Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Arthur A. Levine Books, November 2003.


Annotation: "Living in the cupboard beneath the stairs in the home of a family that doesn’t care about me? Well, things could be worse. I’m safe at least, in this boring life- until letters start arriving from some mysterious sounding place. What exactly am I destined for, what happened to my actual parents, and can I really cast magical spells…?"

Reason for Nomination: It is difficult to separate the hype, both positive and negative, from a phenomenon like Harry Potter. That was my intention with reviewing this often challenged title, to look at it from the perspective of a young adult who might not have really heard about it before. Rowling started off humbly with this opening to the series which describes Harry’s original exploration into the magical world of Hogwart’s. The Sorcerer’s Stone truly does capture the fascination and curiosity that young adult readers would identify with. Rowling takes a classic story arc of the boy finding out he has a destiny and magical powers that he must harness, and makes it so approachable and fun. He takes on a quest and meets friends along the way that aide him and enemies that hinder his progress. The main piece that I feel resonates so effectively with YA readers is the function of Harry coming from a “normal” world where he wasn’t appreciated, and migrating to a wondrous place where he thrives and is treated like he is famous. This is a deep fantasy image for many readers that puts them in his shoes well. The narration from Harry’s perspective, describing the intense feelings he goes through, resonates with young adults in a way that she has become famous for since.
Arguably, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone isn’t the most challenging read, but it’s addictive and enjoyable, and definitely takes the cake for teens. I wouldn’t be surprised if this book stays one of the most celebrated novels of all time. For indulging in our child-like sense of wonderment while enticing our mature, thoughtful side, Harry Potter receives a nomination for our Printz award.

The Giver

Lowry, Lois. The Giver. New York: Dell, 1993.



Annotation: In a perfect society, everyone has their appropriate job selected for them as they surpass childhood. An otherwise normal young boy is selected to carry on an ancient task that is passed down to only one person alone. Is he ready to decide what this means to him?

Justification for Nomination: There are quite a few dystopian novels that become so well-received by the adult population, that they become “classic literature” for young adults. To me, The Giver travels down a separate but significant path than 1984, Fahrenheit 451, etc. This book manages to satisfy me both as an adult reader and a juvenile novel enthusiast. Somehow, I missed reading it in middle school and it wasn’t suggested to me in high school. The fact is, I know I would have loved this book in high school and would recommend it to all of my friends, which is why I would nominate this book for receiving our Printz award. It is such a quick and enticing read that is approachable for all ages. Lowry achieves a tone that is stripped down and simplistic while maintaining an air of sophistication and maturity. While not being too in depth, the tone of the main character Jonas is portrayed effectively, and I think boys and girls alike would identify well with him and his struggles.
Some might argue that having already won a Newberry Medal, and thereby recommended for younger readers, The Giver doesn’t belong in the Young Adult award realm. However, I would argue that any novel this potent and evocative is immensely important for older readers as well. For instance, Lowry’s focus on extremely visceral memories that Jonas experiences would likely strike a chord with young adults who thrive in this sort of immediacy. Another concern could be that the book finishes too abruptly with an open ending. This seems to me that it could be a catalyst for inspiring YA readers to think about what they would do in Jonas’ situation, having made up his mind, but still unsure what his future has in store for him.
Dystopian novels are ripe with metaphors and messages for YA readers to ponder over. The Giver would be a fantastic “foot in the door” for any apprehensive reader who has an interest in adventure. For integrating a child-like innocence into a dark story of flight and freedom, and running an extremely tight ship that could easily bear a YA reader into deeper worlds, I nominate The Giver for our Printz award.