Stars in Their Eyes features at Bologna Book Fair

Stars in Their Eyes by Jessica Walton and Aśka made the 2025 Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities. The 2025 selection will be launched in a few days at the 2025 Bologna Children’s Book Fair on 31 March, with physical books and a printed catalogue on display throughout the fair. The book will also join the IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) Collection located at the Toronto Public Library, which features a large international selection of books for and about young people with disabilities.

Fremantle Press CEO Alex Allan said it even more important that books like Stars in Their Eyes were made available to young people in today’s world. Allan said, ‘Books that make children of varied abilities integral to the story are essential. Creating works that are entertaining and accessible is the goal, and we believe Jessica and Aśka achieved this beautifully. Thank you to IBBY and the Toronto Public Library for championing these stories.’

Every two years the IBBY National Sections nominate books for young people with disabilities to be added to the Collection. Stars in Their Eyes was one of 40 books selected from 200 submissions representing 32 countries and 22 different languages. Born from the belief that all young people need books they can read and enjoy, the books are chosen by the IBBY National Sections, as well as by independent experts and publishers.

In Stars in Their Eyes, Maisie has always dreamed of meeting her hero, Kara Bufano, an amputee actor who plays a kick-arse amputee character in her favourite show. But Fancon is big and exciting and exhausting, and she begins to wonder if she’ll get through it without being embarrassed by her mum or accidentally inspiring someone! 

The IBBY stand is located in Hall 29 B44, where all the physical books of the Selection will be showcased, along with the printed catalogue. 

World rights, excluding English language are available for Stars in Their Eyes.