Patrice Lawrence named new children's laureate

Award-winning author Patrice Lawrence has been named the new children's laureate.

The author, known for writing Orangeboy, will take on the role as the leading representative of children's literature until 2028.

Brighton-born Lawrence was presented with the silver laureate medal by the outgoing children's laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce at a ceremony in London earlier.

She said: "I will champion the power of books to make us feel like we belong, and shared stories as a tool for bringing people together."

Lawrence, who now lives in Hastings, said she also wanted to "celebrate the unsung heroes who bring joy and nurture reading communities through their work".

She added: "I have written for children and young people of all ages, and I know that stories help children - particularly vulnerable children - feel seen, understood and most importantly, valued.

"Stories help readers explore unfamiliar subjects safely with space to pause and reflect on complex emotions.

"And just as importantly, reading helps us understand each other's stories."

Lawrence said during her time in the role she wanted to work with children and adults from diverse backgrounds to tell their stories.

The title, which is managed by children's reading charity BookTrust, is awarded biannually to a renowned writer or illustrator.

Diana Gerald, co-chief executive at BookTrust, said the appointment of Lawrence gave a "much-needed voice to the vulnerable children pushed to the edge of our society".

She said the charity was looking forward to supporting Lawrence's work in communities across England "to explore how sharing stories can strengthen wellbeing, build relationships and nurture meaningful community connection".

Kate Edwards, chair of the judging panel, added: "Patrice's remarkable writing for children of all ages draws upon topics that are relevant to many young people's everyday lives, creating a safe space for them to explore complex, sometimes difficult, issues.

"In the challenging world we find ourselves, the connections that books and reading offer are more important than ever."

Lawrence was made an MBE for services to literature in 2021 and later elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2023.

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