In 2012 the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) celebrated its 10th anniversary. Then, a decade had passed since the death of Astrid Lindgren, Sweden’s best-known and most translated author. To honor her memory, the Swedish government has established an annual prize of SEK 5 million to promote interest in children’s and young adults’ literature around the world.

For the past 10 years, the world’s largest prize for children’s and young adult literature has been awarded to authors, illustrators and reading promoters whose work is in the spirit of Astrid Lindgren. The jury applies the highest artistic standards in the annual selection process leading to the announcement of the recipient. Nomination bodies with expertise in issues relating to children’s and young adults’ literature nominate hundreds of candidates for the award each year.

This year we are celebrating not only the award but the people and organisations chosen to receive it. Since ALMA was established, 12 recipients have been announced. On two occasions, in 2003 and 2005, two recipients shared the award. The following contains the recipients’ own reflections on topics relating to children's and young adult literature.You can also download the ALMA jubilee folder as PDF, available here.

Enjoy your reading!

The award office