Patrice Lawrence appointed as new children's laureate
Patrice Lawrence, the award-winning author of the young adult novel Orangeboy, has been named the new children's laureate for the United Kingdom. The announcement was made on July 7, 2026, by the charity BookTrust, which oversees the prestigious two-year role. Lawrence succeeds the previous laureate, Joseph Coelho, and becomes the 12th person to hold the position since its inception in 1999.
A focus on diversity and inclusion
In her first interview since the appointment, Lawrence outlined her vision for the role, emphasizing the need to promote books that reflect the diverse experiences of children in modern Britain. She stated, "I want every child to see themselves in the pages of a book, not just as a side character but as the hero of their own story." Lawrence, who is of mixed heritage, has long been an advocate for representation in literature. Her novel Orangeboy, which won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize for Older Fiction in 2017, tackles issues of race, family, and identity.
Plans for the laureateship
Lawrence plans to use the platform to encourage reading for pleasure, particularly among teenagers, who she says are often overlooked by reading initiatives. She will also work with schools and libraries to support emerging writers from underrepresented backgrounds. "We need to break down the barriers that prevent some children from becoming readers," she said. According to BookTrust, the laureateship comes with a grant of £15,000 to support Lawrence's projects over the next two years.
Reactions from the literary community
The appointment has been welcomed by the publishing industry. Diana Gerald, chief executive of BookTrust, praised Lawrence as "a passionate and inspiring voice for young people." The author's editor at Hodder Children's Books, Emma Hopkin, added, "Patrice has an extraordinary ability to connect with readers, and this role will allow her to make an even greater impact." Lawrence will officially begin her tenure in September 2026.
