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.
Very informative and gritty compared to his book on last year's shortlist 'Steady for This'
Frederic
Brooke Weston Book Busters
The book was good and it showed that different friends can lead to a different pathway and career. It can inspire others to choose a pathway that will lead them to success. However, I believe this book could've been better if it was more formal and less colloquial.
matt
Brooke Weston Book Busters
In my opinion, this book will be hard to top. Anton, Nanna and Matthew never failed to make me laugh! It really defined the characters of everyone in the book. It also taught a valuable lesson because it talks about the effects of peer pressure and bad influences. The author made me feel for characters like Anton and Matthew, and it made me despise for Kehinde, Caleb and Marcus. 9.5/10
William B
Ermysted’s
I thought this book ( similar to "steady for this" last year ) was a bit annoying with its use of slang but I think it did gradually get better after around chapter 4. I also thought that the author did a great job in displaying the emotions when the Grandma died. I would give it a 4.5/5!
Ben P
Ermysted’s
this is a brilliant book which shows shows good morals and how people develop whilst also being a funny read 10/10 I loved it.
alfie c
Ermysted’s
l really liked this book because it talks about the effects of peer pressure and bad influences. I also liked it because it talks about Anton when he's with bad influences and good influences and the difference is quite clear.
Abigail
St Cath’s Shadowing
Nathanael Lessore does an excellent job in speaking to the masses of today about a prevalent issue of today's society - toxic masculinity. He creates a powerful lens using his perspective of the main character, Anton, that compels readers to consider the demands placed on men: the constant need to "man up." The novel centres on Anton's internal conflict as he tries to balance being true to himself and upholding his reputation that society has deemed necessary for survival. Slowly but surely, he begins to see the cracks of this notion, and he's soon forced to choose. Will Anton follow his heart, or will he succumb to the weight of societal expectations? Turn the page and start this journey.
Olamiposi
St Cath’s Shadowing
Terrific Tale In my opinion this was a great story and a important life lesson, which was you shouldn't be defined by other people (peer pressure), and instead make your own choices define yourself. This book was an absolute page turner which made me want to read more. The author made me feel for Anton who was defined by what his dad did. I'd recommend it for secondary school kids because it teaches how you should be yourself and not be a follower.
Edmund W
Ermysted’s
Funny and deep. Delves deep into the pressures of friendship and reputations.
Arlo
Crypt Bookworms
I really enjoyed this book . I was a bit sceptical at first because I don't tend to like these sorts of books , however I was in for a surprise . This book took me on a roller coaster of emotion and taught me many life lessons , such as , appreciate the people who love you and support you and to not take the wrong path just because it might be easier . Overall , this was a great book full of friendship , loss , family and finding yourself . It was also very funny . Not many books succeed in making me laugh out loud but this book succeeded many times over ! As a final score I would give it a 4.5 / 5 .
Holly H
VISTA Academy
King Of Nothing is a fantastic book, it has such a funny, sarcastic plot. I love this book, my rating is 9/10. It is readable, witty and funny. It does have some minor violence in it but it is all part of the theme/genre, crime and thriller. My overall judgement is that I absolutely love this book, it is amazing!
Afreen
Skipton Shadows
This book was a beautiful experience. It pulled me in like a riptide and made me forget I was reading. It is beautiful in a way mere ink on paper has no right to be. It is real, raw, and powerful: like the waves of the ocean. This book was, quite simply, amazing. Reading this book was a beautiful feeling. Anton's charcter development, Matthew's gradual trust, etc. was a beautiful journey I am to have been a part of. Nathaniel Lessore's writing is legendary and his books are exemplary. I would recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat. 10/10.
Edlin
QKA Shadowers