Queen Letizia of Spain presented the SM ‘Gran Angular’ and ‘El Barco de Vapor’ literary awards on Tuesday, May 12 [1].
The ceremony underscores the Spanish monarchy's effort to promote literacy and the cultural development of young people through literature. By championing children's and youth writing, the crown seeks to foster a lifelong habit of reading in a digital age.
During the event, the Queen delivered a speech focused on the critical importance of youth literature. She said that reading serves as a vital tool for young people to understand the world and themselves. The awards recognize authors who contribute high-quality narratives specifically designed for younger audiences [1].
The Gran Angular prize was awarded to Alba Quintas for the work "La cuarta vida de Blanca Cuervo" [1]. This award typically recognizes excellence in literature aimed at adolescents, bridging the gap between children's stories and adult novels.
The El Barco de Vapor prize was presented to Josan Hatero for "La memoria de las bicicletas" [1]. This category focuses on literature for children, emphasizing storytelling that captures the imagination of a younger demographic.
In her remarks, the Queen reflected on the impact of these stories on their readers. "Me gusta pensar que muchas chicas, quizá también algún chico, cuando ..." she said [2]. Her comments highlighted the personal connection between a reader and a text, suggesting that the right book can change a young person's perspective.
The event served as a platform to promote the SM awards, which are among the most prestigious in the Spanish-speaking world for youth literature. By associating the monarchy with these prizes, the organizers aim to elevate the status of children's writing to the same level as traditional literary achievements [1].
“The ceremony underscores the Spanish monarchy's effort to promote literacy and the cultural development of young people.”
The royal endorsement of the SM Awards reinforces the institutional value placed on youth literacy in Spain. By specifically highlighting the Gran Angular and El Barco de Vapor prizes, the monarchy is signaling that children's and adolescent literature are not merely educational tools, but essential cultural assets that shape the intellectual identity of the next generation.
