The Michael L. Printz Award was established by the American Library Association in 2000. It was named for Topeka, Kansas school librarian Mike Printz, who was a long-time member of the Young Adult Library Services Association. The award annually recognizes the best book written for teens, based entirely on its literary merit.
The books on this list were written for teens, and are best suited to students in middle school and high school. These books cover a wide range of topics, some of which may not be suitable for your reader at this point in time. We encourage you to use your discretion when choosing which books from the list to read. All medal winners and honor books from the list are eligible for Gold Medal Books.
Click here for a list of Printz Award Books (2000-2024)
Printz Challenges
Dragonslayer Badge: Read five medal winners or honor books from the fantasy genre.
Ellis Island Badge: Read five medal winners or honor books that tell stories of immigrants.
Graphic Novel Badge: Read five medal winners or honor books in graphic novel format.
Civil Rights Badge: Read five medal winners or honor books that tell stories of African Americans and their lives.
Time Traveler Badge: Read five medal winners or honor books that take place during real time periods in the past. (Not fantasy or science fiction.)