King of Nothing - by Nathanael Lessore

Book Synopsis

A hilarious and heartwarming young YA comedy about an unlikely connection between two very different teen boys as they grapple with crushes, toxic friendships, and the true meaning of masculinity.

Anton Charles and his friends are the kings of the school, and they rule with an iron fist, intimidating classmates and maintaining a reputation built on fear.

But at home, Mum reigns supreme, and after one too many detentions, she cuts off Anton's internet and decides it's time for a serious change. She signs him up for the Happy Campers, a local activity group, and Anton's worst nightmare becomes a reality: Matthew, the school's biggest dork, is in it too.

Anton can't imagine anything worse than spending weekends sewing and singing campfire songs with Matthew and his band of geeks--how will he ever keep his reputation intact if anyone finds out? But after Matthew unexpectedly saves Anton's life, everything changes.

As the boys strike up an unlikely friendship, Anton finds himself questioning everything he thought was true. Maybe there's more to life than what his friends think of him? Maybe it's time to rethink what being a "man" really means?

And maybe there are some things more important than being king.

Review Quotes

Praise for Dropping Beats:
Winner of the 2024 Branford Boase Award
Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal
Shortlisted for the Jhalak Prize

"Funny, bursting with heart, goofy, wise, and did I mention- wildly wonderfully funny." --Jon Scieszka, First National Ambassador of Young People's Literature and Founder of Guys Read

* "Growls's lyrics and clever wordplay are woven throughout.... Famous or not, the star of the story shines in this must-have for all YA collections." --SLJ, starred review

Praise for King of Nothing:
Winner of the 2025 Carnegie Shadowers' Choice Medal for Writing
Winner of the 2025 Waterstones Children's Book Prize for Older Readers
Shortlisted for the 2025 Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing

* "Growls's lyrics and clever wordplay are woven throughout... Famous or not, the star of the story shines in this must-have for all YA collections."--SLJ, starred review

"It's so funny, and so deep. If there was ever a book to get teenage boys (and girls actually) reading, and loving reading, it's this one. It's fall down on the floor funny and the dialogue is pitch perfect."--Booktrust

"This romp is carried by both Lessore's knack for situational comedy and ability to create a narrative voice for Shaun that uniquely mixes braggadocio, cluelessness, and an honest desire to do good. The inclusion of class consciousness and mental health...deepen the story, making Shaun's plight all the more relatable and hilarious."--Booklist

About the Author

Nathanael Lessore is a British author who can prove it with his passport. His dad is French, and his mom is from Madagascar (the place, not the movie). Growing up on a block in Peckham, Nathanael's childhood was a vibe. The neighbors were fun, loud, unpredictable, and unique. But most importantly, they were a community. And Nathanael will always authentically represent South London's diversity and togetherness in the stories he tells.
When he's not writing, Nathanael enjoys stargazing at the moon, and standing in doorways. If he wasn't a writer, he would've joined the NFL if not for his lack of talent and basic understanding of the game. His first novel, Dropping Beats (Steady for This in the UK), won the Branford Boase Award and was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.