Award-winning author Patrice Lawrence MBE has been unveiled as the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2026–2028 – the foremost representative of children’s literature.
Lawrence was announced as the 14th Children’s Laureate by outgoing Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who presented her with her bespoke silver medal.
The ceremony, held today at the Barbican Centre in London, was hosted by Lemn Sissay and also featured three students from Brook Mead Academy in Leicester sharing extracts from their favourite stories and explaining the impact they have had on them.
Championing shared stories as a tool for connection
Lawrence – who is passionate about social justice and has worked for charities promoting the rights of children, families and adults who often go unheard – launched her Laureateship with a speech championing shared stories as a tool for building stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities.
Lawrence spoke about how books and reading can help vulnerable children feel heard – particularly in our ‘divided’ world – with her tenure set to focus on the power of books to create connection, belonging and voice.
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.
Meanwhile, BookTrust Co-CEO Diana Gerald 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.”
And Nick Campbell, Children’s Campaign Manager at Waterstones, said it is “so exciting” to be welcoming Patrice into the role, a decade after her debut YA novel Orangeboywon a Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.
“Her irresistibly compelling novels illuminate the lives of today’s young people, and we can’t wait to see her bring the same energy and compassion to her Laureateship,” he added. “We’re proud to support her in this vital role, championing the life-changing power of stories.”
About the Waterstones Children’s Laureate
The role of Waterstones Children’s Laureate is awarded every two years to a renowned writer or illustrator in recognition of exceptional talent.
Managed by BookTrust and sponsored by Waterstones, the prestigious 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.
Lawrence – the 14th person to take on the role – follows Cottrell-Boyce and joins the ‘League of Laureates’, also including Sir Quentin Blake, Anne Fine, Sir Michael Morpurgo, Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Michael Rosen, Anthony Browne, Dame Julia Donaldson, Dame Malorie Blackman, Chris Riddell, Lauren Child, Cressida Cowell, and Joseph Coelho.
Patrice Lawrence has written books for children of all ages and genres, and her work often centres on the experiences of young people today, encompassing inclusivity and representing diverse family structures.
In 2021, she was awarded an MBE for Services to Literature, and in 2023 she was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
