The foundation "Stiftung Lesen" and arvato AG started this very special initiative at schools all over Germany in September 2008, the beginning of this school year.

Which is the most fascinating book for students aged between 11 and 13 years? Stiftung Lesen in cooperation with arvato AG and their partners “Association of the Youth Books’ Publishing Houses” (avj) and “Leipzig Bookfair” intended to receive first-hand information from teenagers themselves.

Until January 31st 2009, more than 63.000 particpants voted for their favourite book. The participants could win attractive prizes.

In the course of a big event on March 13th at 11 a.m., the vote and the laureate have been announced at Leipzig Bookfair. 1.000 students out of the three winner classes and schools from Leipzig diclosed the vote during a literary game show. The three last games revealed the three first places. The anchorman from ZDF, Andreas Korn, lead through the event.

 The shortlist with the 15 outstanding titles from all over the world had been created by teachers, booksellers, librarians and, of course, by pupils themselves. It came along with didactic background ideas and supposed to encourage schools to join in the voting.

You can download the German shortlist and the ranking here: