The Swedish Academy of Children’s Books (Svenska Barnboksakademin) has released a reading list specifically curated for adults, a direct response to similar lists for children and youth published by the Swedish National Agency for Education (Skolverket) and the Swedish Arts Council (Kulturrådet). Author and academy member Oskar Kroon highlights the prevailing concern about declining reading habits among young people, but emphasizes the need to address the parallel issue of adult disengagement with literature, particularly contemporary children’s and young adult books. The academy’s list, comprising 18 notable children’s books from 2024, aims to ignite discussion and raise awareness about the abundance of high-quality children’s literature being produced and translated into Swedish. Kroon points out the irony of adults constantly urging children to read while remaining largely ignorant of contemporary children’s literature themselves.
The academy’s initiative seeks to challenge the perceived double standard among adults who champion reading for children while simultaneously neglecting it in their own lives. This disconnect, Kroon argues, sends mixed messages, devaluing not only children’s literature but also the importance of reading in general. He further criticizes the marginalization of children’s books even in contexts where literature is celebrated, citing the limited media attention given to Linda Bondestam’s ”Chop Chop” after winning the August Prize for best children’s and young adult book. The academy’s concern stems from the fear that children’s and young adult literature might become niche interests if adult engagement remains low, especially given the declining coverage of children’s books in cultural media.
The release of the adult reading list coincides with the government-commissioned lists for preschool and school children published by Skolverket and Kulturrådet in December. Kroon and his colleagues at the academy believe this highlights a societal blind spot: adults readily advocate for children’s literacy but often haven’t engaged with a children’s book since their own childhood or the early years of parenthood. This disconnect, they argue, undermines the message adults attempt to convey about the importance of reading. The academy’s list serves both as a catalyst for debate and a practical guide for adults seeking to explore contemporary children’s literature or discover enriching reading experiences.
Beyond its function as a conversation starter, the academy’s list offers a curated selection of quality children’s literature for adults to discover. Kroon believes experiencing these books firsthand can be transformative, revealing the profound impact children’s literature can have on readers of all ages. He hopes the list will prompt adults to reconsider their assumptions about children’s books and appreciate their literary merit. The academy’s goal is not just to promote specific titles, but to foster a broader appreciation for the richness and depth of contemporary children’s literature.
The 18 books featured on the list represent a diverse range of styles, themes, and authors. They include titles such as ”Vill du va min ponny” (Do you want to be my pony) by Ebba Forslind and Hanna Klinthage, ”Brorsans kompis Robban” (Brother’s friend Robban) by Maja Hjertzell and Joanna Hellgren, ”Jag är bara ett jävla äckel” (I’m just a fucking disgusting thing) by Henrik Ståhl and Titti Persson, and ”Skuggan” (The Shadow) by Anna Höglund. The list also includes translated works like ”Missat samtal” (Missed Call) by Nora Dåsnes, translated by Johanna Lindbäck, and ”Nomader – Ett liv i rörelse” (Nomads – A Life in Motion) by Kinchoi Lam, translated by Annika Meijer. This variety reflects the academy’s effort to showcase the breadth and depth of the current children’s book landscape.
The academy’s message is clear: adults need to actively engage with contemporary children’s literature to understand its value and effectively promote reading among younger generations. The reading list is not simply a recommendation of good books, but a call to action for adults to become more informed and involved in the world of children’s literature. By reading and discussing these books, adults can bridge the gap between their advocacy for children’s literacy and their own reading habits, thereby fostering a genuine appreciation for literature across all ages. This initiative underscores the academy’s belief that adults play a crucial role in shaping children’s reading experiences and that a shared engagement with literature can strengthen intergenerational connections and foster a lifelong love of reading.
