Jonathan Hunt

It's that time, again—will Sabaa Tahir's All My Rage, already a winner this season, win the Printz? Works from Tiffany D. Jackson and Candace Fleming are also among this year's contenders.

Robin McKinley, who won a Newbery Honor for The Blue Sword in 1983 and the Newbery Medal in 1985 for The Hero and the Crown, discusses her introduction to the fantasy genre and her dedication to centering complex female characters.  

With the turning of the new year, it’s time to talk Printz contenders. Here are six picks to keep an eye on.

Spinelli, known for spot-on portrayals of early adolescence, talks about unexpected rewards of the Newbery Medal, “star people,” and creating harmony with characters and story elements. 

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The prolific author of Newbery Medalist Crispin and Honor titles Nothing But the Truth and The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle points out that protest and patriotism are woven into American history. 

Nonfiction works and sequels don’t usually win the Printz, but this year many such books—about a thrilling escape from tragedy, an inspiring refugee story, and more—are serious contenders.

Jonathan Hunt offers picks for this year's Printz Award—including nonfiction, graphic novels, and books for young teens—and reminds us that serving on award committees isn't for the faint of heart.

The former “Heavy Medal” blogger makes a case for Neal Shusterman’s sequel and points to a strong crop of middle grade titles that might have a chance at the medal.