The Books

King of Nothing

by Nathanael Lessore

ISBN: 9781471413247

Anton, a Year 9 student rules the school with his friends, but finds his world upended when his mum forces him to join a community group called the Happy Campers. There, he unexpectedly befriends Matthew, a boy he previously bullied, and begins to question the values he's always held. The story explores themes of toxic masculinity, redemption, and finding a better path, particularly as Anton's father is released from prison.

Reviews

Safoora - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

This book was really funny! Anton was a great character, funny and spoke exactly like an average teenager would to his friends and family. Mathew and Anton had a very unexpected friendship! Personally I would recommend this book to all ages! Great book.

Elsie - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

I really enjoyed this book because of the wonderful characters, the comedy and the use of language that people like Anton and his friends would use. Also, I loved the connections between some of the characters.

Florence - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

I really liked this book as it made me want to keep reading and I was sad that it ended. I also like how inclusive this book is and that it is up to date on modern times. I would definitely recommend this to my family and friends. I enjoyed the plot and how real and in some cases relatable this book is especially to people who have been involved in something similar. I also enjoyed the style of writing and the author. I will definitely be reading more books like this.

Anveesha - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

I really liked the plot of this book. It was one of the best books I have read in ages!

Sonam - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

This book was amazing. It was one of the best friendship books I have ever read. It was a funny read. I think my favourite part was when the main character realised who he really was and who he wanted to be like. This book was thrilling.

Clara - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

A wonderful book, I loved how it really captured the meaning of 'if your mean, it's not good and everyone is unique and that's OK!' it wasn't my favourite genre, but a truly touching book told in a very clear way.

Dina - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

I love reading family dramas, so this book was very good. I loved the indirect hint of what his dad did!

Lillie-Mae - National Church of England Academy - 2026

Enjoyed this book! I loved it ! The slang in this book can be confusing to older readers yet as an 13 year old I understand the slang. There is a few plot twists that I enjoyed. When I wasn't reading for what ever reason I was craving reading it.

Ella - Arnold Hill Academy - 2026

This book is good I really liked it, a reflection of modern life and the effects of social pressure

Caleb - Arnold Hill Academy - 2026

This book was really good I enjoyed reading it i liked how the main character matured throughout the story

Charis - Arnold Hill Academy - 2026

I really liked it

Immie - Arnold Hill Academy - 2026

This book is quite good, though the plot was quite boring it kept me engaged at most times and i liked the ending, i also enjoyed how the main character changed throughout the book to become a better person! :)

Erin - Arnold Hill Academy - 2026

The action in it was relatable to real life. I learnt a lot whilst reading it.

Rose - Arnold Hill Academy - 2026

It was a good read it was a bit hard to get into but when I did it was relatable and really interesting

Alena - Arnold Hill Academy - 2026

It showed a great friendship and it was easy to get into.

Amelie - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

This book isn’t something that I would usually even look for in the library, however I really enjoyed this book and the way that it was written - I liked how I could actually imagine something like that could happen.

Allegra - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. Once I picked up this book there was no way I could put it down. I have started your other book 'What Happens Online' because I love your work. I will have to see on the day but I think you've got my vote.

Mai - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

This is probably the best one because it fits my age group and it's also very funny! I couldn't put it down. It's definitely my favourite!

Amabelle - Magnus Church of England Academy - 2026

King of Nothing is a fun book. It is filled with down/low moments but the situations turn good by the end. It also teaches us not to follow bad friends and not to rely on titles like 'king or queen of the school'. It reminds us how to treat others no matter who they are to you. It's a book about being yourself. People love people for who they are not what they are known as by others.

Sumayyah - Magnus Church of England Academy - 2026

I enjoyed how he changes his opinion about people he's previously made assumptions of in the book.

Hollie - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

I really like the general storyline. It portrays a very nice way of how friendships can happen. I loved this book.

Hollie - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

I liked this book because it had an interesting storyline, however its not a book I would normally think of reading.

Jasmine - Nottingham Girls High School - 2026

I liked this book, It really put me out of my comfort zone since I don't usually read this type of book. One thing that really stood out to me was the amazing character backgrounds, I became obsessed with the characters personalities! Something that made the book was the language, mainly the use of the slang made me have to reread some of the sentences to make sure they made sense!