Bonnier Books (11+) 9781471413247 (Paperback) Download activities and reading resources pack
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Content advice: references to crime and violence, misogyny, arson, death, anaphylaxis, gang violence, vandalism, domestic violence.
Relationships lie at the heart of this story. Anton wears the reputation of his father, who is in prison, like a badge of honour at the start of the book. He gets into trouble at school and ends up having to ‘volunteer’ at a community project ironically named, ‘Happy Campers.’ When Matthew, a somewhat quirky boy, unexpectedly saves his life, Anton starts to reassess his life and choices.
‘King of Nothing’ manages the rare balance of being both a laugh-out-loud read, but also a sensitive and convincing exploration of the emotional conflicts of being a teenage boy. It shows how toxic masculinity can narrow our world-view and damage relationships. The portrayal of a healthy male friendship is engaging and refreshing. The narrative voice perfectly captures the character’s perspective and experiences, helping to build a strong sense of place and atmosphere. Humorous, believable and heart-warming, this book will inspire new generations of readers to be honest about who they are and the choices they make.
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Nathanael Lessore (author) 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. Nathanael became a marketing executive after graduating from the University of East London, believing at the time that a Creative Writing degree destined him for a career in marketing. He is the author of STEADY FOR THIS and KING OF NOTHING, teen novels that allow him to show life in South East London as the funny, warm, adventurous world that wasn’t always represented as such when he was a child.