Huch, ein Buch!

Wireless, battery-free, electronics-free – the compact and portable “book”! In times of smartphones and AI, almost revolutionary. Darmstadt’s Youth and Children’s Literature Festival will dedicate its 2026 edition to this “analog marvel” under the theme “Gemeinsame Sache” (“A Common Cause”).

An experience-based approach to cultural education enriches everyday school life and opens up new perspectives on familiar topics. Since 2011, the festival has been devoted to promoting reading and making the “book experience”accessible to young people. It features award-winning authors and exceptional venues. Twice honored with the Hessian Reading Promotion Award, the festival brings books directly to young people for one full week – from kindergarten to high school – reaching around 2,000 participants.

In numerous readings by renowned authors such as Frauke Angel, Uticha Marmon, Benjamin Tienti, Karla-Jean von Wissel, and Maja Nielsen, stories come to life and books become encounters. Under the motto “Democracy begins with being able to read,” children’s and young adult literature focusing on democracy, equality, and human rights takes center stage – more important than ever in times when right-wing extremist voices are gaining strength.

Whether kindergarten children vote for their favorite book in the “Heinerchen” award, young people perform their own texts on stage, or strengthen their voices in workshops – participation here is not just an empty phrase; it’s practiced on equal footing. In addition, new formats specifically reach out to non-native speakers.

Starting from the Centralstation as the festival’s hub, the entire city becomes a literary stage – in schools, socially disadvantaged neighborhoods, inclusive institutions, cinemas, museums, and libraries.