One of Britain’s most versatile and beloved authors, Patrice Lawrence made her name with the groundbreaking Orangeboy, and has since written across young adult, middle-grade and picture book fiction, from the fantastical Elemental Detectives series to picture books exploring the Windrush generation. Awarded an MBE for Services to Literature in 2021 and elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2023, she brings a body of work rooted in inclusivity, compassion, and the lived experience of today’s young people.
A familiar voice at the French Institute
Patrice Lawrence is no stranger to our stage. In November 2024, she joined the stellar jury of the inaugural Entente Littéraire Prize at the French Institute, alongside jury president Joanne Harris, then-Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, Timothée de Fombelle and Marie-Aude Murail. Together, they unveiled the 2024 shortlist, debated the challenges of judging a cross-Channel literary prize, and shared their hopes for the future of Franco-British children’s and young adult literature, a fitting close to a year celebrating 120 years of the Entente Cordiale.
We warmly congratulate Patrice on this well-deserved appointment and look forward to following her Laureateship as she champions children’s right to read, write, and belong through stories.