Hey There
We wanted to create a competition just for childrens books. Here is your opportunity to access the Independent Press Award's resources and marshal them to help you sell more books.
We are looking for an array of quality content and well produced books that librarians and booksellers would be eager to have on their shelves.
Join us for the 2026 competition and submit your book today!
Make checks payable to Printed Word Reviews, or use the payment link here:
https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/49X94M4J6EK8N
Or use the QR Code:
CATEGORIES
Adventure
African American
Animals: Pets
Anthology
Arts & Entertainment
Audiobook
Book Cover Design Fiction
Book Cover Design Nonfiction
Book Interior Design Fiction
Book Interior Design Nonfiction
Chapter Books
Christian
Educational
Fantasy
Friendship
Gift Books
Green
Grief
Holiday
How-to
Humor
Inspiration
Islamic
Judaism
Juvenile Fiction
Juvenile Nonfiction
LGBTQ Fiction
LGBTQ Nonfiction
Middle Grade
Mind, Body, Spirit
Miscellaneous
Motivational
Movies and Television
Multicultural
Music
Mystery
Nature
New Fiction (First-time published)
New Nonfiction (First-time published)
Nonfiction
Performing Arts - Theater, Dance & Music
Picture Books - Preschool
Picture Books - Ages 4-8
Picture Books - Ages 9-12
Picture Books - All Ages
Poetry
Preteen Fiction
Preschool & Early Reader
Regional
Religion (not just Christian): Fiction
Religion (not just Christian): Nonfiction
Specialty Books
Well-Being
You may choose any subcategory to enter (see full list to the right) and be awarded, but there are six main categories considered.
Format & Reading Level: These define the physical structure of the book and the target age range. Categories range from Picture Books: Preschool, Ages 4-8, Ages 9-12, All Ages; Early Stages: Preschool & Early Reader, Chapter Books; Older Readers: Middle Grade, Preteen Fiction, Juvenile Fiction, Juvenile Nonfiction; Media Types: Audiobook, Anthology, Specialty Books, Gift Books.
Genres (Fiction): The "what" of the story or the overarching style or plot type. These include Action & Mystery: Adventure, Mystery; Imagination: Fantasy, Humor; General: New Fiction (First-time published), Miscellaneous.
Nonfiction & Educational Books focused on facts, skills, or learning: Academic: Educational, Nonfiction, New Nonfiction; Arts: Music, Performing Arts (Theater, Dance & Music), Arts & Entertainment, Movies and Television; Practical: How-to, Green, Nature.
Identity, Culture & Religion: These are categories centered on the background of the characters or the specific community the book serves.Culture & Heritage: African American, Cultural Heritage (Native American, Indigenous, etc.), Multicultural, Regional; Faith-Based: Christian, Islamic, Judaism, Religion (Fiction & Nonfiction); Identity: LGBTQ Fiction, LGBTQ Nonfiction.
Social-Emotional & Wellness: These are books designed to help children navigate feelings, health, and personal growth. Emotional Support: Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Grief, Well-Being; Growth: Inspiration, Motivational, Mind, Body, Spirit; Relationships: Family, Friendship.
Lastly Industry & Production: These aren't book categories for readers, but rather professional designations for the design and business side of publishing. Design: Book Cover Design (Fiction/Nonfiction), Book Interior Design (Fiction/Nonfiction).
