Press release -
20th Anniversary Year for Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
On 28 January 2002, the beloved Swedish children’s book author Astrid Lindgren died. The same year, the Swedish government decided to found the world’s largest award for children’s and young adult literature to honour her memory: the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. For two decades, the award has elevated and honoured some of the foremost figures in young people’s literature, including many whose books have received translations into new languages and found new readers around the world. And it is precisely that which is the award’s foremost aim: to give every child access to great stories.
“I am proud that each year, we put such a strong focus on children’s and young adult literature that it becomes the subject of attention around the world, and, of course, in Sweden too. Our work should always be carried out in the spirit of that great humanist, Astrid Lindgren, something that is important today more than ever,” says Boel Westin, chair of the ALMA jury.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Since the creation of the award, the ALMA jury has selected 21 laureates from around the world, including eleven authors, seven illustrators, and three reading promotion organisations. On 22 March, the jury will announce the 2022 ALMA laureate at a press conference to be broadcast live from Stockholm. As is traditional, the announcement will simultaneously be shown at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
“Our nominating bodies play an important role and are committed to advancing their best candidates so that others can be introduced to them,” says Boel Westin.
To mark the anniversary year, ALMA is releasing a special anniversary publication containing personal essays by past and present jury members in which they reflect upon the laureates over the years. At the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, visitors will also be able to see a poster exhibition about previous laureates (between pav. 25 and 26).
“We are pleased to be able to celebrate ALMA’s 20th anniversary with this publication,” says Boel Westin. “We hope that it will make even more people curious about our previous laureates.”
For further details, please contact:
Mariella Kucer, Communications Officer
Tel: +46 (0)76 540 10 17
E-mail: mariella.kucer@alma.se
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The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award was created in 2002 by the Swedish government to promote every child’s right to great stories. This global award is given annually to a person or organisation for their outstanding contribution to children’s and young adult literature. With a prize of five million Swedish kronor, it is the largest award of its kind. Above all else, it highlights the importance of reading, today and for future generations.
The award is administrated by the Swedish Arts Council.
