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Well, a years worth of reading and rereading and rereading some more is over. I spent the last week in Seattle as part of the Printz Committee and I loved every moment of it. It's so strange to not have to read something for committee and actually have free time again!
Yes, it took a lot of time and was a lot of work, but it was amazing and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I loved our committee and the discussions we had-I want to keep talking books with them all!
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I've attended the Youth Media Awards before, but this year have even more special meaning to me. I knew I would be an emotional mess, and I was. I cried during our early morning phone calls to our authors and I cried as our titles were announced. Knowing that I was part of the group that chose these books is something so amazing I can't put into words what a thrill it was.
I can't tell you about our discussions, but I will say that I am so happy and thrilled with our titles. I know it was an unexpected list, but that's part of what made the reactions so fun. I hope that everyone will take time to read the books.
One thing I learned from my Printz year is that I will never again judge other committees picks. After you go through the hard work of reading and discussing, you know what goes into the process. And even if the book is something I might not have personally picked, I appreciate all the hard work each committee puts into the process and I think I have a new appreciation for the titles they choose. In the past I know I've wondered why a committee has chosen a particular title, but now, even though I may wonder why, boy do I appreciate the hard work they put into making that decision!
Congrats to all our authors and I can't wait to celebrate with everyone in Chicago!!
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Happy reading everyone!
This years Printz titles are:
Winner:
In Darkness by Nick Lake
Honor Books:
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Dodger by Terry Pratchett
The White Bicycle by Beverley Brenna
It must have been an amazingly rewarding experience. I am so honored to have CNV included - thanks to all the committee for their hard work!
ReplyDeleteThis made me tear up, hearing the emotion and heart that went into all this. As a reader, as a writer, thank you for commitment! xo
ReplyDeleteI know that committee proceedings are "secret," and it cannot be divulged why certain books were not chosen, but are committee members allowed to explain what attributes about the award and honor books made them the clear choices? As a reader, blogger and librarian, I feel like knowing what the awesome things are about a book will help me approach it in the right way and help me see things I might otherwise not notice. To give an award without an explanation of the book's particular merits seems a disservice to the author and his/her work. I'm eager to read the titles that I haven't yet had an opportunity to read, but am also curious about what makes them so good!
ReplyDeleteI know there has been much talk on the YALSA listserve about the reactions for the Printz, but I always love discovering new titles that I never heard of from the awards. I know I would have never discovered some new authors that I thoroughly enjoyed without the prestigious awards. Thank you for all your hard work!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth-Your comment made me so happy! I'm so THRILLED to see Verity on the list and I can't wait to celebrate with you in Chicago!! :)
ReplyDeleteCaroline-Aww..thanks. It really was such an amazing year.
Alicia-No, I really can't say. But I hope you read the books and enjoy them!
Rummanah-I like the surprises too-it's fun and the reactions have been a bit crazy, but that's to be expected. :)
What an amazing experience to be on the awards committee. Such hard work, but a wonderful pay off!
ReplyDeleteYou're a superstar. I'm so excited for you, and loved living vicariously through your blog. ALA events seem like Wonka Tower to me. YOU ARE WONKA. :) Seriously, thanks for sharing your experience on here!! Admittedly ... I'm also just a smidge excited you're back in Blogland this year ... :)
ReplyDeleteYay! So many congratulations. I am looking forward to reading the winner.
ReplyDeleteYou guys did an amazing job! THANK YOU for all of your hard work this past year!
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