Presentation: Literanauten meets Young Readers Italy

Literanauten is a nationwide reading promotion project run by the Arbeitskreis für Jugendliteratur e.V. (AKJ), which invites young people to take an active role in shaping their reading experiences.

In 2026, the ‘Back to the Books’ reading club at the International Youth Library (IYL) will focus on the books of author Johannes Herwig. Johannes Herwig has published three books for young people to date: “Bis die Sterne zittern” (Until the Stars Tremble), for which he was awarded the Paul Maar Prize for New Talent, “Halber Löwe” (Half Lion) and his latest novel “Scherbenhelden” (Shards of Heroes).

At a closing event, Back to the Books and pupils from the secondary school on Schrobenhausener Straße will present their personal reading experiences to the author through music, film or theatre. Johannes Herwig will be there in person.

For the first time, the reading club is also going international! A delegation from Young Readers Italy, the Italian section of IBBY, is visiting Munich. They are bringing with them the Italian author Benedetta Bonfiglioli, who will also be present at the closing event on 17 June, where her books will be introduced to a German audience.

Benedetta Bonfiglioli’s book “Incorporea” was included on “The White Ravens 2024” recommendation list, a selection of notable new international publications in children’s and young adult literature published annually by the International Youth Library

We are looking forward to an unconventional encounter between young readers and authors, serving as a model for young people’s engagement with literature.

School classes are warmly invited to take part in this event and to meet Johannes Herwig and Benedetta Bonfiglioli in person.

The event is open to interested school classes and is free of charge.

Registration and information at 
programm@ijb.de
or 089-891211-49

With the kind support of  Arbeitskreises für Jugendliteratur,Waldemar Bonsels Stiftung and Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend.