Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Literary Classics Announces 2014 Youth Media Award Recipients




SOUTH DAKOTA - Literary Classics announced its 2014 selection of top books for children and young adults today.  Award recipients were selected from entries received from around the globe.  The Literary Classics selection committee is proud to recognize the following titles in children’s and young adult literature which exemplify the criteria set forth by the Literary Classics Awards committee.

A list of the 2014 recipients follows:

TOP HONORS BOOK AWARDS:
Enchanted Page Book Award for the most distinguished children’s storybook -  Scratch and Old Mouse, written by Kathryn England and illustrated by Kimberly Soderberg - Character Publishing

Eloquent Quill Book Award for one work of extraordinary youth fiction  -  Strange Metamorphosis, by P.C.R. Monk - Bloomtree Press

Lumen Award for Literary Excellence honoring the most notable work of  youth nonfiction  -  The Men Who Made the Yankees, by W. Nikola-Lisa - Gyroscope Books

Words on Wings Book Award for the most highly acclaimed young adult fiction work - Dew Angels, by Melanie Schwapp - Independent

BEST IN CATEGORY (GOLD)
Best Illustrator  - Morton Munson Built a Mansion, written and illustrated by Jeff Busch - Bongo Books
Best First Picture Book  -  Scratch and Old Mouse, Kathryn England - Character Publishing
Best First Chapter Book  -  Annie the Scientist, Daniel Johnson - Character Publishing
Best First Novel  -  ​Unveiling the Wizard’s Shroud, Eric Price - Muse It Up Publishing
Best Children’s Picture Book Series  -  Shelly’s Adventures (Shelly Goes to the Zoo, Shelly’s Outdoor Adventure), written by Kentrell Martin and illustrated by Marc Rodriguez - Shelly’s Adventures, L.L.C.
Best Chapter Book Series  -  1950s Adventure Series by C.A. Hartnell (Scary Spring, Sinister Summer, Ferocious Fall, Wild Winter) - Hawk Prints Publishing

PRESCHOOL/EARLY READER:
General Infant / Preschooler GOLD - Benjamin Jay was a Bully,  Emma Glover - Guardian Angel Publishing
General Infant / Preschooler SILVER - I Like Pink, by Vivian Zabel - 4RV Publishing
Picture Book / Preschooler GOLD - Even Poop Has a Purpose, Uncle Paul - PerBook Publishing L.L.C.
Picture Book / Preschooler SILVER - Without Me?,  Kayleen West - Wombat Books
General Early Reader GOLD - Deputy Dorkface, How Trutherton Got its Honesty Back, Kevin D Janison - Stephens Press
General Early Reader SILVER - A Creepy Nothingness Came Crawling, Gideon Maxim - Dot and Odd Press
Picture Book Early Reader GOLD - Odie the Stray Kitten, Kristen Mott - Author House
Picture Book Early Reader SILVER - CougaMongaMingaMan, Nancy Scalabroni - Mascot Books

PRE-TEEN / TWEEN
Fiction Chapter Book GOLD - Benton Believes, Kimberly Bugbee, M.S. - Character Publishing
Fiction Chapter Book SILVER - The Mysterious Mandolin, Aneta Cruz - Independent
Fantasy Pre-Teen GOLD - The Magician’s Doll, M.L. Roble - Independent
Fantasy Pre-Teen SILVER - Karmack, J.C. Whyte - Muse It Up Publishing
Mystery Pre-Teen GOLD - A Secret in Time, HY Hanna - Wisheart Press
Mystery Pre-Teen SILVER - The Charelton Locket, Ann Morgan Taylor - XLibris
Fiction Pre-Teen GOLD - Glimpse, Steven Whibley - Steven Whibley Books
Fiction Pre-Teen SILVER - Sons of the Sphinx, Cheryl Carpinello - Beyond Today Educator
Health /Self Esteem GOLD - Kaylee, the “What if?” Game, Christine Dzidrums - Creative Media
Health /Self Esteem SILVER - Not a Doctor Logan’s Divorce Book, Sydney Salter - Character Publishing

YOUNG ADULT
Fiction YA GOLD - ​Alchemy’s Daughter, Mary A. Osborne - Lake Street Press
Fiction YA SILVER - Sway, Jennifer Gibson - Black Opal Books
General Young Adult GOLD - Curse of the Crystal Kuatzin, Jan H. Landsberg - CreateSpace
General Young Adult SILVER - My Name is Rapunzel, ​K.C. Hilton - CreateSpace
Fantasy Fiction YA GOLD - Strange Metamorphosis, P.C.R. Monk  - CreateSpace
Fantasy Fiction YA SILVER - Firelight of Heaven, Lizbeth Klein - Wombat Books
Science Fiction YA GOLD - Protostar, Braxton A. Cosby - Winter Goose Publishing
Science Fiction YA SILVER - ​The Heir, Lynne Stringer - Wombat Books
Faith Based Young Adult GOLD - The King, Lorilyn Roberts - CreateSpace
Faith Based Young Adult SILVER - Motive Games, L.D. Taylor - Wombat Books
Historical Fiction GOLD - Alchemy’s Daughter, Mary A. Osborne - Lake Street Press
Historical Fiction SILVER - My Name is Luke, Jim Ruddle - Amika Press
NonFiction YA GOLD -  The Men Who Made the Yankees, W. Nikola-Lisa - Gyroscope Books
NonFiction YA SILVER - Once Upon a Road Trip, Angela N. Blount - Artifice Press

