Authorities have additionally enacted measures on the matter.

In a grand ceremony held in Berlin, Germany, the 2022 Friedrich Gerstaeker Prize was awarded to Cornelia Funke for her latest book for young readers, "The Whispering City". This literary honour, established in 1951, is the oldest youth literature award in the Federal Republic and is named in memory of Brunswick adventure author Friedrich Gerstaeker.

"The Whispering City" is a captivating work of fiction set in a mysterious city where secrets are whispered instead of spoken. The book has been lauded for its engaging storytelling, captivating narrative, and its contribution to the promotion of ideas of tolerance and openness to the world.

The book promotes themes of friendship, courage, and the power of truth. It is the 84th book to receive the Friedrich Gerstaeker Prize since its inception, joining an illustrious list of honoured books that have captivated young readers and encouraged openness to the world.

Friedrich Gerstaeker, the author after whom the prize is named, was a widely travelled author, much like Cornelia Funke who is renowned for her imaginative storytelling and appeal to young readers. The Friedrich Gerstaeker Prize does not specify a particular genre for the books it honours, allowing a diverse range of literature to be recognised.

The books honoured by the Friedrich Gerstaeker Prize are not given to authors but to the books themselves. This year, the bearer of the prize is "The Whispering City", a testament to its outstanding contribution to youth literature.

The award ceremony was a celebration of literature, creativity, and the power of stories to inspire, educate, and promote values of tolerance and openness. As Cornelia Funke continues to captivate young readers with her imaginative tales, "The Whispering City" stands as a shining example of the impact that youth literature can have.