Day of appearance – Sunday
Patrice Lawrence was born in Brighton and brought up in an Italian-Trinidadian household in Mid Sussex. This meant great holidays and even better food. Her first novel, Orangeboy, won the Waterstones Book Prize for Older Readers and the Bookseller YA Book Prize. Her second novel, Indigo Donut, and her fourth novel, Eight Pieces of Silva won the Crimefest Award for young adults. Eight Pieces of Silva was also awarded the inaugural Jhalak Prize for children and young people and the Woman & Home Bookclub Teen Drama of the Year. Patrice’s ideal mixtape includes drum ‘n’ bass, Bruce Springsteen and Studio Ghibli soundtracks. Music can’t help creeping into her books.
Current Release
Panel information – A Celebration of Black British YA in memory of Alex Wheatle
Bought to you by The Diverse Book Awards
In honour of the remarkable legacy of Alex Wheatle—author of the Crongton series and former YALC guest—we celebrate his life and the posthumous publication of his books with a heartfelt tribute to the enduring impact of his work, shared by authors inspired by his words and example.
Abiola Bello – Chair, Benjamin Dean, Dean Atta, Patrice Lawrence