Mock Printz 2026 discussion

March's selection is The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas-no surprise here. Once you have read the book, please discuss why you liked it/didn't like it and if you think it is Printz worthy. Enjoy!

The Hate U Give I won an ARC through Goodreads... and here is what I wrote:

The Hate U Give is an unrelenting, powerful read about a hard topic. I was unable to put it down, and yet wanted to turn my face away from the all-too-realistic horrific events within. And yet within it all was a terrific YA love story, incredible characters to love, great laughs and great cries.

Printz worthy? Certainly could be, I will wait to see what else comes out this year!

Finished The Hate U Give today and I can definitely see it as a Printz pick. I found it interesting how self-aware Starr as a protagonist is throughout the novel; she's critical of her own culture when she realizes that it deserves the critique, but she's just as quick to stand up for it when the need arises (more in her head during the first half of the novel, and she grows stronger in her stand with her culture towards the end more publicly). I found that I trusted her judgement and insight.

Angie Thomas' character development was really strong; Starr seemed to be a realistic, compelling MC, and Nana was hilarious, even though she wasn't in the book a whole lot. Maverick was a character I really respected, and every character had a place and purpose and, most importantly, a distinct voice and personality. I thought the character development made it especially Printz-worthy.

I thought this was fantastic. http://revingsblog.blogspot.com/2017/...

I think this is Printz worthy. This book gives teens and adults the opportunity to discuss big issues in our world. The author also gives a much needed voice and character and setting to the literary world.

This was topical and accessible and most importantly I think teens would read it. It is absolutely Printz worthy. It matter of factly laid out urban culture without being preachy. I liked that it was from a female perspective. So many talking points. Starr was such an authentic protagonist, I couldn't put it down.

Miss Fabularian wrote: "I think there definitely needs to be some discussions about the topics brought up in the book, but it didn't blow me away. Can't say I loved or hated it. Wrote my review here."

Miss Fabularian~It sounded to me like you think that the voice is not as authentic as others have said. That the voice is authentic is one of the things that I've heard most about this book. Am I reading your review wrong?

I haven't yet had a chance to read the book myself. I have a hold on it, and am now at the top of the list waiting for another copy to come back.

OK, thanks for the clarification!

I agree with Sarah, that this book presented urban culture without being preachy. Starr and her family were strongly drawn characters. And it actively goes against many stereotypes in ways that made the situations feel very real. And Starr's voice reminded me of many teens I know.
My only concerns are that the Tumblr subplot dates the story a bit.
And that some of the more difficult, complex discussions felt a little too articulate. I feel like whenever I hear people discuss complicated topics they are passionate about they rarely speak in such a clear, concise, way. But this is debatable. You could argue that Starr has thought about these issues so much she can articulate them easily.
I'd definitely put this on the table for a possible Printz selection.

I absolutely loved reading this book. It was a powerful story with great characters. While I think the story itself was presented well and something that is a great additional to YA literature as a means to discuss topics that are far too often ignored or stereotyped, my favorite part of this books was the characters. They all felt like real people to me, flawed and all had some good to them (all though for some the bad definitely outweighed the good). One of my favorite characters was Hailey, not because I liked her, but because of (view spoiler)[how her racism was depicted. She clearly didn't see herself as racist. She had an Asian and Black friend who she cared about, at least at one time, but she says some racist things, that while aren't necessarily meant that way (at least in her mind) come off as hurtful to her friends and are indicative of a cultural racism, and she becomes defensive and refuses to apologize. As a white person, it is a racism that I recognize and needs to be a part of the discussion. (hide spoiler)].

I do agree that tumblr may date the book quickly, but that's always the case when specific technology or social media is used in a story. And seems to be harder to stay away from as is permeates more and more of our lives.

the Tumbler references were the only wrong note for me too...cell phone usage works because it is so common as to almost be universal in modern culture, but other forms of SoMe do get dated quickly

I thought it was a solid book in terms of story, character development, and message.

I think the RC (real committee) will strongly consider it but I don't think it will win.

This is a great story that is so timely. I think Thomas does a great job with characterization and setting - I love how invested I got in Garden Heights, and how conflicted I felt over the move to the suburbs. I think Thomas did an amazing job with the inner conflict Starr felt trying to lead her double life. I think one area that was a little off was the pacing - it seemed to take forever to get to the grand jury and the decision.

I also worry about books released this early, and wonder how much timing affects the voting, but there seems to be enough buzz around this one that will keep it in the fray.

