The Nordic Literature Week (originally the Nordic Library Week) has been a cultural project for over 20 years, aimed at spreading the joy of reading, literature, and the Nordic tradition of storytelling, across borders. The Nordic Literature Week itself takes place in mid-November, this year tfrom 12 - 218 November and the title of the week will be “Heroes in the Nordics”. The yearly theme of the Nordic Literature Week is used as a common feature that runs through the chosen read aloud books, the Literature Week's activities as well as the events. Heroes are returning characters in Nordic literature, and its role has changed alongside the development of society.
The Nordic Literature Week is held every year with three books that are chosen to be read aloud. All the books reflect that year's theme and are chosen with three different target groups in mind. This year, the popular book, Handbook for Superheroes, has been chosen as the children's book. It is written by the Swedish couple, Elias and Agnes Våhlund, and is suitable for listeners aged 5-11. Those Who Don't Exist will be read aloud to young listeners aged between the age 12-17. It is written by the Norwegian author, Simon Stranger, and has been mentioned as the most important contemporary book for teenagers. Last but not least, the novel, Icelandic Kings, has been chosen as the adult book. It is written by the Icelandic author, Einar Már Guðmundsson who, among other things, received the Nordic Council's Literature Prize in 1995.
