Predicting the Printz
Our 'mock printz' Teen Book Committee reports on their favorite titles

What it is
This year's 'Mock Printz' committee, Predicting the Printz, met to try to predict 2007's Best Young Adult books
The national Printz Award is chosen each year by the American Library Association ( ALA) for excellence in young adult literature for ages 12 to 18.

Darien Library’s Predicting the Printz book group
read 13 contenders and chose these books!

Award Book

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
After a nasty fall, Naomi realizes that she has no memory of the last four years and finds herself reassessing every aspect of her life.
Teen Comments: “Recommend it, believable.” “She realizes how shallow she used to be.” “Fits the criteria of quality literature.” “She needs to re-learn about her parents’ divorce.”

Honor Books

Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks
Child prodigy Cadel Piggot, an antisocial computer hacker, discovers his true identity when
he enrolls as a first-year student at an advanced crime academy.
Teen Comments: “Interesting and unique.” “One of those books you wouldn’t find on your own, but it is very suspenseful and glad to have read it.” “Lots of twists and turns.” “There are two themes—always do what you think is right, give yourself some time to think about what to do before you act.”

Alabama Moon by Watt Key
Moon and his father start out on a trek from Alabama, trying to reach Alaska. They survive in the wilderness, and barely have any human contact. Soon, Moon finds himself alone and has a hard time fulfilling his father’s destiny.
Teen Comments: “Absolutely recommend it!” “There are many themes—don’t be overconfident, people make life more worth living, don’t’ beat people up that are weaker than you.” “Some parts are funny.” “The only negative is sometimes it’s hard to read because of the slang.”

Shark Girl by Kelly Bingham
After a shark attack causes her right arm to be amputated, Jane struggles at home, school and with her artistic talent.
Teen Comments: “Ending was really good but unexpected—in a good way.” “Jane’s friends are a little too worried about appearance.” “The theme is that humans can get over anything.”