Librarians defend urban fiction

I'm very interested in African-American urban fiction, since patrons at my branch (particularly teens and patrons in their early 20s) are so eager to read this genre. As I've written in two VOYA articles, these books have very adult themes -- drug dealing, graphic sex, etc. -- and also are often self-published and poorly edited, but I do think they belong in libraries because of the demand. The latest issue of Library Journal includes an editorial saying much the same thing.

Looking for Alaska

Since John Green's "Looking for Alaska" won the Printz award last month, I read it recently. I found it absolutely breathtaking -- wonderfully written, totally absorbing, and completely worthy of the award. I also read the Newbery winner, "Criss Cross". While it was well written, it just didn't hold my interest, and I can't see myself recommending it to any but the most introspective, thoughtful young patron. I felt the same way about last year's Newbery winner, "Kira Kira". Gorgeously written, but (at least until the sister gets sick) not very absorbing. Meanwhile, the last two Printz winners were wonderful, in my opinion, and also had high teen appeal. Maybe it's just that I like teen fiction so much -- though there have been many, many Newbery winners I adored -- but I think the Printz committees are picking winners more often lately. Anyone else noticed this, or is it just me?