Mock Printz 2026 discussion

Several starred reviews, a new york times article and some twitter buzz puts this title on a solid course for gold. Can it go the distance?

Yes! I had high expectations for this one and I still managed to be impressed. I definitely think it fits into that category of book that withstands repeated reads and shows you new things each time.

I absolutely loved this book. I felt it was intelligently written without being over the top. I thought the story was dynamic. A couple of months after reading the ARC, I am still thinking about it. I think it's a def. contender.

Did you see the contest on Figment? It was an essay contest to submit an essay with the same opening line as Code Name Verity. Awesome mentor text writing prompt!

This is definitely a contender for the Printz! It was a little slow to start, but I was intrigued enough to keep reading. The last half -- wow! I loved the strong female characters, the unique WWII setting, and the plot twists and turns. Like Faith, I am still thinking about it months later. I'm sure the committee will be having some good discussions about it at ALA next week!

Love Love Love this book. I finished it and immediately began reading it again. What astounds me is the brilliance of the voice. It's so clever and intelligent yet so real. The plotting is utterly superlative as well. This is the one I'll be rooting for to win!

This was a WWII story that blew me away. I tend to find WWII is a common setting and not many books impress me anymore in that category. But Code Name Verity had me on the edge of my seat and I stayed up way too late to read it all the way through.

I love this book too! I would love for it to win a Printz. It's well-written and surprising in all the right ways.

I agree this one is definitely a contender! Excellent read.

I had originally only given this four stars because I had a hard time getting into the story at the beginning, but it has really stayed with me and upon further reflection I needed to bump it up to five. I completely agree that it's a contender.

Just finished this yesterday. Also loved it.

Harrowing and brilliant, this was. I agree with everyone that it was a tough start, but part of that to me was due to the disturbing, though underlying in ways, content. The torture was difficult, and I knew that I had to let her story sort of wash over me, in a sense, knowing how the writing was laid out at the beginning. Riveting, nails bitten and face tear-stained, finish for me. I can't get it out of my head. I think it would be a grand Printz winner; I enjoyed it better than Fault in our Stars (sorry John Green). Looking forward to Libba Bray and A.S. King in comparison.

I didn't find this hard to get into, but maybe because I was expecting it because so many had mentioned that. I started out doing this on audio and had to switch to the book because I wanted to read faster.

I love how we kept running into people as the story expanded. The more we learned, the more we saw, the more we understood each person and their role.

It was interesting to read about women pilots during the war.

I didn't think Wein went too deep into the torture. Our 8th graders read Night (i know, no comparison for this year) and I think it's more horrific.

There was only one part I had trouble with, the whole bus scene. It just went too fast for me. The impact not deep enough. I need to re-read and try to clarify my thoughts.

Definitely think this has a good chance of getting a Printz. Honestly, I was hesitant to read it because historical fiction is generally not my favorite genre, but I was immediately sucked in. This one just begs for a re-read once you get to the end and everything ties together. Brilliant. Also, what wonderful characters! And so refreshing not to have a romance as a main plot line.