30 children’s and young adult books awarded the Leipziger Lesekompass

On 14 March, 30 new publications on the children’s and young adult book market were honoured with the ‘Leipziger Lesekompass’ (Leipzig Reading Compass) by the Leipzig Book Fair and ‘Stiftung Lesen’ (Reading Foundation). The jury, which consisted of representatives from book retail, libraries, education and the media, as well as a number of young adults, evaluated new releases in the children’s and young adult book market that have been published since the 2012 Leipzig Book Fair. Of these, they selected ten particularly recommendable titles in each of the three age groups: 2 to 6 years, 6 to 10 years and 10 to 14 years. The jury for the Leipziger Lesekompass evaluated the books according to their potential to motivate young readers and to promote literacy education. The Leipzig Book Fair also hosted workshops for parents and educators that provided expert tips for using the recommended books to foster reading at home and in school. Additional training courses about the Leipziger Lesekompass are planned throughout the rest of the year. Moreover, starting in May 2013, Stiftung Lesen will offer ancillary materials that provide ideas and suggestions for using the recommended titles in nurseries and classrooms.