Mock Printz 2026 discussion

Our initial poll winner was Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds and since it's written in verse, I decided to choose a second book.

The second selection was Turtles All the Way Down by John Green.

Do you think Long Way Down and Turtles All the Way Down are Printz worthy? Why or Why Not

Let the discussion of the Way Down books begin! LOL

Since I've read both books, I'll begin.

I really liked Long Way Down because it takes a familiar plot but uses a different approach. Will only has one minute to make a decision that will change his life for ever and this is only one theme explored in the novel. Rules are a second theme. There are rules when someone is shot and these rules have been passed down among several generations in Will’s family. Will is challenged by the ghosts to break those rules.

This book also includes several vivid metaphors including the cigarette smoke and comparing the gun to a spine which incidentally connects the book cover. The ending is ambiguous and leaves the reader to conclude Will’s choice. I personally think Will's brother broke the no crying rule which allowed Will to also break the revenge rule. What do you guys think happened at the end?

Although I liked Turtles All the Way Down, I don't think this will receive an honor but I do think it will be considered. The characters were well developed and I think Aza had a pretty unique voice but I don't think it's nuanced enough to receive an honor.

I think Long Way Down will certainly appeal to teen readers. The verse format is very approachable and there's a good suspense through the story although I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.

Turtles All the Way Down is definitely a teen favorite. It isn't my favorite John Green book, but I think there will be readers that relate to the main character. This one might be up for an honor.

I liked Long Way Down the format, short length and content will appeal to reluctant readers and make the topic accessible to those who find The Hate U Give and others too long to tackle. I liked the poetry format and that the entire story takes place in a matter of minutes and I think the ambiguous ending will really promote discussion among readers. I don't feel this one will get a nod because don't feel like Will was a multi-dimensional character and I found the inconsistencies in who he could see/touch/feel and how they were presented jarring. I think it is a great book and kids will be clamoring for it in my library, but I don't think it is award worthy. I am really interested to hear what others say, it made the cut for the NBA longlist, but I think the accolades went to the right titles between Hate, American Street and Long Way Down for the finalist list.

Oh Turtles. I really didn't like Turtles All the Way Down. The absurd mystery and tangents about the lizard were just too...everything. I found the reward, money issues and everything surrounding Davis to be unbelievable. Davis and his little brother were the only likeable characters for me but the parts of the plot that surrounded him weren't consistent or realistic in any way. I think this one will be discussed because of the name on the cover but I don't feel like it holds up to any real analysis and will be passed over.

I listened to Turtles on audio and I have to say I really got the sense of anxiety that the main character lives with. Not sure it's medal worthy but will certainly resonate with teens

I have read both and thought Reynold's Long Way Down was award worthy, timely and gripping.
I liked Turtles but did not think it was as good as Alaska.
I know it is Green's most personal work and Aza is certainly a unique voice but it didn't hang together for me the way Alaska did.

I think Green's book is of more topical relevance than it is literary relevance, but any book that he writes has to be at least considered in Printz talk. I loved the characters, thought the plot was good (although a few of the plot elements seemed extraneous). But the portrayal of a character with such a serious degree of mental issues will be important to teens who might have similar issues.

I really liked Long Way Down - the concision Reynolds writes with demonstrates how impactful words can be. Every single word he wrote is there for a reason, and they combine to show the scourge of gun violence that so many people live with. I listened to the audio version of this, which Reynolds narrates himself, and the words just seemed to come alive. I could see it making the cut in February.

I feel that John Green's book will certainly be in the group to be discussed for a Printz. (my opinion shared on GoodReads.)
How do you live with a mental illness and still have a meaningful life, this is the question, for John Green, and all the others of you out there. I think it was very brave of Green to focus on these anxieties of Aza while moving his own obsessions into the forefront of his thinking, of his writing and the crafting of this story. A detective story, dealing with a traumatic event (sudden death of the main character Aza's beloved Father) and the spiraling world of a compulsive obsession, are at the center here, as well as the importance of friendships. Humorous quips, and authentic banter between friends is also a solid thread throughout this serious story. John Green is a masterful storyteller.

