Results for the 2012 Printz Award Project

The Michael Printz Award is given annually by the American Library Association for excellence in Young Adult Literature. Over this past winter, teens in grades 6-12 volunteered to read and review books from a list of titles that were possible contenders for this award. 26 teens participated and 39 reviews were handed in. Out of the 25 titles offered, 20 books were picked up, reviewed, and rated from 1-5 (5 being the best) by these teens.

Thanks to all the teens who contributed. Here are the results!

Addie on the Inside by James Howe (Reviewed- 2 times; 5 stars)

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys (Reviewed- 2 times, 5 stars)

Chime by Franny Billingsley (Reviewed- 2 times, 3.5 stars)

Close to Famous by Joan Bauer (Reviewed- 1 time, 4 stars)

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor by (Reviewed- 1 time, 3 stars)

Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur (Reviewed- 3 times, 4 stars)

The Inquisitors Apprentice by Chris Moriarty (Reviewed- 1 time, 2 stars)

Jefferson's Sons by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (Reviewed- 1 time, 3 stars)

L.I.E. by Caroline Bock (Reviewed- 1 time, 3 stars)

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness (Reviewed- 1 time, 3 stars)

Okay for Now by Gary D. Schmidt. (Reviewed- 1 time, 4 stars)

Paper Covers Rock by Jenny Hubbard (Reviewed- 4 times, 3.5 stars)

Pick-up Game edited by Marc Aronson and Charles R. Smith Jr. (Reviewed- 2 times, 2.5 stars)

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater (Reviewed- 2 times, 4 stars)

Shine by Lauren Myracle (Reviewed- 7 times, 3 stars)

Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan (Reviewed- 1 time, 3 stars)

Small Persons with Wings by Ellen Booraem (Reviewed- 1 time, 3 stars)

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann (Reviewed- 4 times, 4 stars)

Where I Belong by Gillian Cross (Reviewed- 1 time, 3 stars)

Wildwood by Colin Meloy (Reviewed- 2 times, 2.5 stars)

Here are a few things that our teens have said on their reading:

"I liked the setting of this book and how it told a story that many people had never heard of before in history. It was also very inspiring that a girl my age was able to overcome obstacles and loss to survive, and never lost hope..." -Natalie, grade 9 on Between Shades of Gray.

"The book was beautifully written and very compelling." -Katherine, grade 12 on Daughter of Smoke and Bone.

"I liked the plot twists and surprises in the book. The unexpected events that occurred were very interesting and the character development through the story was very nice." -Jordy, grade 9, on Shine.

The actual winner of the Printz Award was Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley.