Reading charity, BookTrust, has announced that LoveReading4Kids fave and award-winning author Patrice Lawrence MBE will take up post as the new Writer in Residence this September. Lawrence, a powerful advocate for the rights of vulnerable children has published fiction both for adults and children, and follows in the footsteps of some of the best-loved children's authors and illustrators in the country, including Michael Rosen, Cressida Cowell and Nick Sharratt. She has also worked for more than 20 years for charities supporting equality and social justice.

Her debut novel, Orangeboy, a gripping contemporary thriller told with a gritty authentic voice, involving lots of twists and turns, won the Waterstones Book Prize for Older Readers and the YA Book Prize, and her second novel, Indigo Donut, a soaring soundtrack to resilience and love, won the Crime Fest Best Crime Fiction for Young Adults and was shortlisted for the YA Book Prize. Both books were nominated for the Carnegie Medal. 

Her 2022 book Needle is another triumph that was longlisted for the Jhalak Children’s & Young Adult Prize 2023 and shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing 2023. A LoveReading4Kids Star Book this is storytelling high on impact and insight as a young girl struggles to keep her life from unravelling, and a brilliant book particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic teen readers.

Writing right across the age ranges, Lawrence has also recently published lots of wonderful books for younger readers too including another LoveReading4Kids Star Book Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush, a heart-warming and heartfelt picture book that will help ensure that the struggles and achievements of the Windrush generation are never forgotten.

Her next book People Like Stars comes in January 2025, a contemporary middle grade novel which is a page-turning mystery and exploration of fractured families, long-buried secrets and the power of friendship, told with warmth and compassion.

The Writer in Residence programme provides a platform for writers and illustrators to explore societal issues that they are passionate about, while also encouraging parents and children alike to experience the benefits of reading. During her residency, Lawrence aims to encourage children experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage to discover the magic of reading as well as promoting the benefits reading can bring to a child’s life such as better mental health, empathy and creativity.

Reflecting on her upcoming residency, Lawrence said: “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. 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 many children are recovering from traumatic experiences, including bereavement and family separation.

“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 well-being. The children that are trying to strive despite the challenges in their lives need these benefits even more.”

Diana Gerald MBE, CEO of BookTrust, said: “We’re delighted that much-loved author Patrice Lawrence MBE is lending her voice as BookTrust’s latest Writer in Residence – each author brings a new and interesting perspective, and we look forward to seeing what her tenure brings."

Explore our carefully curated collections of books designed to support and empower vulnerable groups, including refugees, poverty and adoption.

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You can find a selection of Patrice's books below - read our expert reviews, download an extract or add the books to your basket, knowing that with every purchase on LoveReading4Kids a school close to your heart benefits.