2004 Printz Award

The Michael L. Printz Award is an award for a book that exemplifies literary excellence in young adult literature. It is named for a Topeka, Kansas school librarian who was a long-time active member of the Young Adult Library Services Association. Read the full press release for the 2002 Award.

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You can also listen to audio recordings of the previous winners acceptance speeches in the YALSA For Members Only section. (Access to the print and audio versions of the speeches require a username and password.)

2004 Award Winner

the first part last

The First Part Last

by Angela Johnson

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Johnson's novel is an extraordinary work in which the realities of fatherhood come slowly but surely to 16-year-old Bobby after the birth of his daughter, Feather. Told in alternating chapters, Johnson's story reveals the love Bobby and his girlfriend Nia shared then, as well as the growing affection Bobby feels now for his daughter.

“Bobby's voice comes strong and poignant, pulling readers into the heartache, confusion, and insecurity," said Pam Spencer Holley, Chair of the 2004 Printz Award Committee. "Angela Johnson's work never verges on sentimentality and brings readers close to the true meaning of parenthood."

Johnson lives in Ohio and is a recipient of a 2003 MacArthur Fellowship; in addition, she is the author of numerous award winning books for children and young adults.

2004 Honor Books

a northern light keesha's house fat kid rules the world the earth, my butt and other big, round things

A Northern Light

by Jennifer Donnelly

Harcourt, Inc.

Keesha's House

by Helen Frost

Farrar, Straus and Giroux/Frances Foster Books



Fat Kid Rules the World

by K.L. Going

G.P.Putnam's Sons/Penguin Young Readers Group

The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things

by Carolyn Mackler

Candlewick Press

Award sponsored by Booklist, a publication of the American Library Association.

Members of the 2004 Printz Award Committee are: Chair, Pam Spencer Holley, Assawoman, VA; Ruth Allen, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR; Sarah A. Dentan, Haddon Library, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England; Sarah I. Flowers, County of Santa Clara Free Library, San Jose, CA; Juanita R. Foster, Hennepin County Library, Crystal, MN; Caroline M. Kienzle, Irving ISD Instructional Center, Irving, TX; Betty B. Lazarus, Ridgewood Prep School, Metairie, LA; Charli M. Osborne, Oxford Public Library, Oxford, MI; Deborah D. Taylor, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, MD; and Stephanie Zvirin, Booklist Books for Young Adults, Chicago, IL.

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