A total of 157 titles took part in the five-category competition: the three age groups – 26 titles in the 6+ category (readers aged 6 to 7), 39 in the 8+ category (readers aged 8 to 10), and 50 in the 11+ category (readers aged 11 to 13); the best debut book category, launched in 2021 - 20 titles; and the new best narrative through images category – 42 titles. All entries, either original or in translation, were published in Italy between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022.
Students from one hundred and sixty primary and secondary schools in Italy and abroad cast their vote in their reader category. Young reader groups organized by libraries in Italy and abroad and cultural institutions were also involved.
The Premio Strega Ragazze e Ragazzi is sponsored by the Fondazione Maria e Goffredo Bellonci and Strega Alberti Benevento, organisers of the Premio Strega, together with the Centro per il libro e la lettura and BolognaFiere-Bologna Children's Book Fair in partnership with BPER Banca and IBS.it La Feltrinelli.