Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award 1
Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award “Good literature g
ives the child a place in the world and the world a place in the child.” Astrid Lindgren herself put into words what would later be the guiding principle behind the literary award established by the Government of Sweden in 2002 to honour her memory. The award is intended to promote interest in children’s and young adult literature around the world. The generous prize of SEK 5 million underlines the fact that promoting reading among children and young adults is a top priority for Sweden. The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) is Swedish and international at the same time. Writers, illustrators, oral storytellers and reading promoters worldwide are eligible for nomination. Approx. 200 candidates are nominated each year. To be considered for the award, a candidate must be nominated by one of the nominating bodies approved by the jury. The award is not given posthumously. The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award is administered by the Swedish Arts Council.