Patrice Lawrence has been named the next UK Children’s Laureate, succeeding Frank Cottrell-Boyce. The 59-year-old author, known for works including Orangeboy and Indigo Donut, plans to advocate for the role of reading in bridging social divides and to gather evidence on how literature impacts children in care, refugee families, and the children of prisoners.
How does the new Laureate plan to address literacy?
Lawrence intends to move beyond general advocacy by focusing on data-driven outcomes. According to her interview, she aims to demonstrate the efficacy of stories through research involving vulnerable groups. She argues that policy changes require tangible evidence, stating, “We say stories work, let’s show how they work.” Her approach marks a continuation of the work started by Cottrell-Boyce, who emphasized reading for pleasure during the UK’s National Year of Reading.
Why is there a perceived crisis in children’s reading?
Recent data from the National Literacy Trust indicates that only one in three children aged eight to 18 enjoy reading in their spare time. This represents a 36% decline over the last two decades, marking the lowest levels on record. Lawrence attributes part of this shift to the way reading is handled in schools, where she suggests it has become too closely linked to assessment and functional tasks like essay writing, rather than personal enjoyment.
However, Lawrence cautions against blaming parents for these trends. She points to deeper structural issues, such as the rising cost of living, limited access to books, and the closure of local libraries as significant barriers to literacy.
How did Malorie Blackman influence the new Laureate?
Lawrence cites the 1999 BBC adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s Pig-Heart Boy as a pivotal moment in her career. Before seeing this production, Lawrence admitted she “presumed children’s books were written by people who were white and dead.” She noted that she had internalized the idea that authors like her could not exist, leading her to write only about white characters until her mid-30s. Blackman later became a mentor and friend to Lawrence, serving as a role model for her own path in children’s literature.
Future trends in children’s literature engagement
Despite the statistical drop in reading for pleasure, Lawrence reports an optimistic view from her school visits across the UK. She describes children in locations ranging from Hull to Salford as being “obsessed with books,” often treating authors with the enthusiasm usually reserved for rock stars. She anticipates that future engagement will rely on:
- Validation through representation: Books like her own Is That Your Mama? resonate because they reflect the lived experiences of children who do not see themselves in traditional narratives.
- Community building: Lawrence views shared reading as a way to foster unity, comparing it to the collective experience of a crowd singing along to a favorite song.
- Evidence-based advocacy: A shift toward proving the social value of reading through research rather than just promotional campaigns.
When engaging reluctant readers, focus on books that mirror their own environment. Lawrence notes that pupils often wait after school events specifically to share stories that reflect their personal lives, indicating that personal connection is a primary driver for interest in reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new UK Children’s Laureate?
Patrice Lawrence, the acclaimed author of Orangeboy and Needle, is the new UK Children’s Laureate.
What are the primary goals of the new Laureate?
Lawrence plans to focus on the role of reading in a fractured society and gather research to show how literature impacts children in care, refugee families, and the children of prisoners.
Is reading for pleasure declining in the UK?
Yes, according to the National Literacy Trust, only one in three children aged eight to 18 report enjoying reading in their spare time, a 36% drop over the last 20 years.
What do you think is the biggest barrier to children reading for pleasure today? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on children’s literature.
