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Author Lawrence: Books Unite Us in Divided World
7 Jul
Summary
- Patrice Lawrence appointed as the new children's laureate.
- Lawrence will promote reading and storytelling until 2028.
- UK children's reading is at its lowest point in two decades.
Patrice Lawrence, a celebrated author, has been appointed as the new children's laureate, a role she will hold until 2028. The announcement was made at a ceremony in London, where she received the laureate medal. Lawrence, an MBE recipient for her literary contributions, emphasized her commitment to promoting the power of books to create a sense of belonging and unity.
Lawrence highlighted the critical need for stories to help children, particularly the vulnerable, feel seen and understood. Her tenure will focus on shared stories as a tool for bringing people together in an increasingly divided world. This initiative aligns with the National Year of Reading, a UK campaign aimed at rekindling a love for books.
Her appointment comes at a time when recreational reading among UK children and teenagers has fallen to its lowest point in twenty years. Lawrence's work, including the award-winning 'Orangeboy,' often addresses relevant and complex issues for young people. The children's laureate role, managed by BookTrust and sponsored by Waterstones, has been a significant platform since 1999.
