Thrown to the Wind by Amanda M. Cetas
Victoria McKay and the Kingdom of Creatures by Marina Aerin Richardson, illustrated by Aidan Michael Harris
Military
1st Place: Sacrfice: The Green Berets, A Fateful Ambush, and a Gold Star Widow's Fight for the Truth by Michelle Black
2nd Place: Follow His Lead by Richard LaMotte
Honorable Mention:
Baker Street Irregular by Craig W. Fisher
Chop that Sh*t Up! Leadership and Life lessons learned in the Military by Daniel Pinion
Mystery
1st Place: Finding Fionn: A Mystery Inspired by the Kidnapping of the Irish Racehorse Shergar by M.J. Evans
2nd Place: Shepherd's Call: A Shepherd & Wolfe Mystery by Angie Counios
Honorable Mention:
Backstabbed on Broadway by Carolyn Summer Quinn
Model Suspect: The Backyard Model Mysteries Book One by TK Sheffield
One of Ours by Lynn-Steven Johanson
Rock Step Triple Homicide: An Introduction to Lindy Hop... AND a Murder Mystery by Doug Dorsey
Someone's Always Lying Book One: Body Count by S.A. Warren
New Author: Fiction
1st Place: The Unbroken Horizon by Jenny Brav
2nd Place (tie):
Knightess by J.A. Stein
How Happy Is a Lark? by Gail Kuhnlein, illustrated by Jenny Kalejs
Honorable Mention:
Edgar Allan Know and His Big Busy Brain by Rahni varieur-Davies, illustrated by Barbara Owczarek
Battle Creek: The 500 Song Rock & Roll Daydream by Ayla Webb
Cheerful Obedience by Patrick McLaughlin
Clayton's Chronicles by Jere Steiner
How to Defeat Bully Brain: A Story About OCD by Ella Kim, illustrated by Andi Andriansyah
Kenny the Koala's Rainy Day by Eden Gabbai
Model Suspect, The Backyard Model Mysteries Book One by TK Sheffield
My Place Among Them by J. Stanion
Naptime with Imani and The Fox by Lena Bee, illustrated by Jesse Navarette
Nature's Apprentices by Elizabeth Bekolay, illustrated by Jennifer Lynn Becker
Rogues of the Crosslands: Azoria's Blade by John Daze
Rolo the Pet Earthling by Hans Ness, illustrated by Sofia Komarenko
TAILS: A Backyard Story volume one by Michael Curran
The Darkest Side of the Moon by M. C. Ryder
The Easter Gator by Kathy Olsen Thibodeaux, illustrated by Mary Beth Hebert
The Greatest Treasure by Anne Lacourrege, illustrated by Joshua Wichterich
The Nephilim's Fate by Eliza Hampstead
The Soul Machines by Alexandru Czimbor
The Witchfinder's Serpent by Rande Goodwin
Victoria McKay and the Kingdom of Creatures by Marina Aerin Richardson, illustrated by Aidan Michael Harris
Zoey Wonders Why by Nadia Khan, illustrated by Tasya Nabiella
New Author: Nonfiction
1st Place: The Least Likely Millionaire: How to Succeed When Everyone Expects You to Fail by Jonathan Beskin
2nd Place: Growth: A Mother, Her Son, and the Brain Tumor They Survived by Karen DeBonis
Honorable Mention:
"Sorry Guys, We Stormed the Capitol": Eye-Witness Accounts of January 6th by Ben Hamilton
Against All Odds: A Story of Faith, Courage, and Never Giving Up by Anthony Razzano
Be Your Own Boss by Bill McGowan
Feathered Friends by Madelyn A. Lee
Pebbles and the Biggest Number by Joey Benun, illustrated by Laura Watson
Searching for Charles: The Untold Legacy of an Immigrant's American Adventure by Stephen Watts
The Doctor's Voice: Empowering Solutions to Physicians' Frustrations, Burnout and Healthcare Inefficiencies by Pietro Emanuele Garbelli
The Questioning: Finding Truth Between Worlds by Tonya Cole
The Secret Life of Sheba by Jane Kusch
Other Nonfiction
1st Place: A Blue Life: An Inside Look at Policing by James J. Foley
2nd Place: Bliss Road by Martha Engber
Honorable Mention:
In Black and White by Cary Hendrix, Jr
The Paradox of Debt: A New Path to Prosperity Without Crisis by Richard Vague
Parenting
1st Place: The Helping Babies Sleep Method: The Art and Science of Teaching Your Baby to Sleep by Sarah Mitchell
2nd Place: Every Other Weekend—Coming of Age With Two Different Dads by Anthony J. Mohr
Honorable Mention:
Bella's Big Girl Bed by Kristina Lucia Pezza
Help Me Be Me by Samantha Reynolds, illustrated by Jessica Hiemstra
Raising Tech-Healthy Humans by Daniel Sih
Performing Arts
1st Place: The Guitar Decoder Ring: Featuring SIGIL - The New Language of Guitar by Asher Black
Picture Books 5 & Younger
1st Place (tie):
Bunny's Big Problem by Simone Majetich, illustrated by Jecoe Firmalan
Edgar Allan Know and His Big Busy Brain by Rahni varieur-Davies, illustrated by Barbara Owczarek
Help Me Be Me by Samantha Reynolds, illustrated by Jessica Hiemstra
Just Enough by Ranee Taylor, illustrated by Evgenia Malina
No House Mouse by Brian Donnelly
2nd place (tie):
Fried Rice and Marinara by Mike Yam
Meet the Snozzeralls by Karen Henton, illustrated by Sarah Leigh Wills
The Greatest Treasure by Anne Lacourrege, illustrated by Joshua Wichterich
The Guardians of the Garden by Lindsay Gizicki, illustrated by Eleonora Petrova
The Night the Stars Went Missing by Arthur J. Gonzalez
Honorable Mention:
What I Would Wish to Be (Wonders of Childhood & Beyond) by Michele L. Sayre, illustrated by Christina Cartwright
Where'd the Color Go? by Joey Mullen, illustrated by Tai Guo
Who Says Christmas Is All About the Gifts? by Kimberly Waters
Winning Beyond Gold!: Mutaz Barshim by Amal Essa
There's a Buzzard on the Balcony by Ruth Amanda
There's a Seagull on my Sailboat by Ruth Amanda
Oscar and Otto by Betty Cetas and Amanda Hanson, illustrated by Ugur Kose
Oscar and the Awful, Horrible Smell by Betty Cetas and Amanda Hanson, illustrated by Ugur Kose
Sadie Sasquatch by C. James Sweeney
Simran & Sehaj Visit Ukraine by Simarjeet Kaur Sandhu, illustrated by Anastasiia Sokolova
Sophie Won't Sleep by Dr. Danielle Camer, illustrated by Tatsiana Burgaud
Teddy's "Ruff" Day! by Sandie Leigh
Tex the Explorer and The Jared Box Project by Ellie Smith, illustrated by Eyen Johnson
The Cat-Faced Cat by Arlette Thomas-Fletcher, illustrated by Kristina Stanell
Naptime with Imani and The Fox by Lena Bee, illustrated by Jesse Navarette
Nishka's Golden Heart by Mel Kucenic, illustrated by Mariya Stoyanova
A Journey Down Under: Some of Australia's Amazing Creatures by Raymond Starr, illustrated by Marta Maszkiewicz
A Sofia Special by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Vivian Mineker
Baby Bellaphante: The Last Baby Mammoth by F.M. Barrera
Butterfly and Friends by Andrew Chen, illustrated by Alexander Chen
Carl Circle Feels Terrible by Natascha Louise
Family Kiss by Ryan Van Woerkom, illustrated by Anastasiya Halionka
Glitter the Unicorn goes to the Movies by Callie Chapman, illustrated by Bronwyne Chapman
I Do Not Like the Rotten Egg Scent in Yellowstone National Park by Penelope Kaye
Is it a Fish? by Alexander Chen and Andrew Chen
How Happy Is a Lark? by Gail Kuhnlein, illustrated by Jenny Kalejs
Katie and her Brain by Rose O'Donoghue, illustrated by Eliza Murakami
Kenny the Koala's Rainy Day by Eden Gabbai
Mama Drama by Amal Nasser
