Scholastic lands stories of growing up Black in Britain from Stephen Lawrence’s brother

Scholastic has landed Growing Up Black in Britain: Stories of Courage, Success and Hope by Stuart Lawrence, aimed at youngsters aged 10 and over. 

Executive editor Leah James bought world rights directly from the author, who was assisted by Ian Downes at Start Licensing. It will be published in April 2023. 

Lawrence is the younger brother of Stephen Lawrence who was murdered when he was 18 in an unprovoked racist attack. Next year marks 30 years since the murder with National Stephen Lawrence Day on 22nd April, coinciding with the book’s publication. For every copy of Growing Up Black in Britain sold, a donation will be made to the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation, working to promote an equal, inclusive society and create opportunities for marginalised young people in the UK. 

In this collection of “courageous, thought-provoking and ultimately hopeful real-life stories”, Lawrence speaks to inspirational figures about their childhood experiences as well as exploring his own. Contributors include comedian and actor Lolly Adefope, former professional footballer Paul Canoville, television presenter Alison Hammond and author Patrice Lawrence. 

James commented: “Stuart Lawrence has a gift of communicating with and inspiring young people. We are proud to be publishing his new book Growing Up Black in Britain, which both shares his powerful story and those of many other Black and Black dual-heritage role models.”

Lawrence said: “I’m delighted to be writing another book that’s very close to my heart. ‘Go back to where you come from!’ is a common phrase that, sadly, many ethnic minorities will be accustomed to hearing. I, myself, have had this said to me, yet I was born here therefore this is my home. In 1993 when Stephen was murdered, I realised that some people truly believed that I don’t belong here. I wrote this book to tell my story about growing up Black in Britain as well as getting contributions from other well-known Black/Black dual-heritage British people about what they’ve experienced. I hope by sharing our experiences that many more people will be able to relate to these stories.”