Mock Printz 2026 discussion

I'm humbly suggesting this book as a possible candidate for Mock Printz 2014. It is a very powerful story set in Los Angeles dealing with kids and teens our society discards and rejects, and a story teens clearly relate to (especially urban teens.) It vividly depicts what has been done to these children who have been abused, led into gangs and drugs, even forced into prostitution, and shows how one man is able to rally them together as a team. He gives them discipline and a purpose in life that no one else ever even attempted to do. They force the public and the politicians to see them as real human beings and not failures or rejects because they don't "fit the standard mold" this society demands for its kids. At virtually every level, we are failing to take serious care of our kids, and this book illustrates where and how we've failed. It's harsh and gritty, often dark and sad, despite the underlying fantasy element, and sounds a powerful call for acceptance of all kids as gifts to be nurtured rather than junk to be disposed of. Check it out and judge for yourself.