Mira and the Lost Baby Whale by Jennifer Wang
The Day I Had a Bulldozer by Ashley Wall, illustrated by Vaughan Duck
The Raindrop by Jared Auchter, illustrated by Ayan Mansoori
The Superpower of Being Yourself by Eliana Jeong, illustrated by Christina Smith
Tiny Green Unicorns by Renee James, illustrated by Anniella Ragaza
Toot the Flying Droodle: Part Dragon - Part Poodle by Julian Boram
Picture Books 6 & Older
1st Place (tie):
How Your Brain Learns to Read by Denise Eide, illustrated by Ingrid Hess
No House Mouse by Brian Donnelly
Pebbles and the Biggest Number by Joey Benun, illustrated by Laura Watson
Reindeerache by Brian Donnelly
Bella's Big Girl Bed by Kristina Lucia Pezza
2nd Place (tie):
Edgar Allan Know and His Big Busy Brain by Rahni varieur-Davies, illustrated by Barbara Owczarek
A Bell for Maury's Bicycle by David Maurice Sharp, illustrated by Franklin Silva
A Sofia Special by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Vivian Mineker
I'm Unvaccinated and That's OK! by Shannon Kroner, illustrated by Manfred Calderon
The Greatest Treasure by Anne Lacourrege, illustrated by Joshua Wichterich
Mimi and the Gold Baton by Cheryl Olsten, illustrated by Nicolo Carozzi
Honorable Mention:
There's a Buzzard on the Balcony by Ruth Amanda
There's a Seagull on my Sailboat by Ruth Amanda
Where the Lost Socks Go by Michelle Vivona, illustrated by Diana Zourelias
Who God Wants Me to Be by Crystal Bowman and Michelle S. Lazurek, illustrated Sandra Eide
The Not So Funny Bunny (Happy Tails) by Michele L. Sayre, illustrated by Christina Cartwright
The Secret Life of Sheba by Jane Kusch
The Day I Had a Bulldozer by Ashley Wall, illustrated by Vaughan Duck
Teacher’s Pet by Jacob Alexander
Tex the Explorer and The Jared Box Project by Ellie Smith, illustrated by Eyen Johnson
The Day Bert Smiled by Christine Maier, illustrated by Aviva Brueckner
The Superpower of Being Yourself by Eliana Jeong, illustrated by Christina Smith
The Unluckiest Leprechaun by Far (Happy Tails) by Michele L. Sayre, illustrated by Christina Cartwright
The World Needs a Uniquely Happy You by Makida Arshi, illustrated by Sidhant Jumde
Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure by Robert Andrew Provan, illustrated by Mary Wentzel
Seas the Day! Malibu Mel's Beach Adventure Book 1 by Melissa Piquette, illustrated by Claire Harris
Space Monkey: Mars Mission Report by Atlas Lad, illustrated by Lana Vivchar
Splash The Dolphin Racing Against Time by Lise Ménard, illustrated by Ananta Mohanta
Sticks Go Walking by Georgianna Pfost, illustrated by George Franco
Penelope's Half-Birthday by Pauli Libsohn
Pickle Juice & Patty Cakes Ice Cream Adventure by Heather Marie, illustrated by Hanif Roihan
Polar Bear and the UFO by Cynthia Huijgens, illustrated by Anne Costa
No One Owns the Colors by Gianna Davy, illustrated by Brenda Rodriguez
Oscar and Otto by Betty Cetas and Amanda Hanson, illustrated by Ugur Kose
Oscar and the Awful, Horrible Smell by Betty Cetas and Amanda Hanson, illustrated by Ugur Kose
Patroosh, the Hungry Pelican by Renee James, illustrated by Bonnie Lemaire
Ned the Nuclear Submarine by Demetri Capetanopoulos
Nellie and the Runaway Drone by Janet Tolle, illustrated by Nikki Ponce
Nelly the Jelly and Camille the Eel Visit the Bermuda Triangle by John DeGuire
Be Kind and Loving Out Loud! by Isaiah A. Tisdale
Bentley's Treasure by Sandra Harry and Catherine Lawson, illustrated by Nikki Boetger
