I write for children who feel invisible, says Patrice Lawrence, UK’s new children’s laureate

Patrice Lawrence is the new UK children's laureate, the second Black woman to hold the role.

Lawrence writes for children who feel invisible, drawing from her own experience growing up in White neighbourhoods and foster care.

Her book 'Orangeboy' (2016) won a Waterstones prize; other works include 'Our Story Starts in Africa' (2022) and 'Needle' (2022).

She aims to show troubled young people that they matter, saying the role gives her a larger platform to discuss children's books.