From: Lynn Rutan <lynnrutan_at_charter.net>
Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2012 21:42:50 -0400

I’d like to address this statement made by a previous poster:

"The other reason I see a decline is with the type of books that are often chosen for the awards. Often times, the books chosen have great appeal to adults but not that much of an appeal to the students. Many of the recently chosen books just sit on the shelf while other titles such as Hunger Games and City of Bones continue to circulate strongly. Why? In my opinion, it is because teens like to read books that their friends are reading. And after a long day of intensive school assignments, assigned classical reading, and other extra-curricular activities - students want a book that is simply fun to read."

The Printz committee is charged to select the best YA book - best being defined solely in terms of literary merit. Further, while appeal is hoped for, popularity is not a criterion. It is wonderful when flat-out teen appeal and literary quality unite in one book but popularity is not a charge to the committee.

My own opinion - and it is strictly that - is that the decline in interest in award books is tied strongly to two factors that others have mentioned. First is the appalling focus on rote memory standardized testing that accompanied NCLB. So much classroom time has to be devoted to preparing for the testing that much of value has been lost due to the pressure of time. Books, reading and research projects have been major losses to the classroom. The other major factor is the loss of school librarians as Jane Yolen notes. Not every book is for every teen and many of the award books are for a good reader interested in a more complex reading experience. As a school librarian I spent a large portion of my time interacting with teens and finding the right book for the right reader. I booktalked to whole classes on a quarterly basis and had countless kids who stopped in regularly to ask what to read next. School librarians have the great privilege of knowing their patrons well, both students and teachers, seeing the m often and being able to develop a trusting relationship with them. A librarian or teacher who knows the student’s tastes is able to offer a choice that matches the reader. It is less difficult to pick a “popular” book off the shelf and hand it to a teen and that is what is happening increasingly as school library jobs have been eliminated and libraries are not staffed.

The Printz books are extraordinary, rich and complex, and that is exactly what the award was created to recognize. They may not be for every reader but is that a bad thing? As a reader I want different books at different times. Sometimes I want something that challenges me as a reader and sometimes I just want entertainment. Teens are no different and there are many many many of them who will chose something that challenges - and rewards - them if they are introduced to it by someone who takes them time to find them a book that matches their interests. I think we make a mistake in underestimating teens and my experience is that with a little care and attention they can enjoy a much wider world of reading.

I have great hopes for Common Core Standards but teachers need professional development, a librarian who can match their curriculum with the wealth beyond Appendix B and time. For the sake of our kids, I hope this happens!

Lynn Rutan Bookends - Booklist Online Youth Blog Printz Chairman 2008 lynnrutan_at_charter.net
Received on Mon 20 Aug 2012 09:42:50 PM CDT