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The wait is over! We are absolutely thrilled to reveal the winners of the 2024 Outstanding Works of Literature (OWL) Awards! After months of reading, analyzing, and deliberating, the moment has arrived to honor the authors whose exceptional works have risen to the top and left a lasting impact on all our judges and readers everywhere.

From groundbreaking business insights to heartwarming stories that will inspire connection, this year’s winners showcase the transformative power of words. These authors have not only captivated us but have also shaped the way we think, work, and learn. Their stories and ideas stand as a testament to the incredible creativity and dedication behind every book.

Congratulations to the 2024 OWL Award winners-you’ve achieved something truly remarkable! Now, without further ado, let’s celebrate these outstanding works of literature.

Big Idea

Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick

Co-Intelligence delves into the revolutionary impact of AI tools like ChatGPT, which have redefined human creativity and problem-solving. Highlighting AI as a co-worker, teacher, and coach, Mollick provides real-world examples and practical insights, challenging us to embrace this new era of collaboration with smart machines while safeguarding our humanity. Wide ranging, hugely thought-provoking and optimistic, this book reveals the promise and power of this new era.

From our judges:

"Mind-blowing and absolutely brilliant! This book is a must-read for anyone curious about the future of AI. It's insightful, thought-provoking, and packed with inspiration. I couldn't wait to start exploring how to bring AI into our workplace after finishing it!"

Leadership

The AI-Savvy Leader: Nine Ways to Take Back Control and Make AI Work by David De Cremer

The AI-Savvy Leader is a must-read guide for leaders navigating the rapidly evolving world of AI. Highlighting nine actionable strategies, De Cremer empowers leaders to take charge of the AI transformation by aligning it with organization goals and fostering human-machine collaboration. This book reframes familiar leadership skills for the AI era, ensuring companies and employees thrive in a tech-driven future.

From our judges:

"An absolutely innovative and fresh perspective on integrating AI into business! This book is 100% for leaders looking to stay ahead, offering incredibly relevant insights and practical strategies to navigate the AI revolution with confidence."  

Management & Culture

Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport

Slow Productivity challenges our broken definition of productivity and offers a refreshing alternative. Drawing on the habits of history's greatest thinkers, Newport introduces the concept of "slow productivity"- a sustainable, more meaningful approach to work that prioritizes quality of busyness. With practical advice on managing workloads and focusing on long-term impact, this book provides a roadmap for escaping the chaos of modern hustle culture and finding true, lasting accomplishment. 

From our judges:

"If you or someone you know if overwhelmed by the madness of modern work, drop everything and read this book today! It completely changed the way I think about productivity in my own life and gave me the tools to create healthier, more sustainable work habits."

Sales & Marketing

Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection by Charles Duhigg

Supercommunicators reveals how the best communicators master the art of navigating the three layers of conversation: practical, emotional, and social. Through compelling stories and deep research, Duhigg shows how we can all learn to identify these layers and connect more effectively with the people in our lives. He demonstrates the power of understanding not just what's being said, but how it's being said. And using this information to forge stronger relationships, influence others, and improve our communication in every aspect of life.

From our judges:

"Absolutely transformative! This book taught me not only how to communicate better with others but also how to be more aware of how I communicate with myself. It's packed with practical methods that kept me engaged and excited to share what I learned with those in my personal and professional life!"

Women in Business

15 Lies Women Are Told at Work: ...and the Truth We Need to Succeed by Bonnie Hammer

15 Lies Women are Told at Work challenges the myths that hold women back in the workplace. Drawing from her five-decade career, Hammer exposes the lies women are often told and offers powerful, real-world advice to break free from these limiting beliefs. With humor and heart, Hammer delivers practical wisdom and insights that empower women to succeed in any industry, from entry-level positions to executive roles.

From our judges:

"I believe this book is an incredibly inspiring and motivating read for everyone- women and men alike. Packed with wisdom that anyone, at any career stage, can learn from, it's a powerful book that I adored. I'm so inspired by it, I'm gifting it to every woman (and some men) I work with!"

Picture Book

Grown With Love by Valeria Wicker

Get ready to fall in love with Oliver, a talented plant-grafter and scientist, who helps his neighbors with personalized plants to improve their lives. But his toughest challenge comes with Mrs. Kroftombottom, who can't keep a plant alive. Determined to help her thrive, Oliver uses the scientific method to find a solution for his plant problem. Can he grow the perfect plant-and unlock the key to keep it flourishing? You will just have to read to find out! 

From our judges:   

"Saying I loved this book feels like an understatement. I AM OBSESSED! It's the most adorable picture book with such a heartwarming lesson that kids will absolutely love. A perfect blend of charm and meaningful lessons."

Elementary School

Dragon on the Loose by Marty Chan

Dragon on the Loose tells the story of Hailey and her friend Kyle, who accidentally bring a dragon named Zhu to life after making a wish on a Chinese lion statue. Initially frightened, the kids quickly realize Zhu means them no harm so they decide to show their new dragon friend their city. But when Animal Control learns about the dragon, the kids must find a way to send her back before she's caught.

From our judges: 

"Dragon on the Loose is such a fun read! Chan's vivid characters and engaging storytelling takes readers on a fantastical journey through a city full of history and heart. I read this with my kids and they didn't want to go to sleep until they knew what happened."

Middle School

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

Impossible Creatures takes you on a wild adventure as you meet Christopher and Mal. The day Christopher saves a drowning baby griffin he uncovers the hidden Archipelago- a cluster of magical islands where creatures of myth have lived for centuries. Christopher and Mal race across the islands to escape an assassin and discover the truth behind the dying magic and disappearing creatures. Packed with adventure, magical creatures, and over 60 illustrations, this is a thrilling journey kids and adults will love to read.

From our judges:

"Impossible Creatures is one of those rare books that transported me right back to my childhood bedroom, lost in a world of imagination and adventure. A devastatingly emotional and magnificently creative story that had me on the edge of my seat."

First Year Experience (FYE)

The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer

The Serviceberry explores the profound lessons of reciprocity and interconnectedness found in nature. Through her reflection on harvesting serviceberries, Kimmerer offers a powerful critique of our scarcity-driven economy and presents a more harmonious model rooted in mutual flourishing. Drawing on Indigenous wisdom, she shows that true wealth comes from giving and receiving in balance. A beautiful reminder that all flourishing is mutual and offers hope and guidance for a more sustainable future.

From our judges:

"This is such a beautifully written book that left me truly inspired. I immediately wanted to share what I read with those around me and discuss Kimmerer's ideas. I truly believe this is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper connection to the world around them!"

Community-Wide Read

Friendly Fire: A Fractured Memoir by Paul Rousseau

In Friendly Fire, Paul recounts the tragic accident that forever altered his life. What started as a carefree college friendship between Paul and Mark took a devastating turn when a firearm Mark legally owned accidentally shot Paul in the head. As Paul battles through the physical and emotional aftermath of surviving a traumatic brain injury, this memoir explores the fragile nature of friendship, survival, and the personal toll of a life-changing incident. With gripping detail, this memoir paints an unforgettable picture of resilience in the face of trauma.

From our judges:

"Wow wow wow. This is both harrowing and hopeful. A powerful read that balances terror and humor int he most unexpected ways. A must-read for anyone looking for a gripping, eye-opening discussion about gun violence, trauma, and resilience. I couldn't put it down!"

Once again, we wanted to say a huge congratulations to this year's OWL Awards winners, including those on the longlist and shortlist. We also want to thank all the authors and publishers who submitted their outstanding titles! We truly value every submission and count down the days of more inspiring and groundbreaking titles this upcoming year.