2026 IBBY-iRead Outstanding Reading Promoter Award

Kirsten Boie is a renowned German author and a dedicated champion for sustainable reading promotion who has advocated for equal access to reading education for over 20 years. Born in Hamburg in 1950, she believes that access to literature is essential for self-realization and participation in society. Her work focuses on creating literature that meets the specific needs of children, ensuring that reading remains a viable path for every young person in Germany and abroad.

Over her career, Kirsten Boie has written more than 100 books, many of which serve as readers for first and primary schools. Beyond her creative work, she has published numerous essays and delivered talks on literacy to raise public awareness and mobilize political attention for the cause. She actively participates in literacy support programmes and backs campaigns as a patron through her Möwenweg Foundation. Her commitment extends to Eswatini, Africa, where she advocates for children’s rights to read in their native language.

Through her foundation, she established the BOOKCRAZY campaign as part of the “Litsemba” project, a childcare programme supporting 3,000 to 4,000 orphans and children living in extreme poverty across 104 Neighbourhood Carepoints. In addition to providing books, she holds workshops for local authors and supports various community projects designed to strengthen the children’s living environment. Her extensive networking and sustained advocacy have made her a pivotal figure in connecting resources to those who need them most.

Nominated by IBBY Germany

Dr. Namita Susan Jacob is an educator and expert in disability inclusion with over 35 years of experience improving learning access for people with disabilities. As the Program Director of Chetana Trust in Chennai, a not-for-profit organization, she develops locally relevant, evidence-based solutions focused on child development, health, and inclusive education. Her work places a strong emphasis on supporting individuals who are visually impaired, deaf, or deafblind through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates design, education, health, and technology.

Under her leadership, Chetana Trust launched several impactful initiatives, including the Accessible Reading Materials (ARM) Library, which promotes reading and play through community-created inclusive content. During the pandemic, the library expanded its reach globally to over 100 countries and received the ABC International Excellence Award in 2023. Dr. Jacob also initiated the “I Count” project to address the overlooked visual needs of children with multiple disabilities and spearheaded the development of assistive technologies such as Aditi, a non-contact switch, and Tactograph, a low-cost tactile graphic tool.

She has worked extensively across Asia and the MENA region, helping to build services in communities, hospitals, and schools. Holding a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley and San Francisco State University, Dr. Jacob is widely published and continues to apply her expertise to create practical, inclusive solutions that ensure equal access to education and reading for all.

Nominated by IBBY India