Patrice Lawrence, the acclaimed author of young adult novels such as Orangeboy and Needle, has been appointed as the new Waterstones children's laureate. She succeeds Frank Cottrell-Boyce and plans to use her platform to highlight how reading can help communities 'connect and cohere' during 'times of fragmentation.'
Ceremony and Launch
Lawrence was presented with the laureate medal by Cottrell-Boyce at a ceremony hosted by poet and broadcaster Lemn Sissay at London's Barbican Centre on Tuesday. Launching her two-year tenure, Lawrence emphasized the power of stories to help children 'feel seen, understood and, most importantly, valued.' She added, 'We are living in a divided world where many people feel isolated – we need this now, more than ever.'
Focus on Marginalized Children
Her laureateship will concentrate on the potential of shared reading to foster belonging and community, particularly for children who feel marginalized. Lawrence also plans to celebrate the 'unsung heroes' who nurture readers. Speaking to the Guardian, she expressed a desire to build an evidence base demonstrating the impact of books on children's lives, especially those in care, refugee children, and the children of prisoners.
Background and Achievements
Lawrence, 59, has become one of Britain's most celebrated children's authors since Orangeboy won the Waterstones children's book prize and the Bookseller YA book prize in 2017. She has since published 16 books, including picture books and young adult novels such as People Like Stars, Is That Your Mama?, and Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush. She received an MBE for services to literature in 2021 and was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2023.
Personal Inspiration
Born to Trinidadian parents in Sussex, Lawrence's writing often centers on foster care and contemporary Black British life, stemming from a lack of representation she felt as a young reader. Her appointment 'gives a much-needed voice to the vulnerable children pushed to the edge of our society,' said Diana Gerald, CEO of BookTrust, which manages the laureate role. Nick Campbell, children's campaign manager at Waterstones, added, 'Patrice is recognised as an essential voice in children's literature, and booksellers love to recommend her work. Her irresistibly compelling novels illuminate the lives of today's young people.'
Outgoing and Past Laureates
Outgoing laureate Cottrell-Boyce spent his tenure highlighting how reading for pleasure can transform children's outcomes, in tandem with the UK's National Year of Reading. Past laureates include Quentin Blake, Michael Morpurgo, Jacqueline Wilson, Michael Rosen, Julia Donaldson, Malorie Blackman, Lauren Child, and Cressida Cowell.
