Award-winning author Patrice Lawrence has been named the new Children's Laureate for the term 2026-2028. The best-selling writer, celebrated for her debut young adult novel Orangeboy, will serve as the foremost representative of children's literature in the UK, tasked with promoting reading, creativity, and storytelling.
Ceremony and Medal Presentation
Lawrence was presented with the bespoke silver Laureate medal by outgoing Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce at a ceremony held on Tuesday at the Barbican Centre in London. The event marked the official handover of the prestigious role, which is awarded biannually to a renowned writer or illustrator in recognition of exceptional talent.
Lawrence's Vision for the Laureate
In her acceptance speech, Lawrence outlined her ambitions: “My aim is to create a national conversation that champions the benefits of shared reading and sociable reading experiences. Alongside BookTrust, I’ll explore how books and reading together help communities connect and cohere, especially in times of fragmentation. I’ll work with children and adults with diverse experiences and from diverse backgrounds, children and adults who may feel undervalued in our society, to tell their stories. And, I want to celebrate the unsung heroes who bring joy and nurture reading communities through their work.”
About the Author and Her Work
Lawrence has written novels for children of all ages, often focusing on the experiences of young people today, exploring themes of inclusivity and representing diverse family structures. Her debut YA novel, Orangeboy, published in 2016, follows 16-year-old Marlon as his life unravels after a date ends in tragedy, leading him to be hunted by gangs. The thriller won The Bookseller’s YA Book Prize and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Older Children’s Fiction, and was shortlisted for the Costa Children’s Book Award. She has since published 16 books, including Needle, People Like Stars, Is That Your Mama?, Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush, Our Story Starts in Africa, and The Elemental Detectives.
Support from BookTrust and Waterstones
The Children’s Laureate role is managed by BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, and sponsored by Waterstones. Diana Gerald, co-chief executive at BookTrust, said: “All our work and research at BookTrust shows that books can open conversations and deepen understanding for children, and that shared reading experiences create a sense of belonging and safety. When children, families and communities don’t see themselves reflected in books, they can struggle to find their place in the world. In this National Year of Reading, the appointment of Patrice Lawrence as Children’s Laureate gives a much-needed voice to the vulnerable children pushed to the edge of our society. We’re looking forward to supporting her work with communities across the country to explore how sharing stories can strengthen wellbeing, build relationships and nurture meaningful community connection.”
Recognition and Legacy
Lawrence was appointed MBE for services to literature in 2021 and elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2023. Kate Edwards, chair of the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2026-28 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 follows in the footsteps of previous laureates including Sir Quentin Blake (1999-2001), Dame Jacqueline Wilson (2005-2007), Dame Julia Donaldson (2011-2013), and Joseph Coelho (2022-2024).
