Award-winning children’s author Tom Palmer has joined the SLA in a 'dream partnership' 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 Palmer said: "I am very, very happy to be an SLA Patron. I have worked with school librarians for nearly 20 years and have seen how they change lives and give children a better chance, through finding them the right reading material and by simply being there. Librarians and the School Library Association are integral to the world of children's books, and it is my privilege to help champion what they do."
Tom will speak to School Library Association members at the Annual General Meeting taking place online on Monday 24th November.
SLA CEO Victoria Dilly said: "Very few people understand how to engage children in reading like Tom Palmer does. Tom's proven passion for getting books into the hands of all children, and his knowledge of the vital role school libraries and school librarians play in encouraging reading for pleasure make him a perfect Patron for the SLA. I am thrilled to be working with Tom as we continue our mission to ensure all children and young people can fulfil their potential through the school library."
Jane Walker, Sales and Marketing Director at Barrington Stoke said, "Tom has been a hugely important author on the Barrington Stoke list for many years, with a special ability to reach those readers who perhaps need his books the most. We are excited for what can be achieved when such a dream partnership work together to amplify the role of school libraries in inspiring and encouraging all kinds of readers."
Tom Palmer's most recent title is his debut picture book, War Dog, published by Scholastic. War Dog is under the spotlight in our Behind the Book feature in the Winter issue of The School Librarian, landing on the doorsteps of members and subscribers in early December. Here's a preview of some of the insights shared by Tom:
"[Creating War Dog] brought back my memories of reading picture books with my daughter (who is now 22). All those questions you ask through a picture book. What’s this? Can you tell what’s going to happen? How do you think this character is feeling? How would you feel if this happened to us? What do you think she should do? Those memories influenced my writing of War Dog more than anything. Happy, happy memories."
The SLA supports schools nationwide in developing their library provision through advice, resources, and training, connecting school librarians with professional development opportunities and outstanding books and authors.
In January 2026, we will kick start the National Year of Reading with a Live Lesson with Tom Palmer. In this 45 minute online event, designed to be streamed into a classroom or school library, Tom will draw on his own reading journey and experience as an author to share inspiration and ideas for KS2 and KS3 children to connect their interests to books and read more about what they love. This is a free event, exclusively available to SLA members. Register now.