Christmastime for Sawyer by Aimee Veile
Ella Learns to Dance by Stenetta Anthony
Gus the Magnificent Gus el Magnífico by Sam Viana
Hadley the Lunar Rover by Demetri Capetanopoulos
How to Defeat Bully Brain: A Story About OCD by Ella Kim, illustrated by Andi Andriansyah
Bob Tales, Land of the Woody Warbles by Susan Sullivan, illustrated by Lauren Reeves
I Do Not Like the Rotten Egg Scent in Yellowstone National Park by Penelope Kaye
I Have Questions, Lots and Lots of Questions: A True Story of Christmas by David Lane, illustrated by Caleb McBee
I'm Just Dying to Be Queen Bee, A Story About Self-Determination by Joanne Telcide-Bryant, illustrated by James Telcide
Katie and her Brain by Rose O'Donoghue, illustrated by Eliza Murakami
It's Pi(e) Day by Jamye Curry Savage
Kenny the Koala's Rainy Day by Eden Gabbai
Learning to Love Dark Skinned Me by Katina Davis, illustrated by Anwar G
Logan and the Missing Crown Jewels by Christine Ricci-McNamee, illustrated by Amy Avery-Smith
Lucky Linda Loon by D. Burton Smith, illustrated by Paul Hock
Macy the Mermaid: A Chesapeake Bay Adventure by Cindy Freland, illustrated by Emily Hercock
Brotherly Love by Ralph Tufo, illustrated by Jory Mason
Ellie The Crop Duster Saves The Farm! by Rebecca Victor, illustrated by Penny Weber
Just Enough by Ranee Taylor, illustrated by Evgenia Malina
The Lonely Zebra by C.M. Harris, illustrated by Ashlynn Feather
Theo's Deliciously Different Dumplings by Donna Housman, illustrated by Renée Andriani
The First Unicorn by Kathleen J. Shields
Poetry
1st Place: Waiting for a Name by Elizabeth Jaikaran
2nd Place: Fractures by Carlos Andrés Gómez
Honorable Mention:
Swallowing the Light by John Schneider
Absence: Presence by Christien Gholson
Fight or Flight: Poems by Andrew McFadyen-Ketchum
Frank Dark by Stephen Massimilla
Gather Seeds of Hope: Poems, Prose, and Stories...With a Little Hope Sprinkled In by K.A. Bloch
How the Wind Moves by Christine L. Villa
In the Museum of My Daughter's Mind by Marjorie Maddox, illustrated by Anna Lee Hafer
Poems Written by the House Cat by Allison Thompson
Someday all of this will be yours by Michael Favala Goldman
Sonnets of Love and Joy by Paul Buchheit
Sunset Beach Dances by Sheree Nielsen
That Weird Christian Kid by ChuChu Ukpabi
The Unempty Spaces Between by Louis Efron
Tin heartless Girl by Lebi P. Nieves Morán
VIVIA--The Legend of Vivia Thomas: A Novelette in Poems by Linda Neal Reising
When the Trumpet Is Blown by Quraishiyah Durbarry
Politics
1st Place: Crossing Borders: The Search for Dignity in Palestine by Christa Bruhn
Psychology
1st Place: How to Defeat Bully Brain: A Story About OCD by Ella Kim, illustrated by Andi Andriansyah
2nd Place: Edgar Allan Know and His Big Busy Brain by Rahni varieur-Davies, illustrated by Barbara Owczarek
Honorable Mention: The Magic In Metaphor: Empowering Children Through Healing Stories by Harley Sears
Relationships
1st Place: The MENtal Fight of Your Life by Freddie Floyd Jr.
2nd Place: Crossing Lake Pontchartrain by Arthur Byrd
Honorable Mention:
Canvas of Healing by Suzette Welling
Wild Monogamy: Cultivating Erotic Intimacy to Keep Passion and Desire Alive by Mali Apple and Joe Dunn
Religion/Spirituality
1st Place: Revelation: A Novel by Gary McCarragher
2nd Place: Holy Parrot by Angel A
Honorable Mention:
All is Well: Life Lessons from a Preacher's Father by Kevin Martin Jr.
