Award-winning author Patrice Lawrence has been named the new children’s laureate.<\/p>\n
The author, known for writing Orangeboy, will take on the role as the leading representative of children’s literature until 2028.<\/p>\n
Brighton-born Lawrence was presented with the silver laureate medal by the outgoing children’s laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce<\/a> at a ceremony in London earlier.<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n 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”.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “Stories help readers explore unfamiliar subjects safely with space to pause and reflect on complex emotions. <\/p>\n “And just as importantly, reading helps us understand each other’s stories.”<\/p>\n Lawrence said during her time in the role she wanted to work with children and adults from diverse backgrounds to tell their stories.<\/p>\n The title, which is managed by children’s reading charity BookTrust, is awarded biannually to a renowned writer or illustrator.<\/p>\n 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”.<\/p>\n 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”.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “In the challenging world we find ourselves, the connections that books and reading offer are more important than ever.”<\/p>\n Lawrence was made an MBE for services to literature in 2021 and later elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2023.<\/p>\n Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, external<\/a>, X, external<\/a>, and on Instagram, external<\/a> and listen to BBC Radio Sussex on Sounds<\/a>. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk, external<\/a> or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.<\/p>\n