Some recognition for the Printz

Teri LesesnecloseAuthor: Teri Lesesne Name: Teri Lesesne
Email: lis_tsl@shsu.edu
Site: http://www.professornana.com
About: I am a professor of YA lit in the department of library science at SHSU in Texas. I am an active YALSA member, an author of two professional books, a blogger, and a grandmother of 6. I am on the Printz 2010 Committee and the YALS Editorial Board currently. I have also served on the QP, Edwards, and Odyssey Committees.See Authors Posts (87) | Awards | Friday, February 17th, 2006

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It has been disappointing to see the Printz Award virtually ignored by the media who manages to cover the Newbery and Caldecott. I did note that USA Today and some other papers at least noted the winner of the Printz, but nowhere I have I seen interviews with John Green about LOOKING FOR ALASKA.

I wonder how to catch the interest of the media. After all, they seem to focus only on the recent spate of censorship cases. Why not a focus on the great new award winning books and the readers that are being nurtured by their availability? I wonder if ALSC could assist YALSA here and request that the Printz winner be included in the press events? I know we are the new kids on the block, but the Printz deserves some more recognition.

BTW, thanks to the hardy YA folks who stood outside the Today Show window and waved copies of ALASKA! Maybe more of us can plan a trip to the Big Apple for next year?

Posted by Teri Lesesne

Comments (3)

3 Comments

• Hi Teri:

  I think talking to ALSC is an excellent idea!

  Even among librarians focusing on service to teens, I’m sometimes surprised by the lack of recognition/acknowledgement given to Printz.

  This is definitely a case where I think we need to “act locally,” brining the winners and honor books into discussions with other professions – librarians and teachers – every chance we can. Here in my neck of the woods, I coordinate a teen lit. reading group for the regional library association/consortium and we do a yearly session called “Shoulda been a winner” right after midwinter. The group talks not only about the winner, but about a range of literature, focusing on how everyone’s selections fit the Printz criteria. It’s a great way to highlight both that year’s winning title and to touch on what the Printz is really all about through practical examples and discussions.

  Then again, we could just mob the Today Show next year!

  Comment by paula brehm heeger [Visitor] — February 18, 2006 @ 7:04 am

• Actually, Ellen Fader, President of ALSC was more than willing to promote the Printz Award on the Today Show but wasn’t given the opportunity to do so. The Today Show is interested in the Newbery and Caldecott winners and pretty much controls the topics discussed. A better option is to find another national news program that might be interested in the Printz, or as Paula mentioned, continue to act locally.

  Comment by Pam Holley [Visitor] — February 20, 2006 @ 2:01 pm

• We need to get Oprah on board.

  Comment by Jessica [Visitor] — February 21, 2006 @ 8:07 pm

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