SPECIAL INTEREST (GOLD)
Rhyme Book -  ​If Chocolate Were Purple, Jen Barton - Flickerfawn
Self Esteem Preschool - Alex and the Rabbit, Monica Dumont - Independent
Gender Specific Picture Book - My Brother Is My Best Friend, Nicole Weaver - Guardian Angel Publishing
Interactive Book - Bubble Tubbie, Epiphany Schwarz - Black Catapult Publishing
Faith Based Early Reader - Sì Mama, Sì Papa, Nancy Scalabroni - Mascot Books
Holiday Book - The Santa Spy, Patrick Bates - Character Publishing
Educational Book - Cockroach Invasion, Dr. Sherry L. Meinberg - Archway Publishing
Environmental Issues - Cycle, Jay Amberg - Amika Press
Guide Book - What Do They Want from Me?, Kristina Kumar - Character Publishing
Gender Specific Young Adult - Hometown Heroines, Betty Boltè - ePublishing Works
Inspirational / Visionary - The Undecided, Robin Donaruma - ​Sunbury Press
Cultural Issues - Dew Angels, Melanie Schwapp - Independent

Literary Classics, an organization dedicated to furthering excellence in literature, takes great pride in its role to help promote classic literature which appeals to youth, while educating and encouraging positive values in the impressionable young minds of future generations.  Judging is based upon the criteria set forth by Literary Classics’ highly selective awards committee which honors books promoting character, vision, creativity and learning, through content which possesses key elements found in well-crafted literature.

The Literary Classics judging committee consists of experts with backgrounds in publishing, writing, editing, design, illustration, and book reviewing.   To learn more about Literary Classics, visit their website at www.literaryclassicsawards.com.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Monday, October 13, 2014

Glimpse, by Steven Whibley, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval



Glimpse is a rare gem of a book. From the first page, the reader is drawn into the world of Dean Curse, a young man who, inexplicably, begins to have horrific visions. Whibley has created a cast of characters that are both genuine and likable, and he has woven a tale that keeps the reader engaged right up to the cliff-hanger of an ending which taunts the reader with what will surely be a riveting continuation to the Dean Curse Chronicles.

Steven Whibley has made quite a first impression with this, his debut novel. We look forward to reading more of his work and following the progression of this budding author's writing career.

Glimpse comes highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Friday, October 10, 2014

Wild Winter earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


Author C.A. Hartnell brings Christmas in the 50s to life in her classic children's chapter book, Wild Winter. Wild Winter, the fourth and final book in a series about best friends and neighbors, Pete and Carol Ann, offers a nostalgic glimpse into the lives of youngsters growing up in  El Monte, California.  Pete and Carol Ann decide to help raise money for needy families at Christmas time.  But when someone steals from their fund, they are befuddled and dismayed.  Despite bullies and thieves, the two are not deterred as they persevere and experience the joy of giving to those less fortunate during the Christmas season.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Ferocious Fall earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


The adventures of Pete and Carol Ann continue in Ferocious Fall, the third book in a four part series by C.A. Hartnell.  In the fall of 1955 residents of California's San Gabriel Valley saw their share of ferocious weather.  Pete and Carol Ann learn first-hand that weather, much like the bullies they encounter, can conjure up some pretty frightening developments.  Together, they learn that the choices they make in how to deal with these threats can make a world of difference.

Ferocious Fall is a recipient of the Literary Classics Seal of Approval




LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Sinister Summer earns the CLC Seal of Approval


Good old fashioned stories with good old fashioned values.  -Sinister Summer follows the antics of Pete and Carol Ann, two eleven year old kids growing up in the 1950s.  Together, these two friends encounter bullies, peril and even a series of crimes, that threaten to put a damper on their summer.  Through it all Carol Ann turns to her beloved scriptures to help her find answers and comfort in times of trouble and frustration.

Sinister Summer is the 2nd book in a four part series which follows the adventures of Pete and Carol Ann.
This book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Scary Spring, by C.A. Hartnell, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval


Scary Spring, by C.A. Hartnell, offers a unique glimpse into the world of children growing up during the 1950s.  Woven within the tapestry of this lovely chapter book is the anxiety children of that period faced regarding the possibility of contracting polio.  Scary Spring is an endearing story, both entertaining and educational, from which children will glean an appreciation for the joys, hopes and fears of youngsters from a by-gone era.

