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A British Childhood: How Our Children Live Now
In A British Childhood Frank Cottrell-Boyce tells the story of what it means to be young in Britain today and the consequences of growing up at the sharp end of two major crises – the pandemic and austerity. During his time as Children’s Laureate he visited schools that had been forced to make permanent homes in temporary buildings, where teachers doubled up as social workers, therapists and nutritionists. He talked to children abandoned within the prison system, seen to have forfeited their right to the second chance a good education might provide. He met families shuttled from one hotel room to another as they awaited the outcome of asylum decisions. And he talked to the extraordinary array of people working to change the fortunes of the young people around them.
These encounters prompted him to reflect on his own upbringing in Merseyside, the difference literature made to his early years, and how, during his lifetime, childhood in Britain has been transformed. He shows how the connections we make and the sense of community are so vital to our future adult selves, and how, in the twenty-first century, these connections are increasingly frayed.
A British Childhood is at once a searing account of our failure to look after the nation’s most vulnerable citizens, and a call to arms to all of us to protect the innocence of childhood.
These encounters prompted him to reflect on his own upbringing in Merseyside, the difference literature made to his early years, and how, during his lifetime, childhood in Britain has been transformed. He shows how the connections we make and the sense of community are so vital to our future adult selves, and how, in the twenty-first century, these connections are increasingly frayed.
A British Childhood is at once a searing account of our failure to look after the nation’s most vulnerable citizens, and a call to arms to all of us to protect the innocence of childhood.
- GenresNonfictionAudiobook
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
About the author
Frank Cottrell Boyce
80 books268 followersFrank Cottrell Boyce is a British screenwriter, novelist and occasional actor.
In addition to original scripts, Cottrell Boyce has also adapted novels for the screen and written children's fiction, winning the 2004 Carnegie Medal for his debut, Millions, based on his own screenplay for the film of the same name.
His novel Framed was shortlisted for the Whitbread Book of the Year as well as the Carnegie Medal.
He adapted the novel into a screenplay for a 2009 BBC television film. His 2009 novel Cosmic has also been shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.
He is married and the father of seven children.
In addition to original scripts, Cottrell Boyce has also adapted novels for the screen and written children's fiction, winning the 2004 Carnegie Medal for his debut, Millions, based on his own screenplay for the film of the same name.
His novel Framed was shortlisted for the Whitbread Book of the Year as well as the Carnegie Medal.
He adapted the novel into a screenplay for a 2009 BBC television film. His 2009 novel Cosmic has also been shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.
He is married and the father of seven children.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 3, 2026
This is an outstanding meditation on childhood, social justice and the power of reading. The book has a big heart, notes the challenges but remains hopeful that things can change. I can’t recommend it enough - you’ll feel better after reading it.
June 20, 2026
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. It should be compulsory reading for governments, education staff, and all adults alike. Can’t thank Frank Cottrell-Boyce enough for this book, or for the tireless work he’s done while in post as children’s laureate. An important and beautiful read.
July 9, 2026
It makes you laugh and cry. What an amazing book! I agree that it should be compulsory reading for all adults. I’m going to pass it around my family now.
What a refreshing attitude. Fabulous and shocking alike.
What a refreshing attitude. Fabulous and shocking alike.
August 9, 2026
This is the book that you really want the big decision makers to be reading; it looks at childhood through the lens of poverty, criminal justice, social media and austerity. But Frank Cottrell Boyce manages to do it in a positive way, looking for the light and the people that are trying to make it better. If you are a teacher, please read as there are some wonderful stories about the importance of reading; schools overcoming adversity despite the terrible political and financial decisions that got them there. It's so refreshing to have teachers and schools celebrated for once!
July 20, 2026
Brilliant, wise and heartbreaking. Pay attention people.
August 9, 2026
4.5 stars
My takeaways from this book:
• Community services (libraries, breakfast clubs, parent groups, sports clubs, etc) have been decimated by austerity and the pandemic. The deprivation children face today is worsened significantly by the loss of vital services.
• Teachers, health visitors, and volunteers are holding children's services together with blu-tack and spite.
