Patrice Lawrence announced as the new Children's Laureate

The new Children's Laureate Patrice Lawrence - the 'foremost representative of children's literature' - said she will "champion the power of books to make us feel like we belong, and shared stories as a tool for bringing people together" during her tenure, from 2026 - 2028.

The Children's Laureate announcement was made today during a ceremony at the Barbican by poet, author and broadcaster Lemn Sissay. 

It has been a decade since Lawrence's award-winning debut Orangeboy was published. The author is passionate about social justice and, before becoming a full-time writer, worked for charities promoting the rights of children, families and adults who often go unheard.

Championing the power of stories to connect

Lawrence launched her Laureateship with a speech championing shared stories as a tool for building stronger, safer and more inclusive communities with her tenure set to focus on the power of books to create connection, belonging and voice. 

"I believe that we, as humans, are changed by stories," she said. "They connect us to different worlds, and they connect us to each other. People who feel this connection - who feel heard and believe in each other's humanity - are the foundation of stronger, safer and more inclusive communities."

Having written for children and young people of all ages, she added, "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.

"National conversation" about shared reading

As Children's Laureate, Lawrence said she would aim to create a "national conversation" that champions the benefits of shared reading and sociable reading experiences. "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."

Children's Laureate role

The role of Children's Laureate - the foremost representative of children's literature - is awarded biannually to a renowned writer or illustrator in recognition of exceptional talent. Managed by BookTrust and sponsored by Waterstones, the role celebrates creativity and storytelling, promotes the vital importance of reading and children's literature, and champions the right of every child to enjoy a lifetime enriched with books and stories.

Each Laureate brings their own passion and creativity to their tenure. Lawrence was presented with the bespoke silver Laureate medal by outgoing Waterstones Children's Laureate, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, at a ceremony hosted by poet, author and broadcaster Lemn Sissay at the Barbican Centre in London today, 7 July 2026, during the National Year of Reading.

Patrice Lawrence is an award-winning writer for children of all ages and genres, whose work often centres on the experiences of young people today, encompassing inclusivity and representing diverse family structures. Her debut YA novel, Orangeboy, was published in 2016 and went on to win The Bookseller's YA Book Prize, the Waterstones Children's Book Prize for Older Children's Fiction and was shortlisted for the Costa Children's Book Award.

Lawrence has since published 16 books, including Needle, People Like Stars, Rose, Interrupted, Is That Your Mama?, Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush, Our Story Starts in Africa and The Elemental Detectives. She has been shortlisted for awards including the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing, Nero Book Awards, Jhalak Children's, Little Rebels Award and the Young Adult Prize.

In 2021, Patrice was awarded an MBE for Services to Literature, and in 2023 she was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Patrice was born in Brighton, raised in an Italian-Trinidadian family in mid-Sussex, and now lives on the South Coast.

Giving vulnerable children a voice

Diana Gerald, Co-CEO 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."

As the 14th Children's Laureate, Lawrence will follow in the footsteps of: Quentin Blake (1999-2001), Anne Fine (2001-2003), Michael Morpurgo (2003-2005), Jacqueline Wilson (2005-2007), Michael Rosen (2007-2009), Anthony Browne (2009-2011), Julia Donaldson (2011-2013), Malorie Blackman (2013-2015), Chris Riddell (2015-2017), Lauren Child (2017-2019), Cressida Cowell (2019-2022), Joseph Coelho (2022-2024), and most recently, Frank Cottrell-Boyce (2024-2026).