About

The section International Children’s and Young Adult Literature offers a wide array of readings and events both within and outside of schools. The section strives to be a comprehensive initiative to promote reading in an interactive way and to strengthen intercultural competency. Thanks to the direct exchange with authors and illustrators of different cultural backgrounds, children and youth can read, discuss, and experiment together in order to understand the world in its cultural diversity. In addition, it is our priority to present unusual and courageous positions in children’s and young adult literature –through both their imagery and topics.

Every year, around 15 authors and illustrators take part in this section and present their books in what are often premiere readings, many of them performing for the first time for the German-speaking public. Several internationally renowned authors and illustrators of children’s books have participated in the ilb over the years, including: David Almond, John Boyne, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Chen Jianghong, Kitty Crowther, Kate DiCamillo, Julia Donaldson, Roddy Doyle, Wolf Erlbruch, Manuele Fior, Cornelia Funke, John Green, Judith Kerr, Jon Klassen, Suzy Lee, Scott McCloud, Patrick Ness, Frida Nilsson, Raquel J. Palacio, Maria Parr, Christian Robinson, Meg Rosoff, Axel Scheffler, Peter Sís, Shaun Tan, Janne Teller, and Angie Thomas.
Alongside readings, the ilb children’s and young adult program also includes workshops, discussion panels, project weeks, exhibits, and different events, such as “The Extraordinary Book”, poetry slams, retrospectives as well as the yearly Sunday “International Family Festival” at the ilb. The section is a member of the work group for young adult literature and part of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY).

You can find the complete program here. Advance sales will start on 19 June 2020, the section events are open to all interested persons, regardless of age.
To stay informed about the section and its events, you can subscribe to the newsletter here.