King Of Nothing: The Hilarious And Heartwarming Waterstones

KING OF NOTHING: THE HILARIOUS AND HEARTWARMING WATERSTONES AND CARNEGIE PRIZE-WINNING TEEN COMEDY! WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE FOR OLDER READERS 2025 WINNER OF THE SHADOWERS' CHOICE CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR WRITING 2025 WINNER OF THE JHALAK CHILDREN'S & YOUNG ADULT PRIZE 2025 SHORTLISTED FOR AMAZON BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024 From the Carnegie Medal shortlisted author of Steady For This comes a hilarious and heartwarming new teen comedy! 'Confirms [Nathanael Lessore] as a major new name in writing for teenagers' - Observer ANTON AND HIS FRIENDS ARE THE KINGS OF YEAR 9. They're used to ruling the school and Anton wears the crown. The other kids run away when he's about but that's the way he wants it - he's got a reputation to live up to after all. So when he gets into serious trouble at school, he doesn't really care, but his mum most definitely does. She decides it's time for Anton to make some new friends and join the Happy Campers, a local activity group. Anton would quite literally rather do anything else, especially when he finds out Matthew, the biggest loser in school, is also a member. But after Matthew unexpectedly saves Anton's life, Anton figures maybe this kid is worth a shot. Teaching him some game is the least Anton can do to repay the debt. As the boys strike up an unlikely friendship, Anton finds himself questioning everything he thought was important. Does he want ruling the school to be his crowning glory or should he set his sights on better things? Perfect for teen readers of Alex Wheatle, Jason Reynolds and Patrice Lawrence. Review: Writing for younger teenagers, Lessore's lightness of touch creates a funny, page-turning read that deftly addresses topics such as masculinity and grief. -- Best Children's and YA Books of 2024 * The Guardian * Rib-achingly funny, poignant, thoughtful and sly, Lessore's second novel confirms him as a uniquely talented writer. * Guardian * King of Nothing confirms [Nathanael Lessore] as a major new name in writing for younger teenagers . . . It's testament to Lessore's lightness of touch and believable characters that despite delving into big topics such as toxic masculinity and grief, this is an immensely readable book that never feels too worthy. * The Observer * This teen comedy really is very funny, while also being meaningful and heartwarming. * iPaper * This compelling contemporary comedy explores themes of friendship and identity and offers relatable insights into peer pressure and personal growth. Highly recommended for KS3 and KS4. * The School Reading List * Author Biography: Nathanael Lessore was born in Camberwell, South East London, as one of eight children to French and Madagascan parents. Although he has spent most of his life in Peckham, Nathanael has also lived in Paris, Strasbourg and Singapore. His debut book Steady For This was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Writing 2024 and won the Branford Boase Award 2024. His second book King of Nothing won the Waterstones Children's Book Prize for Older Readers 2025, the Carnegie Shadowers' Choice Medal for Writing 2025 and the Jhalak Children's & Young Adult Prize 2025. He is also the author of What Happens Online, and writes stories that show his South East London childhood as the funny, warm, adventurous world that wasn't always represented as such.