• How can we worry about children's literacy when they're sleeping hungry on the floor? (Which is not to say that literacy is unimportant - if anything, it could be EXTRA important for a disadvantaged child - but rather to say, how can we expect kids to learn when their basic needs aren't being met? How best to promote education while so many systemic problems cast shadows on children's lives?)
• Show up. Pay attention to them. Read with them. Treat them with love and respect.
• Systemic change is needed.
“It doesn’t take much to make a good childhood.
It just takes attention.
It doesn’t take much to wreck a childhood.
It just takes indifference.”
“When you share a story with a child you love, yes, the story is important, but the most important thing that is happening is the sharing itself.”
“The essential, the human, happens in moments of attention. In trusted buildings and safe spaces, clubs and parishes. In the little tasks we do together. When you close those spaces and outsource those tasks or reduce them to the measurable, you jeopardize the essential.”
My takeaways from this book:
• Community services (libraries, breakfast clubs, parent groups, sports clubs, etc) have been decimated by austerity and the pandemic. The deprivation children face today is worsened significantly by the loss of vital services.
• Teachers, health visitors, and volunteers are holding children's services together with blu-tack and spite.
• How can we worry about children's literacy when they're sleeping hungry on the floor? (Which is not to say that literacy is unimportant - if anything, it could be EXTRA important for a disadvantaged child - but rather to say, how can we expect kids to learn when their basic needs aren't being met? How best to promote education while so many systemic problems cast shadows on children's lives?)
• Show up. Pay attention to them. Read with them. Treat them with love and respect.
• Systemic change is needed.
“It doesn’t take much to make a good childhood.
It just takes attention.
It doesn’t take much to wreck a childhood.
It just takes indifference.”
“When you share a story with a child you love, yes, the story is important, but the most important thing that is happening is the sharing itself.”
“The essential, the human, happens in moments of attention. In trusted buildings and safe spaces, clubs and parishes. In the little tasks we do together. When you close those spaces and outsource those tasks or reduce them to the measurable, you jeopardize the essential.”
August 14, 2026
A first-hand account of FCB's experiences working with children, schools and families. A real eye-opener and no wonder the disadvantage gap is so wide.
I wish all government policy makers would read this. What a disservice our children are getting, due to the politicised world of education, as well as the financial demands on young families, the lack of communities, the impact of the online world...
I enjoyed the interwoven links with well known children's stories, and that it was written with chronology as children grown older and their experiences mature. The image of the unfinished woodwork from YOIs as they are transferred to prisons at 18, along with the cost of the nuclear submarine comission party when one school was rejected indoor toilets to replace portaloos were tragic. Its not all doom and gloom. There is still hope.
I wish all government policy makers would read this. What a disservice our children are getting, due to the politicised world of education, as well as the financial demands on young families, the lack of communities, the impact of the online world...
I enjoyed the interwoven links with well known children's stories, and that it was written with chronology as children grown older and their experiences mature. The image of the unfinished woodwork from YOIs as they are transferred to prisons at 18, along with the cost of the nuclear submarine comission party when one school was rejected indoor toilets to replace portaloos were tragic. Its not all doom and gloom. There is still hope.
August 18, 2026
Absolutely brilliant book. I listened to the audiobook and found myself agreeing with the author, out loud, in my empty kitchen! A gentle and empathetic look at how children have been, and are still being, failed by the systems but written with optimism. I came away feeling fired up and positive rather than bleak.
Everyone with a child should read it.
Everyone with a child should read it.
September 2, 2026
I really enjoyed parts of this. Fundamentally, it stresses the beauty and power of reading. A message I will always get behind.
August 5, 2026
Really enjoyed! Would so highly recommend to anyone who works with children/ teens or with books! Sometimes got slightly confused by links and people referred to
August 5, 2026
4.5 ⭐
SO interesting and SO well written!
His phrasing is perfection.
A perfect mix of nostalgia and how it translates to today.
Fun, engaging non-fiction.
SO interesting and SO well written!
His phrasing is perfection.
A perfect mix of nostalgia and how it translates to today.
Fun, engaging non-fiction.
July 14, 2026
An important and valuable read if you’ve been a child, have a child or know a child growing up in Great Britain.
What an insight into the world today. Incredible.
