A Brighton-based writer has been appointed to a distinguished literary position.

Prize-winning author Patrice Lawrence has been selected as the Children’s Laureate for the 2026-2028 term.

The successful author, recognised for her work Orangeboy, will assume the position as the principal advocate for young people’s literature.

The Children’s Laureate position involves championing reading and literature for young readers while honouring imagination and narrative craft.

Lawrence received the custom-made silver medal from her predecessor Frank Cottrell-Boyce during a ceremony held on July 7 at the Barbican Centre in London.

Lawrence expressed her intention to spark a nationwide dialogue highlighting the advantages of reading together and engaging with books in social settings. She plans to work alongside BookTrust to investigate how shared reading helps communities bond and remain united, particularly during periods of social division. She aims to collaborate with individuals from varied experiences and backgrounds, including those who may feel marginalised in society, to share their narratives. Additionally, she hopes to recognise the overlooked individuals whose efforts bring happiness and nurture reading communities.

Administered by BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, and supported by Waterstones, the honour is given every two years to a distinguished author or illustrator in recognition of outstanding ability.

The award-winning writer has created novels for children across all age groups and styles, with her work frequently focusing on young people’s experiences today, examining themes of acceptance and portraying varied family configurations.

Lawrence released her first young adult novel Orangeboy in 2016, which chronicles sixteen-year-old Marlon whose life spirals after a date concludes in tragedy, leaving him pursued by gangs as he attempts to shield his loved ones.

The thriller secured The Bookseller’s YA Book Prize, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Older Children’s Fiction, and was nominated for the Costa Children’s Book Award.

She has subsequently released 16 books, including Needle, People Like Stars, Is That Your Mama?, Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush, Our Story Starts in Africa, and The Elemental Detectives.

BookTrust co-chief executive Diana Gerald stated that the organisation’s research demonstrates books can facilitate discussions and enhance comprehension for young readers, while shared reading experiences foster belonging and security. When children, families and communities do not see themselves represented in literature, they can find it challenging to discover their place in society. During this National Year of Reading, the appointment of Patrice Lawrence as Children’s Laureate provides a vital voice for vulnerable young people who are marginalised in society. She expressed enthusiasm about supporting Lawrence’s efforts with communities throughout the nation to examine how sharing narratives can enhance wellbeing, develop connections, and foster meaningful community ties.

Lawrence was appointed an MBE for literary services in 2021 and subsequently elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2023.

Kate Edwards, chair of the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2026-28 selection panel, remarked that Patrice’s exceptional writing for young readers addresses subjects pertinent to many children’s daily realities, establishing a secure environment for them to navigate complex and occasionally challenging themes. In the demanding world we inhabit, the connections that literature and reading provide are more vital than ever.

Lawrence succeeds former Children’s Laureates such as Sir Quentin Blake (1999-2001), Dame Jacqueline Wilson (2005-2007), Dame Julia Donaldson (2011-2013) and Joseph Coelho (2022-2024).