The many pleasures of reading are a joy to those that enjoy losing yourself in a book and finding a window into another person’s life. As a school librarian, I also see the wisdom of using books to teach empathy to children and teens. Reading about a perspective that is outside of your everyday life encourages you to be curious, ask questions and seek information about this new world. Books build empathy, “the more effort we make trying to figure out a character’s intention

My experience on the Printz Committee was a phenomenal experience in reading for excellence in Young Adult literature. I had a wonderful professional development learning with my fellow librarians and evaluating excellence in literature. This is a process I began 15 years ago when I worked in children’s publishing and working part time at the New York Public Library. I have long considered being a librarian my calling and working with like-minded professionals. I am phenomen

My Printz committee experience gave me the opportunity to read FABULOUS YA books over the past year!! Here are nine of my favorites: Invictus by Ryan Gaudin Adventuresome, sci-fi story taking place in a world where traveling through time is the government’s job to make sure no one can change history. A boy named Far is born outside of time and this causes certain events to unravel. Far and his friends must race to find out what is hunting them and unraveling historic events

I am a member of a the Printz 2018 national book award committee and we read over 52 books in 52 weeks. I can imagine the reaction, why? As a school librarian and a life-long enthusiastic reader, I have loved books since I was a little kid. After working in the publishing field in New York, I found a part-time job as a public librarian assistant. Working in a library became my driving force to get my Masters degree in Library Science. I moved to North Carolina and graduated

I am beyond thrilled to be a part of the 2018 Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult literature. The announcement today heralded the best books of the year. My utmost respect is given for my fellow librarians and our work on the 2018 Printz . Likewise the plethora of talents of our winners—Laini Taylor, Jason Reynolds, Angie Thomas, Deborah Heiligman, and Nina Lacour. (photo credit to—Megan Brevard) #Printz #printzaward #AngieThomas #JasonReynolds #LainiTaylor #YALSA #20

This compelling story of perseverance in a 1970’s Alaskan wilderness portrays a mother & daughter who are determined to survive both the harsh environment and the abusive husband/father. Hannah wrote a wonderful ode to Alaska and she has the personal experience to give insight into a climate many of us can only imagine. This women’s tale of grit and determination kept me reading even when the prose became cliche and the dialogue was cringe-worthy sometimes. I like the first