Astrology Animals by M.E. McKinley
Coming Home: A Spiritual Memoir by Lori Vos
I Love You From Here to Heaven Above by Michelle Medlock Adams and Cecil Stokes, illustrated by Jonathan Bouw
Superpowers by Noelle Hipke
That Weird Christian Kid by ChuChu Ukpabi
The Innovative Animal by Nizar M. Benazzouz PhD
What if God Created Candyfloss Clouds? by Anna Maledon, illustrated by Khadeeja Quereshi
Romance
1st Place: A Dutiful Son: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Kelly Miller
2nd Place: The Bennets: Providence & Perception by K.C. Cowan
Honorable Mention:
Guilty of Stealing His Heart by Nancy Lynn White
Guilty of Stealing His Heart: Never Say You Love Me by Nancy Lynn White
Proud Pada by S.G. Blaise
The Nephilim's Fate by Eliza Hampstead
The Way to Cape May by Kimberly Brighton
Science & Technology
1st Place: The Future Normal: How We Will Live, Work and Thrive in the Next Decade by Rohit Bhargava and Henry Coutinho-Mason
2nd Place: The Innovative Animal by Nizar M. Benazzouz PhD
Honorable Mention:
Alicia Connected: Lost and Found by Derek Fisher
Pebbles and the Biggest Number by Joey Benun, illustrated by Laura Watson
Science Fiction/Fantasy
1st Place (tie):
Emma’s Dragon by M. Verant
Queen of Deception (Empire of Shattered Crowns #1) by May Freighter
2nd Place (tie):
Rise: Birth of a Revolution by Mark Moore
The Last Football Player by John Blossom
Honorable Mention:
A Dance Between Light and Darkness by M. C. Ryder
Ascendant by Susy Smith
Changing Tide by Robert Joncas
Darke Realms: Enraged (Gorgon 1) by Michele L. Sayre, illustrated by Natalie Pancrazio
Death of Heaven by JZ Murdock, illustrated by Marvin Hayes
Death or Volentus by David V. Mammina, illustrated by Anne Clinton
Forever Human by Ian E Slatter
Future Dreams and Nightmares by Donald Firesmith
Look 'N Up Invasion by Janice Carr Smith
Lord Have Mercy by H. M. Mills
Proud Pada by S.G. Blaise
Rise of the Moon (Arcana Book One) by JB Caine
Royal Planet by Christina J
Tangle of Choices by Eve Koguce
The Queen's Emerald (The Iungetellus Chronicles Book 1) by Cristiana-Maria Pavel
Twins of the Eclipse: Frozen in Time by Christopher Woods
Victoria McKay and the Kingdom of Creatures by Marina Aerin Richardson, illustrated by Aidan Michael Harris
When Things Are Set Right by Jordan St. James
Where Liberty Lies by Nathaniel Wrey
Self-Help/Inspirational
1st Place (tie):
Wonderhell: Why Success Doesn't Feel Like It Should ... and What to Do About It by Laura Gassner Otting
Becoming Bully Proof by Rich Grogan
2nd Place: Beep! Beep! Get Out of My Way!: Seven Tools for Powerful Creation and Living Your Unstoppable Life by Catherine DeMonte
Honorable Mention:
A Crisis Is a Terrible Thing to Waste by Kelly Walden
All is Well: Life Lessons from a Preacher's Father by Kevin Martin Jr.