What an insight into the world today. Incredible.
August 29, 2026
A British Childhood by Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Recounting his time as Children’s Laureate, children’s author Frank Cottrell-Boyce takes readers through his first non-fiction title around the country, meeting children, young people, and families in libraries, schools, and prisons, often many of whom are living in poverty. In meeting these children, he reflected on his childhood and how childhood has changed since then. Whether it is the connections we make or the communities we are a part of, Cottrell-Boyce sees and shares how these connections and communities are increasingly frayed.
Throughout each chapter of A British Childhood, Cottrell-Boyce connects a milestone in a child’s life with a popular children’s book. In this comparison, he delivers, in a gentle manner, how even just a lack of bedtime reading can negatively impact how a child grows up, just as much as a lack of the great outdoors, as well as the frightening evidence we face in the links between social media and antisocial or violent behaviour we see that plagues our newspapers. For parents, teachers, and any adult really, A British Childhood is a vital read to continue knowing where we fall short in society for our children, and what the solutions may be to those very problems.
I cannot express enough how important A British Childhood is. Naturally, with books nowadays there is a serious view that they are items of higher classes or wealth. This is seen heavily in the production of bags or charms from brands such as Dior and Coach, so in my recommending I understand I will reach more or less those that already are aware of the issues our society faces in regards to children and their childhoods. Nonetheless, it is a vital read and a book that must be a permanent fixture in all homes. If not to be read for its brilliant insight into what is happening across the country, A British Childhood affords us a trip down memory lane to our own childhoods, which is a treat to behold at any age.
Recounting his time as Children’s Laureate, children’s author Frank Cottrell-Boyce takes readers through his first non-fiction title around the country, meeting children, young people, and families in libraries, schools, and prisons, often many of whom are living in poverty. In meeting these children, he reflected on his childhood and how childhood has changed since then. Whether it is the connections we make or the communities we are a part of, Cottrell-Boyce sees and shares how these connections and communities are increasingly frayed.
Throughout each chapter of A British Childhood, Cottrell-Boyce connects a milestone in a child’s life with a popular children’s book. In this comparison, he delivers, in a gentle manner, how even just a lack of bedtime reading can negatively impact how a child grows up, just as much as a lack of the great outdoors, as well as the frightening evidence we face in the links between social media and antisocial or violent behaviour we see that plagues our newspapers. For parents, teachers, and any adult really, A British Childhood is a vital read to continue knowing where we fall short in society for our children, and what the solutions may be to those very problems.
I cannot express enough how important A British Childhood is. Naturally, with books nowadays there is a serious view that they are items of higher classes or wealth. This is seen heavily in the production of bags or charms from brands such as Dior and Coach, so in my recommending I understand I will reach more or less those that already are aware of the issues our society faces in regards to children and their childhoods. Nonetheless, it is a vital read and a book that must be a permanent fixture in all homes. If not to be read for its brilliant insight into what is happening across the country, A British Childhood affords us a trip down memory lane to our own childhoods, which is a treat to behold at any age.
September 10, 2026
I enjoyed the first half of this book. The second half began with Cottrell-Boyce's reminiscing of his time volunteering at a so-called refugee charity. He described how tax payer funding was secured to house, clothe and feed 'refugees,' who by Cottrell-Boyce's own account were clearly economic migrants. What do economic migrants have to do with British childhood? I thought I'd accidentally started reading another book! The book blurb states that the book is about British children's lives and Cottrell-Boyce's own childhood and experience as a teacher. Instead, randomly, halfway through, I'm lectured about economic migrants who recieve free handouts from a nation they have never belonged to or contributed to and how 'we must do more' to support them and their families; all the while British people, including British children go without or with access to significantly fewer resources. We've all seen the anecdotal accounts and videos of migrant crime rampant in British streets, but funnily enough, the UK Govt's refuses to publish crime statistics by migrants/ refugees/ illegal migrants and the available reporting on foreign born crime statistics is scant. But the wave of migrants from the third world come from cultures that are antithetical to European and British values and customs. Where FGM, child marriage, virginity testing, witchcraft accusations, abuse of albino children, backwards beauty rituals, use of child soldiers are widely practiced. Mass, uncontrolled migration is harmful to British children. The fact our own Gov't refuses to publish statistics is damning. I'm so tired of harmful woke, leftist ideology that can't see the forest for the trees.
