Mock Printz 2026 discussion

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness received four votes in our October poll. The book has received four starred reviews so far. What makes this book a Printz contender?

As Ness proved in the Chaos Walking trilogy, he's one of the strongest writers of YA lit today. A Monster Calls certainly continues that trend, and is a great treatment of how grief affects a young teen.

I'm not sure if it might be deemed a bit too 'middle grade' to make the Printz honor list, but it's in my top 5 in YA for the year so far.

Like David, I find this book a bit too young for the Printz; although it is one of the best books I have ever read.

Although it seemed this book was young because of the character's age, the themes in the book read older to me. The death and destruction seemed to be intended for a different audience than middle grades. None of my students have read it yet, despite it being by Ness, so I still await their verdict.