Young readers at Sharjah Book Fair are discovering manga, mysteries, fantasy adventures and popular book series, showing how finding the right story can inspire a lasting love of reading.
SHARJAH: Young readers at the Sharjah Book Fair are discovering that finding the right book can be as exciting as reading it. At the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026), students from across the UAE are exploring everything from Japanese manga and fantasy adventures to mysteries and much-loved illustrated series.
Some arrive with reading lists inspired by BookTok and Bookstagram, while others head straight for the next instalment in a series they already enjoy. Their choices show how different genres and characters can spark enthusiasm for reading.
Which books are students looking for?
For first-time visitor Ramzi, the appeal lies in Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, particularly their central character, Greg Heffley.
“I think Wimpy Kid is very fun, and I love the main character, Greg Heffley,” he said.
High school student Sashin Vijay is drawn to Japanese manga. After following the Jujutsu Kaisen anime series, he wants to explore the original volumes by Gege Akutami.
“I follow the Jujutsu Kaisen anime series, and I want to read all the manga volumes for it,” he said.
Another student, Ryan, was searching for the sequel to Max Brallier’s The Last Kids on Earth. “I really like the first book, and I want to read the next one,” she said.
How does the fair help readers discover something new?
For Grade 5 student Jace, the Sharjah Book Fair offered opportunities to discover unfamiliar titles alongside established favourites.
“I got to see so many marvelous books here,” he said. “I will definitely come back with my family to get more of these books.”
Raksha, who enjoys Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series, believes a lack of interest in reading may simply mean someone has not yet discovered a suitable story.
“Everyone wants to read a book; they just haven’t found the right one yet,” she said. “This is the best place to find what they like.”
Impact to expect
The variety of genres attracting students could encourage families and educators across the UAE to give young readers more freedom to choose books based on their interests. Discovering a favourite series may help make reading a regular activity rather than just a classroom requirement.
A major gathering for books and readers
Organised by Sharjah Book Authority, the Sharjah Book Fair runs from November 4, 2026, to November 15, 2026, at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme ‘Made of Stories’, with Oman as Guest of Honour.
The event brings together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, with more than 1.7 million titles available. Its programme includes 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events featuring 106 guests from 25 countries.
For students exploring the shelves, those numbers represent something simpler: a chance to discover the next book they cannot put down.
