Michael L. Printz and the Story of the Michael L. Printz Award

Michael Printz was not a nationally recognized celebrity. He wasn t a sports hero, a TV star, or an inventor. He was a librarian. And while no one ever became famous for being a librarian, Michael Printz was as close as one could get. For during his lifetime, Michael Printz was a champion of young adults. His personal integrity, his love of books, and his passionate belief in his ability to change young people s lives for the better made Mike an exceptional person.

All who knew Mike mourned his untimely death in 1996. But he is forever remembered in the children s book award given by the Young Adult Library Services Association that bears his name. Here is the long overdue story of the outstanding librarian from Topeka, Kansas, who was, indeed, a great achiever.