The Children's Laureate is a famous writer or artist who helps kids love reading.

Patrice Lawrence is the new Children's Laureate. She wrote award-winning books like Orangeboy.

Before the announcement, Lawrence talked to a book critic about her work with schools, making reading fun and helping kids feel part of a community.

Patrice Lawrence wants kids to love reading.

This award is very important to Lawrence, who wants to tell stories about people who are often ignored and help them feel seen and valued.

Lawrence got an MBE for her work in literature, but she says being the Children's Laureate is an even bigger opportunity.

Lawrence thinks her role is crucial in a world where kids can be influenced by bad ideas online and where some people are treated unfairly.

Lawrence visits schools and talks to kids, who respond well to her honest and inclusive approach.

She shares her own life experiences with kids, including being in foster care and having a parent in prison, to help them feel less alone.

Lawrence grew up in a non-traditional family and was fostered from a young age, but her foster family encouraged her to read and learn.

Her foster family was white and working-class, and they supported her curiosity and creativity.

When she returned to her biological mother, reading remained a big part of her life.

As an adult, Lawrence discovered the work of Malorie Blackman, which inspired her to write about Black characters.

She never thought she could be a writer because all the authors she read were white and dead.

Lawrence's life has been marked by difficult experiences, including her father's imprisonment and death.

She learned to keep quiet about her troubles, but now she shares them with kids to help them feel less alone.

Kids from all backgrounds respond to Lawrence's honest and inclusive approach.

At school, Lawrence was one of the few non-white kids, and she felt that Black history was taught in a way that made Black people seem powerless.

On a school visit, a young woman of color shared her experiences of racism with Lawrence, who listened and understood.

Lawrence believes that books can help start important conversations about difficult topics.

A young boy with mixed heritage was proud to share his connection to Trinidad, where Lawrence's family is from.

This moment touched Lawrence's heart and showed her the power of sharing stories and experiences.

If you love reading, join a book club to discuss the latest books and meet fellow readers.