I really, really loved Long Way Down. Really. This is my favorite, maybe tied with The Hate U Give, but I still think Auma's Long Run deserves to win. https://revingsblog.blogspot.com/2017...

I am a fan of both of these books and hope that both are at least considered for a Printz honor.

Long Way Down---the symbolism (rules, smoke, floors heading down) and it's concise format make it very compelling. I am just not sure about the quality of the poetry. I think that books written in verse need to have spectacular poetry to qualify as an award winner. BTW, I was hoping someone would tell me. What does he decide after his brother says, "Are you coming?"

Turtles All the Way Down---I am such a huge John Green fan I don't think I am objective about his writing. The best parts are the storytelling, and the way that he weaves his themes together. I've thought often about where the phrase "turtles all the way down" since reading it. Knowing Green's own issues with panic attacks and OCD I was very impressed with the writing about that topic. The ending, for once, seemed pretty authentic.

Anne wrote: "I am a fan of both of these books and hope that both are at least considered for a Printz honor.

Long Way Down---the symbolism (rules, smoke, floors heading down) and it's concise format make it v..."

In regards to the ending of Long Way Down, I don't think there's a concrete answer. I've heard that he does go ahead and seek revenge because I believe he walked thru smoke. I think he didn't because he saw his brother cry and that's breaking a rule. Then someone pointed out that his brother wasn't smoking like the other deceased visitors. I think that's what makes it a good discussion book for teens tho.

Dawn wrote: "Anne wrote: "I am a fan of both of these books and hope that both are at least considered for a Printz honor.

Long Way Down---the symbolism (rules, smoke, floors heading down) and it's concise for..."

I agree, Dawn, that there isn't a concrete answer to the ending of Long Way Down. As others have said, I think the topic and verse format of the book makes it appealing to readers and the ambiguous ending could promote a lot of discussion. However, I also agree with Anne that the poetry is not quality. My current standard for novels in verse is The Crossover by Kwame Alexander, and the lyrical quality of Long Way Down is nowhere close to The Crossover. It might be a popular book with teens, but I do not think it is award worthy, especially in comparison to how The Hate U Give handles a similar topic.

I really enjoyed Long way Down. I think the poetry fit the character as a opposed to being lyrical verse. Jason Reynolds uses metaphors in a language that will definitely resonate younger readers. I listened to the audio version which was amazing, and read the book as well. The audio version has an interview with the Jason at the end that is really compelling and shines a light on the ways we judge young people all the time.

Turtles all the way down was good, but I didn't like the main characters that much. I really liked the way John Green explained mental illness in such an accessible way. I did find that the plot devices a little far fetched.

Jennifer wrote: "I listened to Turtles on audio and I have to say I really got the sense of anxiety that the main character lives with. Not sure it's medal worthy but will certainly resonate with teens"

I agree Jennifer. I could certainly see the audio of this winning an award!

Jennifer wrote: "I listened to Turtles on audio and I have to say I really got the sense of anxiety that the main character lives with. Not sure it's medal worthy but will certainly resonate with teens"

I love listening to audiobooks, I will check and see if my library has it. Perhaps it will win the Odyssey Award for best audiobook.

THE LONG WAY DOWN - Another great read by Jason Reynolds, but, though I like novels in verse - fast reads, no wasted words - this was a little on the sketchy (underdeveloped) side.
What came to mind, particularly at the conclusion of the book, was that the text would have more impact as a dramatic (theatrical) performance.

Update: It only took a year to make it to the stage! Adaptation now playing at the Kennedy Center's Family Theater.

TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN - an illuminating presentation of the way mental illness is not under the control of the sufferer. (interesting to contrast it to CHALLENGER DEEP...) - is Green's trademark earnest character development, emotional engagement and slightly bonkers plot an award winner? probably not - but it will have plenty of impact as a huge best seller!