Mock Printz 2026 discussion

We had a suggestion for a post from Jennifer so...
What Printz books are you looking forward to?

I haven't read that widely this year yet, but my favorite book so far is THE INEXPLICABLE LOGIC OF MY LIFE by Saenz, which I definitely found Printz-worthy. There are none that I haven't read that I'm absolutely dying to read yet, but I do love Turner and look forward to THICK AS THIEVES, and I also like Lockhart, so look forward to GENUINE FRAUD (although I like her lighter books better, so it may not be my favorite of hers). Looking forward to GOODBYE DAYS, since I loved SERPENT KING last year, but haven't read it yet (this thread just reminded me that it's out and I should put a hold on it). Look forward to hearing others' responses! Thanks for starting this thread!

List of Cages by Roe was amazing. Definitely on my radar for Printz. Powerful writing.

Britt wrote: "List of Cages by Roe was amazing. Definitely on my radar for Printz. Powerful writing."
I did think that LIST OF CAGES was really well-written, but I didn't personally like the story. Neither here nor there, really, but because of that it wouldn't be one of my top Printz picks.

I'm currently reading Caraval and the jury is still out. I'm looking forward to Thick As Thieves, American Street, Once and For All, Strange the Dreamer and When Dimple Met Rishi. Not sure what about Ramona Blue, but I'm willing to give it a chance.

Jennifer wrote: "I'm currently reading Caraval and the jury is still out. I'm looking forward to Thick As Thieves, American Street, Once and For All, Strange the Dreamer and When Dimple Met Rishi. Not sure what abo..."

I would love to hear your thoughts on Caraval... I feel like I read a different book than everyone who is reviewing it on Goodreads.

I'm looking forward to Caraval, Strange the Dreamer, and Ramona Blue!

Strange the Dreamer

I'm starting Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner - I thought The Serpent King was a long shot honor book last year.

I'm also excited for Emma Donoghue's The Lotterys Plus One, but that probably falls more into the Newbery range.

Elise wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "I'm currently reading Caraval and the jury is still out. I'm looking forward to Thick As Thieves, American Street, Once and For All, Strange the Dreamer and When Dimple Met Rishi. ..."

Yeah, I was kind of disappointed. I was hoping for more Labyrinth than Twilight...

Britt wrote: "List of Cages by Roe was amazing. Definitely on my radar for Printz. Powerful writing."

I agree! I am also looking forward to Saint Death and Strange the Dreamer

I just started City of Saints and Thieves and it's pretty good. Does anyone have any YA graphic novels or comics on their radar for this year?

The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy, Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert, and Jane, Unlimited by Kristin Cashore are a couple I'm really looking forward to reading. I wasn't a fan of Caraval, but did enjoy Strange the Dreamer (even though it was super loooong).

Elisabeth wrote: "I just started City of Saints and Thieves and it's pretty good. Does anyone have any YA graphic novels or comics on their radar for this year?"

I recently read One Trick Pony and really enjoyed it! My system has it cataloged as juvenile, but it's an excellent middle grade read. The artwork and characters are fantastic.

Megan wrote: "Elisabeth wrote: "I just started City of Saints and Thieves and it's pretty good. Does anyone have any YA graphic novels or comics on their radar for this year?"

I recently read One Trick Pony and..."

I liked One Trick Pony, too and think it would qualify for a younger teen read. I'm looking forward to Spillzone by Westerfeld, My Favorite Thing is Monsters, and Pashmina.

I just read The Unlikelies and loved it. I went back and forth between 4 and 5 stars. I think it has potential. Anyone else?

Solo by Kwame Alexander

Some of my favorites (that we haven't read yet) are:
Allegedly by Jackson
The Uninterrupted View of the Sky by Crowder
City of Saints and Thieves by Anderson
Bull by Elliott
Vincent and Theo by Heiligman
Undefeated by Sheinkin
The Gentleman's Guide to Virtue and Vice by Mackenzi

My Favorites so far are The Hate U Give & Black Witch (was a must-read for me due to the controversy surrounding it) I really enjoyed it. I liked American Street - though not as much as The Hate U Give.

Would Warcross by Marie Lu be a contender or is it too "pop-culture" for Printz consideration?

Her descriptions and world-building are incredible - definitely noteworthy - but does the committee generally steer towards more literary works?

Anna wrote: "Would Warcross by Marie Lu be a contender or is it too "pop-culture" for Printz consideration?

Her descriptions and world-building are incredible - definitely noteworthy - but does the committee g..."

Yes, the committee generally steers toward more literary work.

I really enjoyed The Hate U Give and America Street. Although if I had to choose between them, I'd choose The Hate U Give.

I really enjoyed Ramona Blue.