The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers, and professional copywriters. Selected IPA Award Winners and Distinguished Favorites are based on overall excellence.
“Aaron the Different: A Story of Courage, Belonging, and Acceptance” is an uplifting and beautifully illustrated story that catalyzes important discussions with children and adults about respect, kindness, and acceptance. We all possess unique skills and talents and have the power to make real positive changes. Author Etty Burk, an organizational psychologist who works with teams and organizations, delivers a powerful lesson for people of all ages about diversity and inclusion in Aaron’s story. We can all help people feel safe, welcome, and truly belong.
Author Etty Burk met with Gabby Olczak, President of the INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD® and hostess of the GAB TALKS Podcast. In an inspirational interview, Burk emphasized helping the next generation create a world where all belong; and the importance of respecting and including those who are different to make a better world. You can hear the full interview at https://thegabtalks.com/. In addition, the interview is available now on GAB TALKS podcast streaming on iHeart Radio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and about 40 other streaming podcast services. One can visit the Independent Press Award YouTube channel for those who prefer to watch the video version.
BOOK SUMMARY:
Eight-year-old Aaron lives in a country called Premium on the planet Astron, but unlike his tall, perfectly purple family and friends, Aaron is round, small, and green. His classmates tease him and won’t play with him because he’s different from all the other Premiums. Why won’t they accept him for who he is? His only friends are the sun moonies and Myrtle dockers, strange and wonderful creatures who live in the forest and teach him the secrets of the mysterious underground caves and tunnels.
When disaster strikes during a school field trip, Aaron faces the challenge of his life. Something changes everything, showing Aaron the value of his true inner strength, boosting his confidence, and inspiring the people of Premium forever.
In 2024, the Independent Press Award saw participation from authors and publishers across the globe, including those residing in Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Cyprus, Germany, India, Kenya, Japan, Nigeria, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, and The Netherlands.
“The 2024 INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD honorees represent the excellence and diversity of global independent publishing,” said Gabrielle Olczak, IPA President and Award Sponsor. “Independent publishing is a formidable agent. It provides unparalleled content and quality to consumers worldwide and we are proud to highlight this year’s awardees to the world.” The Independent Press Award is announced every spring and is open to independent authors and publishers.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Etty Burk, Ph.D. is an organizational psychologist, passionate about inclusion and respect. As the founder of Leading with a Difference, Etty is an outsourced Human Resources, strategy, and transformation executive and advisor to commercial and nonprofit organizations. You can find out more on her website at https://ettyburk.com/.
Gabby Olczak
Independent Press Award
+1 973-969-1899
gabby@independentpressaward.com
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