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In a grand ceremony held in Brunswick, Germany, renowned author Cornelia Funke was awarded the 2022 Friedrich Gerstaëcker Prize for her latest book, "Drachenreiter." This prestigious award, named in memory of Brunswick adventure author Friedrich Gerstaëcker, is the oldest youth literature award in the Federal Republic and honours books that captivate young readers.
"Drachenreiter," a fantasy novel, is Funke's second book to receive recognition from the Friedrich Gerstaëcker Prize. The jury praised the book for its engaging storytelling and its ability to inspire young readers, citing its themes of tolerance and openness to the world as particularly noteworthy.
Friedrich Gerstaëcker, a widely travelled author from Brunswick, is known for his works associated with themes of travel and adventure. It is fitting, then, that the books honoured by the Friedrich Gerstaëcker Prize share these same themes, with the aim of encouraging young readers to explore the world with an open mind.
Cornelia Funke, a German author known for her works associated with themes of fantasy and adventure, is no stranger to these themes. "Drachenreiter" is a testament to her ability to weave a captivating story that resonates with young readers, while also promoting values of tolerance and openness.
The 2022 Friedrich Gerstaëcker Prize marks the 175th anniversary of the literary award. Previous winners include Julya Rabinowich, who received the prize in 2018 for her work "Dazwischen: Ich."
As the 128th book to receive the Friedrich Gerstaëcker Prize since its inception, "Drachenreiter" joins an esteemed list of honourees that have captivated generations of young readers. The award serves as a testament to Funke's talent and the enduring appeal of her work.
In accepting the award, Funke expressed her gratitude for the recognition and her commitment to continuing to create stories that inspire and educate young readers. "Drachenreiter" is a book that has been honoured for its ability to captivate young readers, and it is sure to continue to do so for many years to come.