I agree with a lot of the past commenters. I really enjoyed this book, the writing style will resonate with teen readers & despite its length it will be requested & widely read. I think that the social media does date it (esp Tumblr) but I think Maureen had the best point- books released this early have a hard time remaining top of mind 8 months from now. Frankly I'm not sure why they released it so early, it reminds me of really good movies that come out right after Oscar season, WHYYYYY. As a former member of QP I can say this most likely would have made our list (again despite its length) and it should be a strong BFYA contender, but for Printz I'm just not sure.

My hold on this finally came in. I read up to the shooting and have had to put it down for almost a week now. Will get back to it soon!

I have a feeling this one will be more on the National Book Award radar than the Printz Committee. While it is a must-read for this year, I'm afraid it's not "unique" enough or "literary" enough. I throw those words out lightly, as I see the immense value in this book. All American Boys received the same caliber of attention (rightfully so), and didn't even break into the honors. Message and popularity are not necessary.

Clearly I am in the minority, but I simply can't get into this book. I don't know why. I'll keep trying.

It took me a while to get into it too. I did fall in love with Starr and her life by the end and I know lots of students who will love the book.

I just finished this last night and all I can say is wow! While not the easiest read, it certainly speaks to me and the demographic of kids that I serve. So, so relevant! I really think this should be in major contention for the Printz or the National Book Award.

Once I was able to pick it back up, I flew through it. Yes, it's not an easy read, but I definitely think it's Printz worthy. We shall see.

I am glad this book was written and exists. It has powerful content and teens will like it. Star is a great, developed character and I enjoyed this read. That said, I think it is lacking in some of the literary quality that Briony mentioned in her comment. It just doesn't have the sort of language that takes your breathe away like We Are Okay by Nina LaCour. And while the topic is certainly timely and relevant, the plot does not feel unique and special.

Convincing voice; riveting story with a satisfying narrative arc; engrossing pacing; tangible settings; distinctive primary and secondary characters; believable, snappy dialogue; clear and compelling themes. Definitely on my Printz list.

Of all the YA novels I've read this year, this one is the tops. In fact, I would draw a line under this book. The Hate U Give is above the line and all others are below it. In my thinking this is the Printz winner,

Anne wrote: "Of all the YA novels I've read this year, this one is the tops. In fact, I would draw a line under this book. The Hate U Give is above the line and all others are below it. In my thinking this is t..."

Me too! I finally read it, and can't think of anything more worthy. I felt it was well written, handled complex topics well, and was bold enough to take on these topics in the first place.

I'm in the middle of reading this one and it's so hard to put down. I'm getting so caught up in the story, but I wonder whether it's too politically charged to be a Printz winner. Or if being related to current events makes it more of a contender.

I had a difficult time beginning this book because the topic is so painful. However, Starr and her voice were appealing enough to draw me into the book.

However, my problem with this book, even though separating themselves from the dangers may be the only "realistic" solution, was that Starr and her family solved their issues by moving away from their community. I doubt many families have that option and so that really doesn't offer hope to the many teens who do have to remain in these situations.

I know there are no fast and easy answers and it's not the purpose of a novel to offer such answers, but compared to works by Newbery award-winning writers like Walter Dean Myers and Virginia Hamilton whose stories are often painfully grim and realistic, while those novels offered true catharsis, this one seemed too much like a happily-ever-after and did not affect me as deeply.

The Hate U Give did not make the short list for the NBA (National Book Award). Interesting.

Dawn, I am very sad about this!

Miss Fabularian wrote: "Maybe they're thinking it'll win Printz."
Interesting.

Miss Fabularian wrote: "Maybe they're thinking it'll win Printz."

Elisabeth wrote: "Dawn, I am very sad about this!"

I'm a little worried that The Hate U Give will go down like The Fault in Our Stars did a few years ago. Everyone loved it yet no one voted for it so it did not even earn an Honor.

Anne wrote: "Miss Fabularian wrote: "Maybe they're thinking it'll win Printz."

Elisabeth wrote: "Dawn, I am very sad about this!"

I'm a little worried that The Hate U Give will go down like The Fault in Our S..."
This is what I am wondering. Honestly, I've read better books than THUG that I think deserve the honor.

While I might speculate that Angie Thomas was prompted to write The Hate U Give for narrow political reasons, what she achieved was a terrific story with universal appeal. The book starts off with a literal bang and one wonders whether it's going to be such a rough read that the book will be impossible to finish.

Not a problem.

Ms. Thomas has created a fantastically rich group of characters, whose varied life experiences pull them together rather than push them apart. (Most of the time.) Their histories do not define them. (Most of the time.) They're tough, they don't take any guff (which is a source of amusement in a book otherwise loaded with tense situations). The plot was a bit predictable but the reader ends up so invested in the characters that the pages turn faster and faster as the story concludes.

I would be happy to read another two or three books about the extended Carter family and their circle of friends.

I consider this to be a strong contender for the Printz.