World Kid Lit Month is an annual September celebration dedicated to children’s and young adult literature from around the globe. It invites readers to discover books translated into English from other languages, stories set in other countries, and works by authors from diverse cultural backgrounds. The goal is to broaden horizons, foster empathy, and connect cultures through storytelling.
Origins and Organizers
The observance began in 2016, created by Marcia Lynx Qualey, Lawrence Schimel, and Alexandra Büchler. Their aim was to raise the profile of translated children’s and YA literature in the English-speaking world, making it easier for readers, educators, and publishers to access stories from every corner of the globe.
Led by a Global Non-Profit
World Kid Lit Month is organized by World Kid Lit CIC, a non-profit dedicated to increasing access to diverse, inclusive, and international literature for young people.
The organization believes reading globally can foster anti-racism, inclusivity, and empathy, and supports educators, librarians, and publishers in bringing more translated and culturally diverse books to shelves. All funds raised are reinvested into its mission, and its community includes advocates, translators, and publishing professionals across five continents.
The event’s official Facebook page and Instagram profile.
Why September?
September was chosen because it coincides with other events celebrating languages and translation:
- National Translation Month (USA)
- European Day of Languages (September 26)
- International Translation Day (September 30)
This timing reinforces the importance of translation in bridging cultural divides.
How to Celebrate
World Kid Lit Month is open to readers of all ages and experience levels. Popular ways to take part include:
- Read internationally – Choose at least one children’s or YA book from another country or in translation.
- Take a reading challenge – Complete a row or grid on the World Kid Lit bingo chart for your age group.
- Share your discoveries – Post about the books you’re reading using #WorldKidLitMonth.
- Host or attend events – Libraries, schools, and bookshops often run themed storytimes, book displays, or talks.
- Join the new school competition – From September 2025, the World Kid Lit Reading Challenge Award for Schools will encourage classes to explore global literature together.
Community and Impact
Since its launch, World Kid Lit Month has become a platform for discovering new voices, championing underrepresented regions and languages, and showcasing the work of translators and small publishers. Its growing community works year-round to integrate international literature into classrooms, libraries, festivals, and media.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
