King of Nothing

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.

Author: Nathanael Lessore
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 03/10/2026
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.65lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.40w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9780316588560
Audience: Young Adult


Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 01/01/2026
Booklist 12/01/2025
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/2026

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.