CHANDLER, AZ (March 2020)—Winners of the 2019 Story Monsters Approved program have been announced and The Wizenard Series: Training Camp created by Kobe Bryant and written by Wesley King earned this year’s Book of the Year designation. The book also earned Story Monsters Approved designations in the Middle Grade Fiction and Young Adult Novel categories.

From the mind of the late basketball legend and Academy Award-winning storyteller Kobe Bryant, The Wizenard Series: Training Camp is described by some as Harry Potter-meets-the-sports-world. It is an inspiring portrait of five young basketball players, one enlightening coach, and the awesome transformative power of the game. Filled with insights about the mental stamina and emotional clarity that peak performance requires, this book is an indispensable story for young athletes, coaches, educators, and anyone interested in the astonishing potential of team sports to unlock individual growth.

“This year, more than ever, the Story Monsters team had their work cut out for them. With more than twice as many submissions, there were so many great books to consider,” says Linda F. Radke, president of Story Monsters LLC. “A title worthy of the honor ‘Book of the Year’ is one that inspires children today as well as generations to come. The Wizenard Series: Training Camp encompasses all that and more. Kobe Bryant was an advocate for literacy and it is wonderful to know that his legacy—both on and off the court—lives on.”

The Story Monsters Approved book designation program was developed in 2014 to recognize and honor children’s books that inspire, teach and inform. What sets this program apart from others is that kids assist industry experts in judging the submissions. To be considered for Story Monsters Approved Book of the Year, a title that is outstanding in content, readability, message, and overall production must first earn a Story Monsters Approved designation.

A complete list of Story Monsters Approved books is available on the Story Monsters Approved website at www.StoryMonstersApproved.com.

For more information or to submit books in the Story Monsters Approved book program, Royal Dragonfly Book Awards, or Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, visit www.DragonflyBookAwards.com and click on the contest of choice. To learn more about Story Monsters LLC, celebrating 34 years in business in Chandler, Arizona, visit www.StoryMonsters.com, email info@storymonsters.com or call 480-940-8182.

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