Face-Lift by Holly Curby
Found in Thyme by Lilas Taha
Good Awkward: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe to Become The Bravest You by Henna Pryor
How to Stand Up to Bullying by M. C. Ryder
Leading From the Feminine by Laurie Benson
Little Nikki Her Journey to Self-Love by Nicole Marshall
Owning Your Destiny by Duncan McLauren
The Dinosaur with Colorful Feathers by Sam Viana
The Doctor's Voice: Empowering Solutions to Physicians' Frustrations, Burnout and Healthcare Inefficiencies by Pietro Emanuele Garbelli
Special Needs/Disability Awareness
1st Place: Every Bunny Can Learn: A Tail of Inclusion by Amy Nelson, LCSW, RPT-S™, illustrated by Yogesh Mahajan
2nd Place: The Miracle Child: Traumatic Brain Injury and Me by Kelly Lang and Michael Lang
Honorable Mention:
Always Orchid by Carol Van Den Hende
Clubfoot Connections: Stories, Essays, and Poetry from the Clubfoot Community by Betsy Miller and Maureen Hoff
Dial E for Endearment by Heidi Gray McGill
Every Brain Is Beautiful by Sara Furlong
Hanna the Hawk is a Super Youneek Beast by Beth Davis
May I Sit At Your Table? by Grace Wolf
The Day Bert Smiled by Christine Maier, illustrated by Aviva Brueckner
How to Defeat Bully Brain: A Story About OCD by Ella Kim, illustrated by Andi Andriansyah
Sports
1st Place: Would You Care to Join Our Team? by Miselle Goffman
STEM
1st Place: Pebbles and the Biggest Number by Joey Benun, illustrated by Laura Watson
2nd Place: What Is the Shape of My Egg? by Lisa M. Weckbacher, illustrated by Gabriela Vega
Honorable Mention:
It's Pi(e) Day by Jamye Curry Savage
The Mathematics of Artificial Intelligence for High Schoolers by Paul Wilmott
Travel
1st Place: Paddling Pathways: Reflections from a Changing Landscape by Bob Henderson and Sean Blenkinsop
2nd Place: Sariri: Travels Through Bolivia by Ivar Mendez
Website
1st Place: www.biggestnumber.com
2nd Place: www.sgblaise.com
Honorable Mention:
www.juliefalatko.com
www.nancylwhitetheauthor.com
Women’s Interests
1st Place: Leading From the Feminine by Laurie Benson
2nd Place: Canvas of Healing by Suzette Welling
Honorable Mention:
A Hundred Honeymoons: A Novel by J.S. Wilson
Dragonfly Free by Raya Khedker
Dragonfly Hunting by Raya Khedker
Writing/Publishing
1st Place: The Home Boss Toolkit: Branding Success for Self-Publishers by Nuria Corbi
Young Adult Fiction
1st Place (tie):
Finding Fionn: A Mystery Inspired by the Kidnapping of the Irish Racehorse Shergar by M.J. Evans
The Witchfinder's Serpent by Rande Goodwin
2nd Place: A Home in the Wilderness by Amanda M Cetas
Honorable Mention:
All I See Are Dark Clouds by M. C. Ryder
Astrology Animals by M.E. McKinley
Changing Tide by Robert Joncas
Dear Divya by Saira Batasar-Johnie, illustrated by Stephanie Rambharos
Falling Star by Michele Kwasniewski
FENCES: A Backyard Story volume two by Michael Curran
Look 'N Up Invasion by Janice Carr Smith
Rise of the Moon (Arcana Book One) by JB Caine
Royal Planet by Christina J
Shadow Of The Mountain by Holly and Robin Reams
Sun Child of the Moor by Tricia D. Wagner
The Wonderful Friendship by David Swindell, illustrated by Vanya Cimino
Time Story by W.W Marplot
Wielding Magic by Kummam Al-Maadeed
Young Adult Nonfiction
1st Place: That Weird Christian Kid by ChuChu Ukpabi
Youth Author Fiction
1st Place: How to Defeat Bully Brain: A Story About OCD by Ella Kim, illustrated by Andi Andriansyah
2nd Place: The Extraordinary Adventures of an Ordinary Girl by E. Grayson
Honorable Mention:
Glitter the Unicorn goes to the Movies by Callie Chapman, illustrated by Bronwyne Chapman
Journey of Time: Silence, Suffrage, and Spirit by Tamanna Gandhi
Kenny the Koala's Rainy Day by Eden Gabbai
Teacher’s Pet by Jacob Alexander
Youth Author Nonfiction
1st Place (tie):
The Story of Science: All About Energy by Ulysses Hsu
The Story of Science: The Environment by Ulysses Hsu
2nd Place: Feathered Friends by Madelyn A. Lee