Ladies and Gentlemen, the moment has arrived! Our literary spotlight is back, and it’s ready to shine on the books leading the way in innovation, learning, and inspiration. Yes, it’s time for our 2024 OWL (Outstanding Works of Literature) Awards!

At BookPal, we believe in the power of books to ignite curiosity, drive meaningful change, and inspire lifelong growth. That’s why each year, our dedicated team dives deep into hundreds of incredible submissions to identify the standout titles shaping how organizations operate, educators teach, and communities grow. This year, our book experts have meticulously combed through hundreds of nominations to find the books making a real impact.

We are thrilled to announce the longest for 2024! These books have made it through fierce competition and represent the best across our categories. With topics sure to resonate with companies, schools, and organizations we partner with, these longest titles set the bar high.

So, without further ado, introducing our 2024 OWL Awards Longlist!

Business: Big Idea

Big Idea books are the groundbreaking visionaries of the business world, charting new paths and setting the pace for industries to follow. These aren’t just books-they’re blueprints for the future, challenging norms, inspiring bold ideas, and sparking the changes that will define tomorrow’s business landscape.

From deep insights on the evolving world of AI to the surprising power of taking risks, this year’s Big Idea longlist features titles that will captivate thinkers, leaders, and innovators alike. Dive into the top five Big Idea books of 2024 and discover the transformative ideas shaping the future of business!

1. Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading by Chris Anderson

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

3. The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging by Julia Hotz

4. On the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything by Nate Silver 

5. The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI by Ray Kurzweil

Business: Leadership

Leadership books are essential for anyone committed to guiding teams, influencing change, and driving success. They go beyond basic management tactics, offering powerful insights that challenge leaders to evolve, inspire, and empower others. Groundbreaking leadership titles allow us to learn from innovative thinkers, adapt to changing landscapes, and lead with purpose and vision.

This year’s longlist features books that redefine what it means to be a modern leader-embracing AI, championing inclusion, and building authentic connections. Dive into our top five Leadership selections, where each page holds strategies and stories to shape the leaders of tomorrow.

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

2. The Journey of Leadership: How Ceos Learn to Lead from the Inside Out by Dana Maor, Hans-Werner Kaas, Kurt Strovink and Ramesh Srinivasan

3. Lead Bigger: The Transformative Power of Inclusion by Anne Chow

4. Right Thing. Right Now: Goodness to Greatness by Ryan Holiday

5. Get Over Yourself: How to Lead and Delegate Effectively for More Time, More Freedom, and More Success by Dave Kerpen

Business: Management & Culture

Management & Culture books are the driving force behind workplaces where people feel inspired, valued, and empowered to achieve their best. These books dive deep into the essentials of fostering a positive work environment, offering insights that help leaders and teams build cultures of inclusivity, resilience, and well-being.

The 2024 longlist selections go beyond traditional management advice, showing how small shifts in mindset and habits can lead to extraordinary outcomes. For anyone looking to transform their team dynamics, boost productivity, or shape a supportive workplace culture, these five standout titles provide the tools to make a lasting impact.

1. Inspire Greatness: How to Motivate Employees with a Simple, Repeatable, Scalable Process by Matt Tenney

2. Good Judgment: Making Better Business Decisions with the Science of Human Personality by Richard Davis

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

4. Unbreakable Alliances: A Spy Recruiter's Authoritative Guide to Cultivating Powerful and Lasting Connections by Robin Dreeke

5. Cultures of Growth: How the New Science of Mindset Can Transform Individuals, Teams, and Organizations by Mary C. Murphy

Business: Sales & Marketing

Sales & Marketing books are the ultimate playbooks for those looking to master the art of connection, persuasion, and customer loyalty. These books go beyond basic tactics, offering fresh insights into building brand recognition, driving revenue growth, and capturing consumer attention in today’s fast-paced digital world.

This year’s longlist features innovative strategies from industry pros that redefine what it means to engage audiences and close deals. Whether you’re aiming to refine your approach to brand-building or deepen client relationships, these top Sales & Marketing titles will equip you with the knowledge to drive business growth and stay ahead of the curve.

1. Day Trading Attention: How to Actually Build Brand and Sales in the New Social Media World by Gary Vaynerchuk

2. Lean Marketing: More leads. More profit. Less marketing. by Allan Dib

3. The Power of Instinct: The New Rules of Persuasion in Business and Life by Leslie Zane

4. 100 Proven Ways to Acquire and Keep Clients for Life by C. Richard Weylman

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

Business: Women in Business

Did someone say Girl Power? Women in Business books are the bold, inspiring stories of female entrepreneurs and leaders who are redefining success, smashing ceilings, and making their mark in the corporate world. These books don’t just talk about business; they highlight the resilience, ambition, and unique perspectives that women bring to every boardroom and brainstorm.