August 17, 2026
The best book I have read in years on childhood and education. All teachers and educationalists should read this. It’s to the point. Our Frankie knows what he’s talking about. I spent thirty years attempting to put many of these ideas into practice (with some success) and then worked supporting families and using my time to help reunite families divided by conflict.
But things have got so much harder for so many of our children (and their families) and so much easier for those of us who don’t have to suffer these hardships to misplace the blame.
This book is at oce hard-hitting and full of hope. Painful and delightful. Tragic and very funny. I’d say it is close to a masterpiece. Read it and then do something to help. Cutting welfare isn’t the answer any more than closing libraries and Surestart centres was. These things add (enormously) to the problem.
And, Goodreads, I didn’t read the Kindle edition, but that is the only one you think is available. Some of us like those books made of paper!
But things have got so much harder for so many of our children (and their families) and so much easier for those of us who don’t have to suffer these hardships to misplace the blame.
This book is at oce hard-hitting and full of hope. Painful and delightful. Tragic and very funny. I’d say it is close to a masterpiece. Read it and then do something to help. Cutting welfare isn’t the answer any more than closing libraries and Surestart centres was. These things add (enormously) to the problem.
And, Goodreads, I didn’t read the Kindle edition, but that is the only one you think is available. Some of us like those books made of paper!
August 3, 2026
Wasn’t as impressed with this book as I expected to be. Yes, it’s a somewhat honest look at childhood in the UK as it stands now. To say the UK is in serious decline, in many areas, not just how children are doing, is a huge understatement. I’ve visited the UK several times since 2012, and it’s clearly collapsing as a society. As proof of that is the number of people living on estates, with no hope of escaping poverty, while a few have immense wealth, and so called royalty is still revered. I wish the author was more direct in how he assessed what the UK government isn’t doing for children, and emphasized a lot more how social media is destroying childhood, even for those who are poor. Unlike reviews I see here, I’m not optimistic about the UK reversing these disturbing trends.
September 5, 2026
How Our Children Live Now
Through his work as the Children’s Laurette Frank Cottrell-Boyce had travelled up and down Britain talking to children and readers. He looks into what gets children reading and more importantly what stops them from reading. He tells the story of his own childhood and how he became a reader. This is such an eye opening book. There are so many factors that range against children creating a habit of reading at a time when it more important than ever.
I loved this book. It is a cry from the heart in support of reading and readers. It doesn’t condemn anyone for not reading but it does look into why people many have drifted away from it and the harm that might be causing to the most venerable in society, the children.
Through his work as the Children’s Laurette Frank Cottrell-Boyce had travelled up and down Britain talking to children and readers. He looks into what gets children reading and more importantly what stops them from reading. He tells the story of his own childhood and how he became a reader. This is such an eye opening book. There are so many factors that range against children creating a habit of reading at a time when it more important than ever.
I loved this book. It is a cry from the heart in support of reading and readers. It doesn’t condemn anyone for not reading but it does look into why people many have drifted away from it and the harm that might be causing to the most venerable in society, the children.
July 29, 2026
3.5 rounded up. I loved the care shown towards children in this book, and the thread of the importance of storytelling that ran through it was fascinating. Would love to read more on the neuroscience of sharing stories with babies. There are lots of references to childrens' literature, culture, austerity, and lockdown, interspersed with anecdotes from Cottrell-Boyce's clearly amazing work with children, but I just wanted a bit more from it I think!
It has made me realise I want to work with children again, though, after 12 years in schools and now 1.5 years in adult education. So I guess there is that!
It has made me realise I want to work with children again, though, after 12 years in schools and now 1.5 years in adult education. So I guess there is that!
September 11, 2026
I have no notes.
I enjoyed every page of this and found myself moved to tears many times by the deference with which carers (mostly women) and teachers (mostly women) are written.
This book explores, quite kindly and gently and without overly romanticising the past, the social and economic factors that are influencing childhood now, and offers hope in the shape of programs and places doing good work.
