Mock Printz 2026 discussion

Given the circumstances, I understand that many people will have limited options of obtaining this month's books. Feel free to discuss in our general forum anything that you have been reading that you might think would be Printz worthy.

Briony wrote: "Given the circumstances, I understand that many people will have limited options of obtaining this month's books. Feel free to discuss in our general forum anything that you have been reading that ..."

I think this is definitely a contender, the first real contender I've read this year. However, I wonder if it is eligible. It's an adaptation of a previously published work for adults. Basically, Jason Reynolds abridged and "remixed" it for kids.

Hi everyone,

I never (choose to) participate in these discussions because of my role in YALSA, but here's one time I feel compelled to comment!

After the Midwinter 2019 meeting, the YALSA Board adopted the recommendations of the Awards Oversight Committee permitting adaptations of previously published works on a case-by-case basis. Here's the part that applies to a book like Stamped:

"Printz - this needs to be taken on a case-by-case basis. A comparison must be made between the original version and the YA adaptation to see if there has been enough of a change. It is recommended that one committee member compare both versions and report back to the group. If there is enough of a change for the publisher’s recommended audience it must be deemed eligible if it fits the award criteria."

Todd wrote: "Hi everyone,

I never (choose to) participate in these discussions because of my role in YALSA, but here's one time I feel compelled to comment!

After the Midwinter 2019 meeting, the YALSA Board..."

Interesting info. Thanks. Todd.

Thank you for giving us the updated criteria!

I really enjoyed both of these books.

I was able to listen to Stamped (Jason Reynolds is a great narrator) and then read the print version. I have not read Kendi's original and cannot comment on how much is the same between texts. Reynold's conversational style is very easy to listen to (slightly less so in print - I tended to hear his voice in my head when I read the print - so I'll need another opinion) The lessons about racism will be easy to grasp. Maybe a little too easy. I felt this book was targeted to younger students - grade 6+. I'm not sure it's really for the Printz audience.

Dragon Hoops - Loved this one. It's a great new chapter of Yang's autobiography along with a great history of basketball and story of his school team. The theme of journeys beginning with a step, racism, discrimination, hard work... all work. I'm not sure you can separate the pictures from the text. (How tightly are we doing that? Is visual literacy a factor? Or should the text alone tell the story?) It's a total page turner. If you know someone who is missing sports now - I would pass them this book in a heartbeat.

I only got to Dragon Hoops in April, but it was mesmerizing. I felt like the author did an amazing job at really fleshing out so many different characters (and himself) while retaining several characters’ real need for privacy. I did feel like the plot and writing were compelling, but of course cannot stand apart from the illustration.

I haven't read Dragon Hoops yet, but listened to the audiobook of Stamped. Since then, I've had the opportunity to hear Reynolds and Kendi discuss their book two different times. While I haven't read the original Kendi book, both times they've spoken they have mentioned that they rewrote it specifically for younger readers.

I predict this book will garner multiple awards, and will have to be in the mix for Printz. This book will hold up to rereading; I know I can't wait to read a print copy of it.

On a side note, I could listen to Jason Reynolds read the phone book. He is a powerful narrator, and the audiobook was an incredible listen!

I agree with Maureen in terms of being able to listen to Reynolds read just about anything. And that it will stand up to rereadings. I found the audio version engaging and the tone of the book (and his narration) was very inviting for teens and tweens imho. The tone and content is such that I agree with Candice: it may be more appropriate for a younger audience than Printz normally targets. However, the message is one people of all ages need to hear and contemplate.

I've recommended Stamped to adult friends and acquaintances who don't "get" the "black lives matter" vs. "all lives matter" argument, mainly people who would not read a long or scholarly work but could easily spend an hour or two with Reynolds's easy but deep style. Given the year we've had, I'd put Stamped easily in the running for the Printz, the Newbery, and the Sibert, if not more.

I also really enjoyed Dragon Hoops. I worked for six years at a Catholic school with a sports culture very like the one Gene describes, and at some point in my career I've known kids and teachers like the ones in the book. I especially liked the way history is blended into what could be just an engrossing true sports story. I think Dragon Hoops will be an Honor Title for the Printz.

I understand that STAMPED is quite different from the original by Kendi, which is dense and long. Reynolds takes the bones and makes it into an important, timely, well-written, unique, fascinating, horrifying book that I literally couldn't put down. I think this one walks away with all the awards this year, (Printz, Newbery, YALSA Nonfiction, Siebert, National Book Award, what else?)