King of Nothing
As seen:
By Nathanael Lessore
avg rating
5 reviews
WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN’S BOOK PRIZE FOR OLDER READERS 2025
WINNER OF THE JHALAK CHILDREN’S & YOUNG ADULT PRIZE 2025
SHORTLISTED FOR THE YOTO CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR WRITING 2025
SHORTLISTED FOR AMAZON BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024
From the Yoto 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.
TweetReviews
I listened to this as an audio book - it made me really laugh in places.
The way that the characters spoke, using slang made me smile.
The differences between the 2 groups (Happy Campers and the mandem) is very amusing; as is the relationship between the mandem and their older, female relatives. It explores macho culture, peer pressure and unlikely friendships and the impact of a parent in prison.
Perfect for y7 and over.
Very funny, but tackles emotional and relevant issues in a thoughtful, sensitive and realistic way
The book deals with toxic masculinity in a really relatable way - it is funny warm and emotional and the cast of supporting characters are really well developed.
Everyone knows an Anton, and it was wonderful to see him reach beyond the "image is everything" mindset to something deeper. Wonderfully written and engaging. A worthy winner of the Carnegie shadower's choice award and the Jhalak prize!
This is excellent. Not as many funny parts as his first, but still very, very funny. Also a lovely, incredibly relevant plot
This book was such an accurate representation for many teenagers today. A great insight to the mind of a teenage boy who may be labelled a certain way by schools and society but is actually just trying to find his place.
