A well-known author visited Exmouth Community College this week to meet students and sign copies of her new book. 

Author Patrice Lawrence MBE visited the school on Tuesday, (September 13). Exmouth College teacher, Josie, hand-painted a picture of the characters from Patrice's book, Robert and Maisee, which the author signed. Patrice also signed copies of her new book The Elemental Detectives. which was released on September 1. 

Her visit to Exmouth College this week was in partnership with Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, which began on September 14 and finishes today (Friday, September 16). 

Patrice Lawrence MBE, from Bradford, is visiting the area all week for the Budleigh literary Festival.  

She has won awards including the Waterstones Childrens Book Prize for older children and The Bookseller YA Book Prize. In 2021, she won the Jhalak Prize’s inaugural children's and young adult category for her book Eight Pieces of Silva (2020). 

Her first book for young adults, Orangeboy, was shortlisted for the Costa Children’s Book Award and won the Bookseller YA Prize and Waterstone’s Prize for Older Children's Fiction.  

Indigo Donut, her second book for teenagers, won the Crimefest YA Prize. Both books have been nominated for the Carnegie Medal. 

Patrice’s books include Divers Daughter, a Tudor Story, Eight Pieces of Silva, Granny Came Here on the Empire Windrush, Granny Ting Ting, Needle, Rat, Rose, Interrupted, The Elemental Detectives, and Toad Attack. 

Patrice said: “This was wonderful - a hand-painted Robert and Maisee at Exmouth Community College.  

“There was also a map of London from 1746, but I spent so long nerding at it, I forgot to take a photo. Thank you so much for your amazing welcome.” 

For more information on Patrice Lawerence or to buy copies of her book visit the website here - Lawrence, Patrice | BookTrust