King of Nothing
The hilarious and heartwarming Waterstones prize-winning and Carnegie-shortlisted teen comedy!
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Hot Key Books
Published:11th Apr '24
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In King of Nothing, Anton's life changes when he befriends Matthew, the school's outcast. Their unlikely friendship challenges Anton's views on popularity and identity.
In King of Nothing, Anton is the reigning king of Year 9, enjoying his status and the power that comes with it. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when his mother insists he joins the Happy Campers, a local activity group, after he gets into serious trouble at school. The last thing Anton wants is to associate with Matthew, the school's biggest loser, who is also a member of this group. Anton initially resents the situation, feeling forced to engage with someone he considers beneath him.
However, everything changes when Matthew unexpectedly saves Anton's life during a camp activity. This act of bravery leads Anton to reevaluate his prejudices and consider the possibility that Matthew might be worth getting to know. As their friendship develops, Anton finds himself teaching Matthew the ropes of social dynamics, and through this, he begins to question his values and priorities. Is being the king of the school truly what he wants, or is there more to life than popularity?
King of Nothing is a hilarious and heartwarming exploration of friendship, identity, and the pressures of adolescence. As Anton navigates the complexities of his new relationship with Matthew, he learns important lessons about loyalty, acceptance, and the true meaning of strength. This engaging teen comedy is perfect for readers who enjoy stories that blend humor with poignant life lessons.
Writing for younger teenagers, Lessore's lightness of touch creates a funny, page-turning read that deftly addresses topics such as masculinity and grief. -- Best Children's and YA Books of 2024 * The Guardian *
Rib-achingly funny, poignant, thoughtful and sly, Lessore's second novel confirms him as a uniquely talented writer. * Guardian *
King of Nothing confirms [Nathanael Lessore] as a major new name in writing for younger teenagers . . . It's testament to Lessore's lightness of touch and believable characters that despite delving into big topics such as toxic masculinity and grief, this is an immensely readable book that never feels too worthy. * The Observer *
This teen comedy really is very funny, while also being meaningful and heartwarming. * iPaper *
This compelling contemporary comedy explores themes of friendship and identity and offers relatable insights into peer pressure and personal growth. Highly recommended for KS3 and KS4. * The School Reading List *
ISBN: 9781471413247
Dimensions: 196mm x 129mm x 22mm
Weight: 218g
320 pages