Mock Printz 2026 discussion

Do you think The Patron Saints of Nothing is Printz worthy? Why or why not?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were complex and the book provides a window into life in Manila, both in the leafy suburbs and in the slums. This is definitely a book that will get readers talking, especially because of the ethical components of the story and the addiction angle.

My only complaint about the book was Ribay’s use of complex metaphors. I wonder if his prose isn’t too clunky to be considered a work of literary excellence. Nevertheless, I’d like to see this book get all the praise it deserves.

I liked this book a lot and I think it has several things the Printz committee looks for: voice; themes; and characters.

Jun's voice was the star for me. It wasn't particularly new but it was important.

There were several good themes here that you don't see a lot of in YA including father/son relationships and bi-racial identity.

I thought Jun and especially his father were great characters. Jun's father was an interesting villain because as my co-worker described him, he could be our relative-especially in our current political climate.

The writing wasn't as critical as a Printz winner usually is; the writing was a bit too matter-of-fact but I definitely see this as a Printz honor.

I agree with all the reviews (above). What shone the brightest for me was all the Filipino cultural references about history, food, language, community. I was disgusted by the death squads of Duterte, yet think there are some parallels to what is happening in the USA today.

It could earn a Printz Honor deservedly.

I'm torn on this one. I live in a city where 20% of the community is Filipino and I've been to the Philippines myself so I was excited to see read this book. I loved the references to Filipino culture, food, and family, but parts of the character development felt fake and unrealistic. The fact that Jay and Jun supposedly had this intensely strong bond yet they'd only ever seen each other for a week in their lives? The fact that jay adamantly felt he new Jun when they hadn't spoken in years? And although Jun was supposed to be an enlightened 10 year old I felt his letters were contrived to try and tell the story of poverty in the Philippines. It's an important story, and one I'm certain we'll add to our collection but I don't think it's Printz worthy.

This novel just isn't doing it for me. While it is educational, I feel it also reads like a paint-by-numbers lectur-y narrative. I don't see any literary merit in it.