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December 8, 2006
PRINTZ AWARD 2002
THE 2002 WINNER
The 2002 Printz Award was A STEP FROM HEAVEN by An Na. It tells the tale of Young Ju as she grows from a toddler in Korea to a high-school graduate in California desperately trying to be a 'true' American while her immigrant parents try to make her stay close to her Korean heritage.
According to the author, this is and isn't autobiographical. There are some vignettes from childhood memories, but An Na strong family traditions prevented true assimilation into the American culture. An has told a reporter from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY that the parents in the book are extreme examples of the immigrant experience, which her father found gratifying. This story may be common to the immigrant teen experience, but this book is extraordinary and hard to put down once you open it. A STEP FROM HEAVEN is recommended for teens in Grades 9 to 12.
THE 2002 PRINT HONOR BOOKS
THE ROPEMAKER by Peter Dickinson is a compelling play between time and magic and a fantasy for teens in grades 7 to 12 will enjoy.
The heroine, LaVaughn, from Virginia Euwer Wolff MAKE LEMONADE returns in TRUE BELIEVER and suffers her first true crush. Teen girls in grades 7 to 12 will love meeting this truly independent young woman.
This next title breaks away from the idea good books have to be fiction. HEART TO HEART: NEW POEMS INSPIRED BY TWENTIETH CENTURY AMERICAN ART by Jan Greeenberg is a book of poetry. Famous young adult authors team up with art work by famous American artists for a poetic response to painting. A very interesting book to read straight through or just select one or two items you are personally drawn too. So young people in grades six and up, pick up HEART TO HEART for a unique reading experience.
The last honor book for 2002 may be the most unusual. Chris Lynch's FREEWILL is told in the second person, because you are in the mind of 17-year-old Will, a very troubled teen. Since Will's parents died in an accident, he has not been able to adjust. Could this have something to do with his wood sculptures that begin to show up at the sites of teen sucides? For a most unusual and maybe disturbing read, pick up FREEWILL. This title is recommended for teens in grades 9 to 12.
Mrs. Jackson
Head of Young Adult Services
Posted by fjacksonem at December 8, 2006 10:36 AM