The 2024 winners are here, after a hard fought “battle of the books!”
The judges on the IRDA panel included top people in all areas of the publishing industry, in concert with IndieReader’s trusty reviewers.
Judging was based on the quality of writing and the originality of the story. There was a first, second and third place winner in each of the fiction and non-fiction categories, in addition to winners in various sub-categories.
Without further ado, IndieReaders, meet this year’s winners!
Fiction Winners
Lightning Bugs And Aliens
Daniel Babka
LIGHTNING BUGS & ALIENS by Daniel Babka envelops readers in the nostalgic and thought-provoking world of 1960s Twinsburg, Ohio. Babka’s passion for small-town life and meticulous world-building shines through, providing a heartwarming exploration of friendship, adventure, and the challenges of coming of age.
Vessels of Wrath
Thomas Holland
VESSELS OF WRATH by Thomas Holland follows Police Chief Ray Elmore as he solves a high-stakes case in the town of Split Tree. With prosaic visual imagery and attention to detail, the author breathes life into the setting of Arkansas in the 1960s, capturing the hopes and fears of the era and its people with historical authenticity. The protagonist here is a war veteran, shaped by his own past, yet still growing as the case proceeds, his character development sketched realistically. The suspenseful plot, rife with twists along with a cast of unlikely characters, is perfect for readers who enjoy crime thrillers and the mystery genre.
Marriage and Hanging
Genevieve Morrissey
Genvieve Morrissey’s fascinating historical novel, MARRIAGE AND HANGING, is an exploration of a marriage and an intriguing mystery. When a pregnant mill girl is found hanged, at first, it’s ruled a suicide. Soon, however, it’s considered murder, and the young, calm parson Josiah Woodley is charged with the crime. The characters are complex and engaging and the way Morrissey and the book (based on a true event) is a delightful, unique, and powerful page turner.
Non-Fiction Winners
The Santa Book
Erin Eby
Is Santa Claus truly real? Well, that depends on who you ask. THE SANTA BOOK—A TRUE STORY by Erin Eby tells the “truth” about Santa in a sensitive way for children to understand and accept. With clarifying text and creative vintage-like illustrations, the story guides children through the philosophies of why the concept of Santa exists, and how they, too, can continue the joy of passing along the Christmas spirit.
Nurture
Heidi Schauster
NURTURE by Heidi Schauster is an invaluable resource providing compassionate guidance for families navigating the challenges of food, body image, and self-esteem. With a focus on prevention and fostering positive relationships, the author equips parents with strategies to promote health, resilience, and body acceptance in children and teens, making it an essential tool for nurturing young minds.
A Cup of Tea on the Commode
Mark Steven Porro
Mark Steven Porro’s A CUP OF TEA ON THE COMMODE is a beautiful and poignant memoir that explores the bond shared between a mother and her son. Porro’s sharp, emotional account of his trauma, his grief, and his journey to acceptance makes the book a gripping and truly touching piece of writing.
Category Winners
There Is No Death in Finding Nemo
Jeffrey M. Feingold
Category: Best Cover Design (Fiction)
Cobra Pose
Susan Rogers, John Roosen
Category: AUDIO BOOK (Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Action/Adventure)
Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze
Sheryl Bass
Category: Children’s (Board books and Pre-reading)
The Cousins Are Coming
Kay Jones , Peter Trimarco
Category: Children’s (Early to intermediate readers)
Trauterose: Growing Up In Postwar Munich
Elisabeth Haggblade
Category: Memoir (tie)
A Busy Parent’s Guide to Preventing Childhood Obesity
Shawn Elliot
Category: Parenting (Child Care/Family)
