Boel Westin, professor emeritus in literature and chairman of the jury for the Alma Prize:
"It's blowing on the moon" – children's book classic by Eric Linklater.
It's an adventure book about two twin girls whose dad goes to the Bombardier to fight an evil tyrant, and they set out to rescue him.
The struggle against dictatorship and those who want to decide what we should think and believe is still relevant today.
"The Bridge" – picture book by Eva Lindström.
Thought-provoking and philosophical, and raises questions for us. It's a story you can be a part of regardless of age. I'm convinced that several of her books will become future classics.
"Everyone should read it"
Martin Hellström, lecturer in literature and children's book reviewer:
"The Murderer's Ape" – young adult novel by Jakob Wegelius.
It's a few years old, but everyone should read it. It's a real adventure book.
"You can be a dog" – short story collection by Lise Indahl.
I think it's great. It's three everyday stories about different children in middle school, he says and continues:
Some books are so obviously written to spark a conversation afterwards, and it usually gets boring. This one isn't, but it still opens up for such possibilities.
"Contains much wisdom"
Balsam Karam, author and member of the Alma Prize jury:
"Madicken" – children's classic by Astrid Lindgren.
It's perhaps the best Astrid Lindgren book to read aloud. It's incredibly fine and sits well in the mouth, which is important when reading as an adult.
"Summer Shadow" series – book series written by Tina Mackic.
They're fun illustrated books to read aloud and have really good cliffhangers.
"Action and cliffhangers"
Maria Nilsson Thore, children's book author and illustrator:
"SVJ" and "The Witches" – books by Roald Dahl.
There's something dangerous and exciting about them. They push the boundaries, but still are stories for children.
"Doctor Proctor" series – book series by Jo Nesbø.
They're really fun, they're big adventures. Adventure books in general are great. They have action, exciting worlds, and good cliffhangers. Such books are so good at captivating children.
"Leni is a sugar heart" – picture book by Emma Adbåge.
In picture books, you can be very generous and just pour on all sorts of books, because they're so quick to read. Then you notice what your child gets stuck on.
Balsam Karam:
The Moomin books by Tove Jansson
Martin Hellström:
"The Legend of Sally Jones" by Jakob Wegelius
"The False Rose" by Jakob Wegelius
Maria Nilsson Thore:
"The Golden Compass" series by Philip Pullman
"Stardust" by Neil Gaiman
Boel Westin:
"The Journey to Ugri-La-Brek" by Thomas Tidholm
"Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson
