Tom Palmer in Conversation with SLA CEO, Victoria Dilly

Award-winning children’s author Tom Palmer has joined the SLA as Patron to help champion school libraries and reading for pleasure. With nearly 20 years of experience writing children’s books and visiting schools, Tom Palmer is a passionate advocate for school libraries. One of the UK’s best-loved authors, Tom has sold over a million books, won 33 book awards, and has recently been nominated for the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Tom Palmer’s books focus on war and sport, with many of his bestselling historical novels exploring events from the First and Second World Wars from sometimes unexpected perspectives. A former reluctant reader himself, Tom's work is designed to encourage children to feel more positive about reading and many of his books are published by Barrington Stoke, specialists in super-readable, accessible and dyslexia-friendly children's books. Recent titles include Second World War adventure story, Angel of Grasmere and The Fear, the first in a new collection of sporting stories for 9+ readers. Tom recently spoke to Victoria Dilly, SLA CEO about his journey as an author and his passion for making books accessible to reluctant readers, particularly working with publisher Barrington Stoke, as well as the importance of school libraries in connecting children with stories.