Patrice Lawrence

Patrice Lawrence is a writer for children and young people who is passionate about social justice. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked for charities that promoted the rights of children, families and adults that often go unheard. Her books have been shortlisted for and won a number of major prizes including the YA Prize, the Waterstones Prize for Older Children’s Fiction, the Jhalak Prize for Children and Young People and the Little Rebels Children’s Award. She has been awarded an MBE for Literature and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. 

“We live in a world that isn’t just and children often bear the brunt of that inequality. 4.3 million children in the UK are living in poverty, an all-time high. Some children such as Black, Asian/​British Asian and Gypsy and Traveller-heritage children are disproportionately affected. Around 120,000 children are young carers, and there are many children recovering from traumatic experiences, including bereavement and family separation. 

“So why focus on the benefits of books when so many children need a safe, nurturing environment? 

“Firstly, I believe that every child deserves books that make them gasp with laughter, thrill with adventure and widen their horizons so they can gaze at the world from new perspectives. Books take us out of ourselves; books can be our buffer during tough times. 

“Secondly, children’s books should reflect the world we live in. Why not immerse ourselves in the hopes, fears and ambitions of children who are refugees, or care-experienced or affected by family imprisonment. They will feel like their stories matter. And others will be able to empathise, understand and advocate for change. 

“Lastly, there is the pure joy of children and adults reading books together. Shared book-reading has proven positive benefits on children’s social, cognitive and emotional wellbeing. The children that are trying to strive in spite of the challenges in their lives need these benefits even more. 

“In the next six months, as BookTrust Writer in Residence, I will try to give a voice to children pushed to the edge of our society. I’ll also make book recommendations. And hopefully, we can have a conversation about how books can change the world for the better.”