Scary Spring is a Literary Classics Seal of Approval book and is highly recommended for home and school libraries.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Alex and the Rabbit helps kids learn to cope with anxiety



For many young children, fears and concerns may grow to a point that their anxiety can become disproportionate to the matter at hand.  When a child allows their fears to take over, they can deprive themselves of the experience of a joy-filled life.  Author Monica Dumont addresses the issue of anxiety in her book, Alex and the Rabbit, in a very simple way that young children can embrace and understand.

When Alex and his bunny go outside they become separated for a brief while.  Both Alex and the bunny become fearful for a moment, but then they remember a technique taught to them which can help alleviate their fear so they are able to think and act more calmly.

Alex and the Rabbit helps put anxiety in a perspective that children will relate to, "because many times what seems like a problem is not a problem at all."

This book is highly recommended and has earned the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Literary Classics is proud to have reached a new milestone - Over 25,000 pageviews!


Literary Classics is proud to have reached a new milestone - 25,000 pageviews!  Thanks to all who have helped us grow to become one of the most widely respected book awards and review organizations today.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Shelly's Outdoor Adventure, by Kentrell Martin, teaches kids sign language




Shelly and her friends decide to head outdoors together to see what sort of adventures they can find.  As they do, they delight in the everyday events which occur, like sunshine, rain, fresh air, and singing birds to name a few.  With each new encounter, Shelly shows her friends how to speak it in sign language.

Author Kentrell Martin has created this,  the 1st book in the Shelly's Adventure series, which provides a great way to introduce children to sign language.  There are more books to come in the series, which is sure to be a hit in classroom, school and home libraries.  Shelly's Outdoor Adventure is highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

2014 Literary Classics Book Award Finalists Announced



To follow are the finalists for the 2014 Literary Classics Book Awards.  Final award levels and categories will be announced October 15, 2014



Literary Classics is pleased to announce its 2014 selection of top book finalists for children and young adults.  The list includes titles received from entrants around the world. We commend all those who were considered for this year's awards as the caliber of books received was quite impressive and competition was fierce.  

The Literary Classics selection committee is proud to recognize the following titles in children's and young adult literature which exemplify the criteria set forth by the Literary Classics Awards committee.



Jay Amberg - Cycle 

Jen Barton - If Chocolate Were Purple 

Patrick Bates - The Santa Spy

Angela N. Blount - Once upon a Road Trip

Betty Boltè - Hometown Heroines

Kimberly Bugbee, M.S. - Benton Believes

Jeff Busch - Morton Munson Built a Mansion

Cheryl Carpinello - Sons of the Sphinx

Braxton A. Cosby - Protostar

Aneta Cruz - The Mysterious Mandolin

Robin Donaruma - The Undecided

Monica Dumont - Alex and the Rabbit 

Christine Dzidrums - Kaylee, The “What If?” Game

Kathryn England - Scratch and Old Mouse

Jennifer Gibson - Sway

Emma M. Glover - Benjamin Jay was a Bully

H.Y. Hanna - Big Honey Dog Mysteries, A Secret in Time

C.A. Hartnell - Sinister Summer

C.A. Hartnell - Scary Spring

C.A. Hartnell - Ferocious Fall

C.A. Hartnell - Wild Winter

K.C.Hilton - My Name is Rapunzel

Kevin D. Janison - Deputy Dorkface

Daniel Johnson - Annie the Scientist

Lizbeth Klein - Firelight of Heaven 

Kristina Kumar - What Do They Want from Me?

Jan H. Landsberg - The Curse of the Crystal Kuatzin

Kentrell Martin - Shelly’s Outdoor Adventure

Kentrell Martin - Shelly Goes to the Zoo

Gideon Maxim - A Creeping Nothingness Came Crawling

Dr. Sherry Meinberg - The Cockroach Invasion

P.C.R. Monk - Strange Metamorphosis 

Kristen Mott - Odie the Stray Kitten

W. Nikola-Lisa - The Men Who Made the Yankees

Mary A. Osborne - Alchemy’s Daughter

Uncle Paul - Even Poop has a Purpose

Eric Price - Unveiling the Wizard’s Shroud

Lorilyn Roberts - The King

M.L. Roble - The Magician’s Doll

Jim Ruddle - My Name is Luke

Sydney Salter - Not a Doctor, Logan’s Divorce Book

Nancy Scalabroni - CougaMongaMingaMan

Nancy Scalabroni - Sì Mama, Sì Papa

Melanie Schwapp - Dew Angels

Epiphany Schwarz - Bubble Tubbie 

Lynn Stringer - The Heir

Ann Morgan Taylor - The Charelton Locket

L.D. Taylor - Motive Games

Nicole Weaver - My Brother is my Best Friend

Kayleen West - Without Me?

Steven Whibley - Glimpse

J.C. Whyte - Karmack

Vivian Zabel - I Like Pink



LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org