Michael L. Printz Award 2015: Complete list of winners

The 2015 Michael L. Printz Award honored I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson, a recognition that underscored the American Library Association’s commitment to recognizing the finest in young adult literature. Nelson’s luminous novel, which follows twin artists navigating love, loss, and self-discovery, exemplifies exactly the kind of sophisticated, beautifully wrought storytelling that the Printz Award has championed since its inception in 2000. The award specifically celebrates literary merit in YA fiction—emphasizing excellent writing, character development, and emotional depth—making it one of the most prestigious honors a young adult author can receive.

Nelson’s win reflected a broader trend in the mid-2010s toward recognizing young adult novels that refused to condescend to their audience. I’ll Give You the Sun stands out for its innovative narrative structure, poetic prose, and unflinching exploration of complex emotions, exactly the qualities that the Printz Award selection committee values most. The Michael L. Printz Award, named after a Kansas City librarian who championed young adult literature, has consistently elevated YA fiction in the literary canon, proving that novels written for teen readers can achieve the same artistic excellence as their adult counterparts.

Below, you’ll find complete details about the 2015 Printz Award winners and honorees:

Young Adult

• I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson