
Who we are
Everybody has a right to discover literature and to create stories, irrespective of their socio-economic or cultural background, gender, sexual preference or mental and physical abilities. Yet not all of us have an equal opportunity to do so.
That is something the Europe-wide project Every Story Matters – making books more inclusive aims to change. We want to encourage the creation of more inclusive books for children and young adults, and to give book professionals (including publishers, librarians and editors) the tools and the strategies needed to become more inclusive and make diversity mainstream.
Together we can make a difference.
Events and activities


Germany, Frankfurt
19-23/10/2022
Join us for the Every Story Matters finale at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2022. We will present our project’s results and conclusions, showcase our authors & illustrators and present their stories made during our talent development programme. Drop by for one of our events, network with other professionals interested in inclusive children’s books, and visit us at our stand.

Our European platform for diversity and inclusion is up and running!
Every Effort Matters is a platform designed to unite book professionals and inspire them to exchange experiences and share tips that will help to build a more inclusive book industry.
A lot of diversity is still underrepresented in the literary sector and the stories it produces. We think we can do better. Whether you’re a librarian, an illustrator, a publisher or an organizer of literary events, you can share this commitment. Together we aim to create an inclusive book world, all the way from author to reader. Your contribution, large or small, can make a difference.
Join the movement! Subscribe to our platform, get inspired and share your tips!

One of our talents has her first inclusive story published!
‘Let your characters be diverse and inclusive, let them have personality, and stand out. Because standing out is fun and necessary', says Shamisa Debroey, one of four talented illustrators and writers who went on a journey during a talent development programme.
Check out her interview where she shares parts of her journey and talks about her inclusive story.
Latest news
Meet our writers & illustrators!
One of the core activities of Every Story Matters is a talent development programme guiding 6 upcoming writers and illustrators in the creation of their first inclusive children’s book.
In this video, you’ll get to know our talented creatives and their experience with our project.
Past activities


Online lectures
Due to the ongoing corona pandemic, the planned networking event by Every Story Matters at the Bologna Book Fair 2021 couldn't take place in live form.
Instead, we brought you two fascinating online lectures with experts who will tell you more about different aspects of diversity and inclusion, how to understand these concepts and how modern technology can help us put them into practice.