Waterstones Children's Laureate Patrice Lawrence: explore her books

Josie doesn’t look like her mum, and worries that she should. But her family show her that all families are different, and all are special. A beautiful book full of empathy and heart. 

Ava must dress up as someone she admires for a school project, but can’t decide who to be, so Granny offers to help. As they search for inspiration in Granny’s trunk of clothes, Ava is intrigued when she finds a small, cardboard suitcase, containing four objects: an empty jar, a pebble, a small blue hat and a pair of delicate lace gloves. Granny shares the precious memories evoked by these simple objects with Ava, recounting how she left Trinidad aboard the boat Empire Windrush to begin a new life in England.

Leo and Rosa’s town is overrun by toads! An exciting story, suitable for dyslexic readers.

A perfectly pitched story of Black history that brings it back to the personal for a little girl.

A collection of exciting, action-packed mystery stories from 13 brilliant contemporary authors – all with a summer theme. A perfect summer holiday read. 

This is a thrilling tale, with the expertly described Tudor world brought to hideous, harsh life with the same verve as Patrice Lawrence’s award winning teen books Indigo Donut and Orangeboy. 

Ayrton was stolen as a baby – and Stanley’s mysterious grandmother did it! But can they find her? A gripping story of family secrets and friendship.

Al’s mum is back in prison again – and Al thinks it’s their neighbour’s fault, so he plots revenge with his beloved pet rats, Venom and Vulture. A moving insight into the world of a young boy affected by poverty, neglect and crime, who eventually learns to trust. 

Featuring stories by Elle McNicoll, Joanna Williams, Maisie Chan, Patrice Lawrence, Roopa Farooki, Serena Patel and Sharna Jackson, this is a festive treat of a book for all young mystery lovers: perfect with a cup of hot chocolate and a cosy chair.

A thrilling adventure, where two Black children battle Elemental spirits to save Georgian London from a sleeping sickness. Inventive and packed with adventure and accessible historical detail.

Spey receives a mysterious parcel full of torn up paper flowers from a long-lost friend – just as his ex-prisoner dad arrives back into his life. Spey can sense that his friend is in danger, but can his father help him find her?

How come, if there’s any kind of ​‘incident’ at school, at home, at the shopping centre, it’s always the Black kid in care who gets the blame?

When Becks’ stepsister doesn’t come home after seeing their parents off at the airport, it’s down to Becks to figure out where she might have gone. A brilliant read for a teenager.

A dramatic, thoughtful and compelling coming-of-age novel, in which 17-year-old Rose must learn to navigate the unspoken rules of a world increasingly focused on social media.

A boy that no one notices becomes a target on the run, when a tragic event prompts him to mix with a world of street gangs and drug dealers. This pacey crime thriller feels unique, realistic and truthful.