This year’s longlist features game-changing advice, personal journeys, and strategies for navigating the complex challenges women face at work. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a seasoned pro, these top Women in Business titles are here to empower, motivate, and remind you of the impact women make in every arena.

1. Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir by Ina Garten

2. Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve by Alison Fragale

3. Ambition Monster: A Memoir by Jennifer Romolini

4. When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion by Julie Satow

5. 15 Lies Women Are Told at Work: ...and the Truth We Need to Succeed by Bonnie Hammer

Education: Picture Books

Picture books are pure enchantment, sparking joy and lighting up young faces with wonder! They’re more than just stories- they’re journeys into colorful worlds where imagination knows no bounds and every page invites discovery. 

These books lay the foundation for a lifelong love of reading, blending captivating illustrations with words that build language skills, empathy, and curiosity in little ones. This year’s longest is packed with tales that make bedtime unforgettable, giggles inevitable, and learning effortless.

1. The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz

2. The Curious Why by Angela DiTerlizzi

3. Everyone Loves Career Day but Zia by Jenny Liao

4. Roar for Reading by Beth Ferry

5. Grown With Love by Valeria Wicker

6. Built to Last by Minh Lê

Education: Elementary School

Elementary books are the heart of a child’s literary journey, packed with wonder, laughter, and endless discoveries. These stories help young readers expand their vocabularies, sharpen their minds, and explore emotions. All while being disguised as exciting adventures with lovable characters, and thrilling challenges.

They’re more than books. They’re friends, guiding kids as they learn about the world, develop confidence, and spark their imaginations. This year’s longest celebrates the books that make young readers feel, curious, and excited to turn every page.

1. Dragon on the Loose by Marty Chan

2. The Solvers Book #1: The Divmulti Ray Dilemma: A Math Graphic Novel by Jon Chad

3. The Secret Office by Sara Cassidy

4. Welcome to Scare School by Jarrett Lerner

5. Teddy vs. the Fuzzy Doom by Braden Hallett

Education: Middle School

Middle school books are the bridge to a deeper, more meaningful reading journey for young minds ready to explore the world in all its complexity. These stories offer richer vocabulary, intricate plots, and characters facing relatable issues-from school pressures to shifting friendships.

Perfect for ages eight to twelve, these books help young readers develop empathy, explore diverse cultures, and gain insights into themselves and their place in the world. This year’s longest celebrates the titles that make young readers, think, question, and dream.

1. The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon

2. The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science by Kate McKinnon

3. Not Nothing by Gayle Forman

4. Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell

5. A Royal Conundrum (the Misfits) by Lisa Yee

Education: First Year Experience

FYE books are the unsung mentors guiding college freshman through the exhilarating yet challenging transition to university life. From sparking campus-wide conversations to helping students feel right at home, these books guide students through the highs, lows, and “what-do-I-do-nows?”.

With themes that align with real college-life challenges, they encourage critical thinking and promote a campus’ values. They’re shared experiences that shape students’ first steps into independence, resilience, and curiosity.

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

2. Always Take Notes: Advice from Some of the World's Greatest Writers by Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd

3. Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI by Yuval Noah Harari

4. The 15-Minute Method: The Surprisingly Simple Art of Getting It Done by Sam Bennett

5. 888 Love and the Divine Burden of Numbers by Abraham Chang

Education: Community Read

Community Read books are the spark of neighborhood conversations! These books bring everyone- from students to seniors, and every voice in between- together over one incredible story. By diving into the same book, communities unlock moments of shared curiosity, empathy, and dialogue that strengthens bonds and highlights what makes their corner of the world unique. This year’s longest offers impactful stories sure to ignite lively discussions, build connections, and deepen the sense of community.

1. BreakProof: 7 Strategies to Build Resilience and Achieve Your Life Goals by Jenn Drummond

2. I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger

3. Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest by Fawn Weaver

4. Friendly Fire: A Fractured Memoir by Paul Rousseau

5. Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times by Gregory Boyle 

Congratulations to all the incredible authors and titles that have made it through to the longlist of our OWL Awards! This achievement is a testament to their impact on readers and communities alike. Stay tuned as we narrow down to the top 3 titles to our 2024 shortlist! Be sure to sign up for our newsletter below and follow us on LinkedIn for exclusive updates and special content. Happy reading!