The literature expert: "Happy that it became a youth book author"

Young adult author Laurie Halse Anderson is considered one of America's leading young adult authors.

In Sweden, only two of her books have been translated into Swedish.

Lydia Wistisen, lecturer in literary studies, is happy about the choice of prize winner, and believes that it can be important for the genre. 

- It draws attention to one of the really good authors of young people's books in the world, so it can make new readers find her literature, she says.

"Incredibly affecting"

In the justification for the award, the jury emphasizes, among other things, how Anderson never weighs in on difficult subjects.

And it is also something that jury member Elina Druker, professor of literary studies, emphasizes.

She particularly highlights the book "Wintergirls", which deals with eating disorders.

- I thought "Wintergirls" was incredibly affecting.

I was thrown back to a time where it was present in my life as a fifteen year old.

To control what one did and the awareness of how one looks.

It was very interesting to read and be so affected by it as an adult. 

See more of the reactions in the clip above.