Lawrence, Deane and Robinson to judge YA Book Prize 2023

Award-winning author Patrice Lawrence, Waterstones’ Gary Deane and the founder of YA book subscription box Paper Orange UK, Charley Robinson, have joined the judging panel for the YA Book Prize 2023. 

Lawrence is a children’s and YA writer whose first novel, Orangeboy (Hodder Children’s), won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Older Readers and the YA Book Prize 2017. She said: “The YA Book Prize kickstarted my writing career in 2017. It’s an honour to be asked to return and a joy to read such a wonderfully eclectic list of books.”

Deane started working for Ottakars in 2000, before it was bought by Waterstones, and joined the Waterstones head office events team in 2006, where he coordinates events nationally. He also works on campaigns such as the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. He commented: “I am passionate about YA and encouraging reading for pleasure so I am beyond thrilled to be joining the judging panel for the YA Book Prize 2023, and I can’t wait to get stuck into this year’s incredible shortlist.”  

Robinson founded Paper Orange UK, a subscription book box that celebrates and highlights YA talent from the UK. She also organises and hosts #UKYAAuthorWeek, a yearly online event that includes online author panels, interviews and more. “UK YA is a passion of mine, so I am beyond excited and honoured to be asked to be on this year’s YA Book Prize judging panel,” she remarked.

The judging panel will be completed by Edinburgh International Book Festival’s children’s and schools programme director, Rachel Fox, and chaired by The Bookseller’s children’s editor and deputy features editor, Caroline Carpenter. Teenagers from schools across the UK who have shadowed the prize will also be involved in selecting this year’s winner.  

The YA Book Prize was launched by The Bookseller in 2014 to celebrate books for teenagers and young adults. It is run in association with Edinburgh International Book Festival. The 2023 shortlist will be revealed today at 12 noon via the YA Book Prize’s social media channels and website.