Since 2006, the American association USBBY, part of IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People), has been selecting books to be included in the so-called “Outstanding International Books List”. The list is announced every year in February. It includes books that were published or distributed in the United States, but their first sale was abroad. They must have been introduced to the American market during the last calendar year.
Here are some of the criteria:
- Books that represent the best of children's literature from other countries
- Books that introduce American readers to authors and illustrators from other countries
- Books that help American children see the world from a different perspective
- Books that provide perspective or address a topic that is otherwise missing from children's literature in the United States.
- Books that show a different cultural taste
- Books that are accessible to American readers.
Content and presentation criteria:
- Artistic and literary quality
- Original or creative approach
- Distinguishability of the topic
- Uniqueness of origin
- Qualities that engage and attract children
Here are the countries from which the American market draws its "book novelties", and you can view an album of the books on our Facebook page.
Source: USBBY
Add comment