Top 10 Award-Winning Family Books from Our Shelf to Yours
Discover our top award-winning family books! From gold-medal parenting guides to prized kids’ stories, find the perfect read at Familius.
One of the best ways to vet your next read is to look at the critics and communities who live and breathe literature. In that vein, we are incredibly proud to share a collection of our most celebrated titles. These aren’t just books; they are award-winning family books that have been recognized for their literary merit, their emotional depth, and their practical ability to change lives.
From gold-medal cookbooks to life-saving parenting guides and enchanting children’s tales, here is a curated look at our hall of fame.
Adult Books
Adult books at Familius are designed to nourish. Whether you are looking for a way to strengthen your bond with your children or seeking personal reflection, these titles have earned their spot on the world stage.
1. Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleiman
Accolades:
- 2021 Moms’ Choice Award Gold Medalist in Parenting
- 2019 Foreword Indies Silver Medalist in Mental Health
Let’s be honest: mothering is hard, and sometimes the thoughts that come with it are even harder. Karen Kleiman’s groundbreaking book has become a literal lifeline for new parents. By combining expert guidance with over 50 stigma-busting cartoons, this book validates the secret fears of motherhood. It’s no surprise it took home the gold from the Moms’ Choice Awards—it’s the ultimate “you’re not alone” hug for your bookshelf.
2. Autonomy-Supportive Parenting by Emily Edlynn
Accolades:
Are you tired of “helicoptering”? Emily Edlynn offers a research-backed alternative. This award-winning guide helps parents build the habit of trust, showing them how to raise competent, independent children without losing their minds in the process. It’s a modern classic for anyone looking to foster resilience in the next generation.
3. ¡Buenos Días! by Ericka Sanchez and Nicole Presley
Accolades:
- 2024 Foreword Indies Silver Medalist in Cooking
- 2025 International Latino Book Awards Gold Medal for Best Cookbook
¡Buenos Días! celebrates the most important meal of the day with gold medal flair. More than a recipe book, it’s a cultural journey. From traditional staples to modern breakfast twists, it provides the flavor and inspiration needed to gather everyone around the table with a smile.
4. Four Walks in Central Park by Aaron Poochigian
Accolades:
Sometimes, we need a book that encourages us to slow down. Aaron Poochigian takes readers on a lyrical, contemplative journey through one of the world’s most famous landscapes. This award-winner is perfect for those who want to cultivate the habit of mindfulness and appreciation for the beauty found in nature and history.
5. A Land Twice Promised by Noa Baum
Accolades:
Empathy is a muscle, and Noa Baum’s storytelling is the perfect workout. This moving memoir explores the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the personal lens of friendship and shared humanity. As a Storytellers’ Choice winner, it highlights the transformative power of a well-told tale to bridge even the widest divides.
Children’s Books
Our children’s books do more than entertain—they educate and empower. These award-winners are verified favorites by librarians, teachers, and (most importantly) kids.
6. The Phone Book by Jessica Speer
Accolades:
- 2024 The Children’s Book Council-Librarian Favorites Award Winner
- 2025 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards Silver Medalist in Nonfiction Chapter Books
- 2025 Story Monster’s Purple Dragonfly Award 2nd Place Winner in Educational
In 2026, tech habits are a primary concern for every family. The Phone Book is the ultimate “how-to” for kids getting their first device. It’s packed with secret codes, techy tidbits, and research-based advice on digital citizenship. Being a librarian favorite means this book is both engaging for kids and trusted by experts.
7. She Spoke Too by Kathy MacMillan & Manuela Bernardi
Accolades:
- 2024 Foreword Indies Gold Medalist in Juvenile Nonfiction
- 2025 Imadjinn Awards Finalist
- 2025 Notable Social Studies Trade Books Selection
Following the success of the original, She Spoke Too continues to amplify the voices of women who changed the world. This gold medal winner is an essential addition to any home library, encouraging young readers to build the habit of courage and find their own voices.
8. What Will I Do If I Miss You? by Melissa T. Shultz
Accolades:
- 2025 Child Mind Institute Best Kids’ Books About Mental Health
- 2026 NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Book List Selection
Separation anxiety is a big mountain for little people to climb. Melissa T. Shultz’s gentle story helps children (and parents) navigate the emotions of being apart. Recognition from the Child Mind Institute highlights its importance as a tool for emotional health and resilience.
9. Hooray, It’s Three Kings Day by Annette M. Clayton
Accolades:
- 2025 International Latino Book Awards Gold Medalist (The Alma Flor Ada Best Latino Focused Children’s Picture Book Award)
- 2025 International Latino Book Awards Silver Medalist for Best Translation
Culture and tradition are the roots of a happy family. This vibrant celebration of Three Kings Day captures the magic of the Epiphany season. By winning gold for its cultural focus and silver for its translation, it stands as a testament to the universal beauty of family traditions.
10. M Is for Mason Jar by Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
Accolades:
If you love the idea of homesteading or simply want to teach your children the value of working with their hands, this is the book for you. Taking home the grand prize for Best Fall Books, this homesteading alphabet is a cozy, nostalgic, and modern look at self-reliance and gratitude for the bounty of the earth.
Start a Conversation
While these awards are a point of pride for our authors and editors, their true value lies in what they offer your family: a chance to connect, a moment of reflection, or a tool to navigate life’s more complicated chapters. We believe that a great book doesn’t just sit on a shelf; it starts a conversation at the dinner table or offers comfort at bedtime. We invite you to explore these stories not just for the gold medals on their covers, but for the lasting habits and happy memories they can help you create within your own home.
Shaelyn Topolovec earned a BA in Editing and Publishing from BYU, worked on several online publications, and joined the Familius family. Shae is currently an editor and copywriter who lives in California’s Central Valley.