Every Story Matters

Every Story Matters (ESM) was aimed at encouraging the creation of more inclusive books for children and young adults, and at giving book professionals (including publishers, librarians and editors) the tools and the strategies needed to do so. Our general goal was to contribute to a more inclusive European book sector in which the representation of diversity and inclusion would become mainstream and self-evident. Every Story Matters ran from 2019 to 2022 and organised 34 training and networking events, participated in 3 large-scale international book fairs and coached 6 emerging writers and illustrators from the very first idea for an inclusive children’s book to presenting their story at literary festivals and book fairs. Every Story Matters thus focussed mainly on capacity building (training and education) and audience development in the areas of diversity and inclusion. Intercultural dialogue and social integration of migrants and refugees were our primary methodologies for implementing our strategy.

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Solid role models

In order to stimulate the creative potential of talented people who have traditionally been overlooked, ESM presented a talent development programme, helping authors and illustrators to generate inclusive content. In their efforts to reach modern-day young people in a diverse and multicultural society, these authors and illustrators were inspired by the experiences and needs of young people who participated in school and library workshops. By pitching the resulting stories to publishers at international book fairs (Frankfurt, Bologna) and to young readers at festivals and book fairs, and in schools and libraries, they served as solid role models for a young and diverse audience.

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Charter and toolkit

Apart from supporting the creation of inclusive stories, one of our main aims was to stimulate publishers to become more inclusive. We shared our tools with them through fellowships, networking events at book fairs, and the Every Effort Matters platform, which offered themeffective and sustainable ways to reach writers and illustrators as well as readers from minority groups.

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Making diversity mainstream

By increasing the number of inclusive books that are published and presented each year, ESM invested in a culture of tolerance by gradually making diversity in children’s literature mainstream. Together we aimed (and will continue to) to create broad public awareness and to have an enduring impact on the book trade in the EU.