The UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) has invited publishers in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Selection of Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities 2027, one of the world’s leading initiatives dedicated to promoting the right of children and young people with disabilities to access high-quality, inclusive reading materials.
This call comes as part of UAEBBY’s ongoing efforts to empower local publishers to engage in international platforms and to highlight works that embrace diversity and inclusion within children’s and young people’s publishing. The biennial selection is overseen by an international jury of experts who review books published worldwide, with the aim of strengthening the visibility of titles that reflect the experiences of young people with disabilities or provide accessible reading formats tailored to their needs.
Publishers are eligible to nominate books published from 2022 onwards, provided that all rights are secured and that the titles represent a meaningful contribution in one of two main categories: accessible formats that facilitate access to book, such as Braille, sign language, large print, tactile books, and easy-to-read editions for readers with developmental disabilities; and books that portray disability through realistic or imaginative narratives, featuring multidimensional characters with hearing, physical, cognitive, or neurodivergent disabilities.
Digital nominations are submitted through the application form available on the UAEBBY website, along with a PDF copy of the nominated book. The deadline for submitting application forms and digital files is 15 January 2026. One printed copy of each nominated title must then be sent to the IBBY headquarters in Toronto, Canada, by 16 February 2026. Following the evaluation process, the final selection of outstanding books will be announced in September or October 2026. The selected titles will be published on the official IBBY website and showcased at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2027, in addition to being exhibited at several international book fairs worldwide.
UAEBBY emphasized that participation offers local publishers a valuable opportunity to bring Emirati works to a global audience and to spotlight national efforts in producing content that serves diverse groups of readers, particularly young people with disabilities. The Board also encouraged publishers and authors to take advantage of this global initiative, which enhances the international presence of Emirati creativity, supports the development of a more inclusive and diverse publishing ecosystem, and ensures that all children can see their experiences and voices represented with authenticity and respect in the books they read.