Mock Printz 2026 discussion

We are 7 months into the year. Are there any books that are standing out for you?

Definitely Beauty Queens!

Has anyone else noticed the similarities in the covers? Both Shine/Between Shades with their plant life, lines and the way they use the space and Anya/Imaginary with the profile pics and coloring?

I just read Blink & Caution and while I really didn't feel as though the story grabbed me, I believe the author's use of second-person in Blink's chapters is bound to get some attention.

Just saw this article in SLJ: Out on a Limb: Printz Picks to Date.

I definitely need to pick up Daughter of Smoke and Bone when it comes out next month. I've heard nothing but good things so far. And my hold for Anya's Ghost finally came in, so I'm looking forward to checking that out!

Thanks for sharing the article - really looking forward to Daughter of Smoke and Bone now. Currently reading Flip. Planning to read Anya's Ghost next. Loved Beauty Queens - think it's my favorite so far.

I respectfully, but completely disagree about Beauty Queens, it's so bad I can't finish it

Has anyone read Jasper Jones? The writing, I thought, was excellent. Would that be eligible? I think it's published in Australia.

Yes, Jasper Jones is eligible. I definitely want to read it, but am still waiting on a library copy to come in.

Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard. Beautiful, haunting writing, elegiac about a boy losing his innocence. Loved it.

Sarah wrote: "I respectfully, but completely disagree about Beauty Queens, it's so bad I can't finish it"

Agreed, hated Beauty Queens. I really wanted to like it, but the uber-commercialism (yes, I know it's ironic) killed it for me. Too, too much.

Now that I think about it, I like Chime better than Beauty Queens.

Is Jasper Jones a young YA? It seems middle schooly and most Printz winners seem to be a bit higher age level. Just curious since I haven't read it. I just added it to my list.

After reading it, I think it's more YA. Anyone else know?

I definitely don't think Jasper Jones is young YA- maybe 8th and up? I really liked this one.
I'm hoping that Orchards by Holly Thompson receives some attention.

Re: Jasper Jones- the relationships between characters are more complex, edgy. Topics covered- murder, abuse, guilt, racism, forbidden romance. It's a bildungsroman & I think it asks a bit more of a reader. I'd recommend it to readers who enjoyed Gentlemen by Northrop. I felt like it had a similar tone, but the writing is more challenging.

Good to know. The pr says ages 12 and up which I thought was odd. That's why I asked. Just added it to my list! Thanks:-)

I really liked Jasper Jones - loved the writing and the way the author described the relationship between the 2 best friends.

Wendy wrote: "Has anyone read Jasper Jones? The writing, I thought, was excellent. Would that be eligible? I think it's published in Australia."

Jasper Jones is eligible and will be on the poll, again!!

Right now my top two are Chime and Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I think Imaginary Girls may have a chance as well. What I think is most interesting about the buzzed titles is that they're fantasy, which rarely wins awards! Maybe fantasy will win big this year?

Kathy wrote: "Wendy wrote: "Has anyone read Jasper Jones? The writing, I thought, was excellent. Would that be eligible? I think it's published in Australia."

Jasper Jones is eligible and will be on the poll,..."

I just finished Jasper Jones and have to say I was really disappointed. It was so promising from the beginning, flavored like Paranoid Park meets Gentlemen, but the entire second half of the book felt like info dump to me. All show and no tell, and I'd had the whole thing kind of figured out way in advance of the big reveals. The writing itself was fine, but it served less to be good writing and more to be a way to hide the info dumping.

I'm sticking to my guns on Imaginary Girls still, and I think Daughter of Smoke and Bone also has quite a high possibility. I've got to read Berlin Boxing Club still, but that one just feels like it could be Printz worthy.

Sarah-Greenbeanteenqueen wrote: "Right now my top two are Chime and Daughter of Smoke and Bone. I think Imaginary Girls may have a chance as well. What I think is most interesting about the buzzed titles is that they're fantasy, w..."

Fantasy seems to get the shaft in the Newbery but the Printz seems to like it, or at least "fantasy-ish". They gave the nod to Ship Breaker and Going Bovine. I can't wait to get my hands on Daughter of Smoke and Bone though I fear it will go the way of Lips Touch Three Times.

Kelly wrote: "Kathy wrote: "Wendy wrote: "Has anyone read Jasper Jones? The writing, I thought, was excellent. Would that be eligible? I think it's published in Australia."

Jasper Jones is eligible and will b..."

Once I get past some stuff I have to read, I'm going to read these ASAP!

YALSA is offering an online class in October all about the Printz award that sounds interesting!

Thanks for letting us know, Whitney. I am definitely signing up!

There is a new blog on school library journal dedicated to the Printz....http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/... thought I'd share

I just started Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson and LOVE it so far. My 12 year old read it in just a few days. Anyone else read this one?

I know someone mentioned reading FLIP. The storyline might be old hat, but I loved the way it read - I didn't want to put it down. I really wished the ending was different, but liked it all the same. It might be perfect for a YALSA reluctant reader pick instead of a Printz.

I'm going to throw in a curve ball because I loved the book and the Printz has been awarded to books that few have heard of in the past. My nominee is NOW IS THE TIME FOR RUNNING, by Michael Williams. WOW! This book is so well written that I had to put it aside at times because I was getting too emotionally involved with the characters. This is one I am recommending to EVERYONE! Read it and see if you agree.

Here's one that's not been discussed: THE WATCH THAT ENDS THE NIGHT. Hands down, some of the best writing I read this year, and the historical accuracy and attention to detail is so good. The verse is spot on, as well.

Franki wrote: "I just started Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson and LOVE it so far. My 12 year old read it in just a few days. Anyone else read this one?"

I loved how different this one read! The few times I prepared for a zig, it zagged. Recommending this one too!

We have two more months of reading before the Printz is announced on January 23. We will be sure to put these books on the voting block!

I read White Crow by Marcus Sedgwick. Really creepy horror, but great writing. Anyone else read it?

Hey all, just another one to add. I just read Popular by Alissa Grosso. Has a great twist and I really loved the writing. If not a Printz contender, I definately can see it on a Reluctant Reader list.

Just finished The Scorpio Races and was blown away by it. Daughter of Smoke and Bone and The Scorpio Races my top 2 favorites, to date. Now on to Everybody Sees the Ants.

loved,loved,loved Scorpio Races too!

I agree, Elizabeth. I didn't want it to end which does not happen often for me with a book. Her writing is outstanding. Do you think 7th graders are too young for it? Thanks-

Daughter of Smoke and Bone rocked my world! My top three currently consist of Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Beauty Queens, and Chime. I haven't read Everybody Sees the Ants yet but I am looking forward to it. I love Vera Dietz!

@Wendy - I think it's okay for 7th graders who are not too squeamish (although the bloody parts are not overdone IMHO). This was the first book in a huge while that I just totally CHEERED the ending. Seriously, up, out of my chair hollering. It was a goooooood book.

Wendy wrote: "Just finished The Scorpio Races and was blown away by it. Daughter of Smoke and Bone and The Scorpio Races my top 2 favorites, to date. Now on to Everybody Sees the Ants."

I'm with you but I have a lot of reading to catch up on!

I have loved CHIME and I just finished HOW TO SAVE A LIFE. Need to read SCORPIO RACES and EVERYBODY SEES ANTS. This so many books, so little time thing seems to ring very true this time of year!