Mock Printz 2026 discussion

Receiving several starred reviews already, The Deep Dark combines realism and fantasy within a queer romance while supporting the message of self-love. Does this graphic novel have a chance at the Printz podium?

There's so much to talk about with this book that I'm not even sure where to start. An excellent story with themes of Love (familial as well as romantic), responsibilities, and self acceptance throughout that is also compulsively readable. I think this book will be popular and also be in contention for several different awards.

I liked it. Not sure it’s complex enough (imo) to deserve Printz, but quite good.

I enjoyed the heck out of it, but agree we’ve got a good lack of complexity in the characters. Fantastic art, evocative if the central premise is a bit incomprehensible.

I really loved the unique creature storyline, the use of color, and the character growth, but I would agree that it may lack the complexity to be in the running for the Printz.