Patrice Lawrence Takes the Crown as New Children's Laureate Championing Stories

Patrice Lawrence, an award-winning author, has been named the new children's laureate, a prestigious role in the world of children's literature. Known for her popular book Orangeboy, Patrice will serve as the leading voice for children's books and reading until 2028. Born in Brighton and now living in Hastings, she received the silver laureate medal at a ceremony in London, marking the beginning of her new journey. Patrice expressed her excitement about the role, saying she wants to champion the power of books to help people feel like they belong. She believes that sharing stories can bring people together and create a sense of community. Patrice also wants to celebrate the people who work hard to make reading enjoyable for children, calling them unsung heroes. She has written for children and young people of all ages and understands how important stories are, especially for children who might feel left out or vulnerable. She says that stories help children feel seen, understood, and valued. Reading allows young people to explore new ideas and emotions in a safe way, giving them space to think and reflect. Patrice also believes that reading helps us understand each other's lives and experiences.

During her time as children's laureate, Patrice plans to work with children and adults from many different backgrounds. She wants to help them share their own stories and make sure everyone feels included. The children's laureate title is managed by BookTrust, a charity that encourages children to read. Every two years, BookTrust chooses a well-known writer or illustrator for this important role. Diana Gerald, the co-chief executive of BookTrust, said that Patrice's appointment gives a much-needed voice to children who might feel left out in society. She is looking forward to supporting Patrice's work in communities across England, exploring how sharing stories can improve wellbeing, build relationships, and create strong community connections. Kate Edwards, who led the judging panel, praised Patrice's writing for addressing topics that matter to young people. She said that Patrice's books give children a safe space to think about difficult issues. In today's challenging world, Kate believes that the connections made through books and reading are more important than ever.

Patrice Lawrence has received many honors for her work. In 2021, she was made an MBE for her services to literature, and in 2023, she became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. As the new children's laureate, Patrice is excited to help children and adults discover the joy of reading and storytelling. She hopes to inspire more people to read, share their stories, and feel connected to others. Patrice wants to make sure that all children, no matter their background, have the chance to enjoy books and feel valued. Through her work, she aims to bring communities together and show how powerful stories can be in helping us understand ourselves and each other.