Tucson Festival of Books

Outstanding International Books for Children & Teens


Explore the 2026 Outstanding International Book List for preschool through grade 12, the best of books from other countries being brought to the U.S. The session also overviews the process and purpose of the Outstanding International Book List.


Panelists
Suzii Parsons

Dr. Suzii Parsons is a teacher/educator whose work is fueled by a passionate belief that all learners deserve a strong voice in the world. Her curriculum includes books that reflect, celebrate, and inspire them, with expert teachers to support and challenge them....

Susan Polos

Susan Polos is the current president of United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY) and was the chair of the 2026 Outstanding International Book Committee. She is a middle school librarian at Greenwich Country Day School in Connecticut....

Junko Sakoi

Junko Sakoi works for the Tucson Unified School District and serves on the National Council of Teachers of English Children's Poetry and Verse Novels Committee. She loves sharing stories with children and their families....

Arizona author