Celebrate Translated Books in September!

by Brenda Dales  
​

Of course you read and share translated books all year long, but there are two reasons to celebrate translated books in September. The month of September is National Translation Month, and September 30 is International Translation Day!

Information about National Translation Month (NTM) can be found on the NTM website, and there is also a Facebook page. Two of the goals of NTM are to “promote the work of translators and highlight their craft,” and “encourage the reading of literature in translation.” On the NTM website, check out the “NTM FAQS” under the “ABOUT” drop-down menu. Here you will learn everything you want to know about National Translation Month.  A part of the response to the question “How can teachers and students participate?” is “Send us photos or videos and we’ll post them on our social media and bring more awareness about works in translation.”
Culminate a celebration of translated books on International Translation Day—September 30. The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a resolution in 2017 “to pay tribute to the work of language professionals, which plays an important role in bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation, contributing to development and strengthening world peace and security,” according to the UN website. September 30 was chosen because it is the feast of St. Jerome, who translated the Bible to Latin. And by the way, St. Jerome is the patron saint of librarians, libraries, translators, archivists, and encyclopedists.
Naturally, a great place to start seeking translated books for sharing and study is the USBBY Outstanding International Books. And, to add to the book celebration, Project World Kid Lit has also designated September as World Kid Lit Month. 

Project World Kid Lit is a supporter of IBBY, and their website is a terrific resource for translated books, among additional resources. 

If you are a teacher at any level, or you know people in school—young to any age--(who doesn’t?) sharing translated books is an excellent way to start the academic year and set the stage for sustained interest in reading!​