Michael Printz Award
for Excellence in Young Adult Literature

2001 Award Winner

Kit’s Wilderness  - YA ALM                                                                                            
David Almond, author of "Kit's Wilderness," was named the winner of the Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature for young adults. "Kit's Wilderness," published by Delacorte Press, tells the tale of Kit Watson who returns with his family to the Northern English coal mining town where generations of his family have worked and died.

2001 Honor Books

Many Stones  by Carolyn Coman  YA COM                                                               
Gr 8 Up- Berry's older sister, Laura, was murdered while working in South Africa. Despite the passing of time, the teen is still profoundly sad and at a loss as to how to handle her pain. She feels better under the water, swimming. Stacking her collection of smooth rocks onto her chest weighs her down and keeps her grounded. She must also deal with her father who, alienated since a divorce, has returned to her life-on his terms. Once readers learn that Laura died as a result of a rock smashed against her head, many of the book's connections become clear. Coman has deftly woven together the themes of death, grieving, and reconciliation through the characters and setting of this emotionally elegant novel.

The Body of Christopher Creed  by Carol Plum-Ucci  YA MYSTERY PLU                             
Torey Adams, a high school junior with a seemingly perfect life, struggles with doubts and questions surrounding the mysterious disappearance of the class outcast. His search for answers opens his eyes to the lies, pain, and need to blame when tragedy strikes, and his once-safe world comes crashing down around him.

Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison   REN                                                                                                                                 
Gr 7-9-This is the hilarious Bridget Jones-like diary of 14-year-old Georgia, who has a rather wild cat named Angus, a three-year-old sister who pees in her bed, and a best friend who is in love with the vegetable seller's son. Georgia discusses kissing (snogging) lessons, which she needs because she has just met the "Sex God" of her dreams; what to wear to parties and school; and how to spy on your crush's girlfriend (this is where thongs come into play). In typical teen manner, Georgia lives in her own world; she thinks she is ugly, is convinced that her parents are weird, positively abhors schoolwork, and has a deep desire to be beautiful and older. Yet she still has time to enjoy the mad antics of her cat and indulge her odd but sweet sister. It will take a sophisticated reader to enjoy the wit and wisdom of this charming British import, but those who relish humor will be satisfied. Fresh, lively, and engaging.

Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman  YA TRU                                                                              
Fourteen-year-old Shawn McDaniel, who suffers from severe cerebral palsy and cannot function, relates his perceptions of his life, family, and condition, especially as he believes his father is planning to kill him. In this powerful novel, readers can learn to look beyond the obvious and find a character whose spirit is rich beyond imagination.