JUNE 6, 2025 — NASHVILLE, TN — In a powerful and heartfelt moment at the Grand Ole Opry, Austin LeRette, the young man whose story has inspired millions, was honored with the Awe and Wonder Award at the 2025 K-LOVE Fan Awards. Best known as The Unbreakable Boy, Austin was celebrated for his unwavering joy and resilient spirit in the face of life’s challenges.
The award followed the February 2025 re-release of The Unbreakable Boy in paperback from Nelson Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, along with the debut of the major motion picture adaptation of the same name, which brought Austin’s remarkable story to an even wider audience.
Austin’s father, Scott LeRette, who co-authored the book chronicling their family’s remarkable journey, shared during the ceremony, “Austin has taught us all what it means to live with joy, strength, and an appreciation for life’s miracles. This award is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the love he brings into the world.”
Scott and Austin accepted the award to heartfelt applause, deeply moving the audience with the courage and authenticity of his story. You can watch the full award presentation here.
Towards the end of the ceremony, beloved artist Matthew West also shared a heartfelt prayer of gratitude, remarking, “We thank You for the inspiring story of Austin. We see his joy, we see his happiness, we see his strength, and we see his family’s witness. It’s an inspiration to all of us. May we all choose to place our stories in Your hands.”
The Awe and Wonder Award honors individuals who exemplify childlike faith, hope, and inspiration—qualities Austin embodies every day. His recognition underscores the transformative power of joy, resilience, and God’s grace lived out in real life.
Congratulations to Austin LeRette and the entire LeRette family on this meaningful and unforgettable milestone.
About Nelson Books
Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is a leader in the Christian nonfiction publishing realm. Nelson Books is dedicated to acquiring, developing, and promoting authors whose content inspires, informs, and invokes real change. The imprint publishes dozens of new titles each year in the areas of spiritual growth, inspiration, and practical living with select memoirs, biography, history, and culture releases. The Nelson Books roster of best-selling authors includes Max Lucado, Lysa TerKeurst, Bob Goff, John Eldredge, Dr. Anita Phillips, and Jefferson Bethke.
Contact: Devin Duke, Sr. Publicity Manager, Nelson Books, Devin.Duke@HarperCollins.com