It offered, to me, a bit of insight into the social side of child rearing, the bits that come from teachers and librarians - the challenges they face in trying to create more equitable access to learning and safety and how they rise to those challenges.
I enjoyed every page of this and found myself moved to tears many times by the deference with which carers (mostly women) and teachers (mostly women) are written.
This book explores, quite kindly and gently and without overly romanticising the past, the social and economic factors that are influencing childhood now, and offers hope in the shape of programs and places doing good work.
It offered, to me, a bit of insight into the social side of child rearing, the bits that come from teachers and librarians - the challenges they face in trying to create more equitable access to learning and safety and how they rise to those challenges.
July 24, 2026
Read over a couple of days; struggled to put the book down. This searing account of what childhood is like today is unsurprising yet massively disturbing. He tells stories with ease and paints memorable pictures, which means the book is a pleasure to read, even if the message is stark. I thought the ending was weaker than the rest of the book. I didn't enjoy trying to work out what he was telling me about the plane crashes; I wanted more of a call to arms. The question remains; will anything change as a result of this well-informed and articulate account?
July 28, 2026
This books should be essential reading for anyone working with or caring for children as well as anyone responsible for their care (e.g. councils and governments).
Frank Cottrell-Boyce has carefully considered the impacts of our society today on the lives of children, focusing mainly on those who are disadvantaged by any element of our current society and/or culture.
This book has given me lots to think about and areas I would like to look into more. It has inspired me to find ways in which I can make more of a difference to the children in my local communities.
Frank Cottrell-Boyce has carefully considered the impacts of our society today on the lives of children, focusing mainly on those who are disadvantaged by any element of our current society and/or culture.
This book has given me lots to think about and areas I would like to look into more. It has inspired me to find ways in which I can make more of a difference to the children in my local communities.
July 22, 2026
A very real insight into society and its relationship with reading and books. A must read for anybody within education policy, and those working with children.
Reading and stories are powerful, we must continue to do all we can to enable this and bring it to all.
Thanks FCB for your time as Children’s Laureate.
Reading and stories are powerful, we must continue to do all we can to enable this and bring it to all.
Thanks FCB for your time as Children’s Laureate.
August 5, 2026
This didn't really capture me. Frank tours around the country lamenting how our society has changed for the worst, in the way it raises our children.
It's an important issue but it probably needs a more serious academic to properly research it and publish a more weighty tome to influence political and society's opinion.
It's an important issue but it probably needs a more serious academic to properly research it and publish a more weighty tome to influence political and society's opinion.
August 9, 2026
A must read for all, especially new parents and educators. Highlights the importance of developing bonds over shared reading experiences as well as questioning our treatment of those who have not had these opportunities. The chapters on young offenders are particularly emotive and really make you think.
August 30, 2026
What a book! Accurate, warm, forward-thinking and focused on how we should be improving the lives of children across our country by ensuring they can read, and that they have access to books no matter what their socioeconomic background.
This should be required reading for anyone who has anything to do with children or making policy for education. Read it - you will be inspired!
This should be required reading for anyone who has anything to do with children or making policy for education. Read it - you will be inspired!
September 29, 2026
Quite stream-of-consciousness, but enjoyable and thought-provoking. Though it did leave the strong impression that this is a country that doesn't care nearly enough for it's children. Sadly, that's an impression that resonates with much of what I've seen in over 10 years of working in and around education.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Outstanding. Devoured in two evenings but will repay close re-reading for anyone interested in children, education and our modern lives. I’ll even forgive the reference to a “Reception” year in a Scottish Primary School…
August 1, 2026
Beautifully written. Makes for a poignant and thoughtful read as British childhood, and I suspect other nationalities too, is shorter and less imaginative than it once was. The systems are failing and childhood is suffering.
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August 19, 2026This is a beautiful book. It's a damning indictment of how children are being let down, focusing particularly on how they've been impacted by austerity and the COVID pandemic, but it's also a love letter to community, shared humanity and story-telling.
August 23, 2026
Whether you're a parent, teacher, carer, or simply seeking to look through the mirror of human understanding (that is the writing of Frank Cottell Boyce - a C.S. Lewis for the 21st Century) then I can't recommend this book enough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews