Olivera Olja Jelkić recently received significant recognition as she was one of the nominees for the prestigious and largest global award in children’s and young adult literature, named after the renowned author Astrid Lindgren. During her stay in Sweden for this exceptional acknowledgment, Olivera Olja Jelkić had the opportunity to meet this year’s recipient, Laura Anderson from the United States.
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) is presented annually to authors who have made an outstanding contribution to the world of children’s literature. This award is named in honor of Astrid Lindgren, the celebrated Swedish author who created some of the most beloved children’s characters, including Pippi Longstocking. The ALMA Award is given for exceptionally high-quality literary works that simultaneously capture both the intellect and emotions of readers, while living in the spirit of the legacy of the great Astrid Lindgren.
This year, the award was granted to American author Laura Anderson in recognition of her lifelong contributions to children’s literature. During a grand ceremony at the Concert Hall in Sweden, the audience rose to their feet to applaud this prestigious acknowledgment. The expert jury responsible for the selection described Laura Anderson as an author who stands out with her high-quality works that equally engage the intellect and emotions of readers. Her contributions to children’s literature are of paramount importance, and her characters and stories leave a profound impact on young readers worldwide.
Olivera Olja Jelkić, as a nominated author for this prestigious award, was part of a select group of candidates among over 200 nominated authors from different countries. Her work and her contributions to the world of children’s literature have been recognized and celebrated, representing a significant acknowledgment for Serbian literature.
The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award also includes a substantial cash prize of over half a million euros. These funds are allocated from taxes, demonstrating the Swedish government’s dedication to promoting reading and literature among children and young people. This signifies the maturity of society and an understanding of the importance of books and education in the lives of the youngest generations.
The meeting between Olivera Olja Jelkić and Laura Anderson, two incredibly talented authors, at this important event provides an opportunity for the exchange of experiences, ideas, and inspiration. Their dedication to children’s literature and the significance of their works for future generations make them true role models in the world of literature.
Olivera Olja Jelkić, regarding her nomination for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, expressed that the presence of writers on the international literary scene brings affirmation to children’s literature and inspires new generations of writers and readers.
