Nathanael Lessore – författare

NOMINATED FOR THE CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR WRITING 2026SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKS ARE MY BAG READERS AWARDS 2025"[A] big-hearted tale of one awkward teenager's split life between reality and the internet, the kind of book you wish that boy from Adolescence had read [...] A brilliant, heartfelt book about now." - The Times, Children's Book of the WeekExistor is the most popular guy in school. Fred is the loser with no friends. And nobody knows they're the same person. Online, Fred goes by Existor@stmarks. His alter ego is the best gamer around - constantly on a winning streak, with tonnes of followers, and the confidence to go with it.But offline, Fred's life is miserable. His dad's always working, his mum's struggling, and at school, everyone looks straight through him. Until Existor's notoriety spreads to his school, and Fred sees an opportunity: everyone listens to what Existor has to say, so why not use that?Soon, Fred is coming up with outlandish rumours about his classmates, and everyone's lapping it up. His bullies are shunned, and people are finally taking notice of him. But it's a slippery slope and Fred struggles to keep track of all the stuff he's posted as his lies start to wreak unexpected havoc.Fred will have to answer for his crimes against reality, but will he ever find someone to like him for who he really is? A HILARIOUS TEEN COMEDY ABOUT FIGURING OUT WHO YOU ARE ONLINE AND OFFLINE!PRAISE FOR STEADY FOR THIS:WINNER OF THE BRANFORD BOASE AWARD 2024WINNER OF THE CHILDREN'S DIVERSE BOOK AWARD 2024SHORTLISTED FOR THE YOTO CARNEGIE MEDAL 2024SHORTLISTED FOR THE UKLA BOOK AWARD 2024SHORTLISTED FOR THE JHALAK PRIZE 2024 "Crammed with outrageously hilarious wordplay, Lessore's exuberant debut for 12+ is a southeast London celebration of teen awkwardness, creativity and silly joy." - Guardian"Funny, original and heart-warming." - The Times "An engaging, positive and heart-warming read." - BookTrustPRAISE FOR KING OF NOTHING:WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE FOR OLDER READERS 2025WINNER OF THE CARNEGIE SHADOWERS' CHOICE MEDAL FOR WRITING 2025WINNER OF THE JHALAK CHILDREN'S & YOUNG ADULT PRIZE 2025SHORTLISTED FOR THE UKLA BOOK AWARD 2025SHORTLISTED FOR AMAZON BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024"Rib-achingly funny, poignant, thoughtful and sly, Lessore's second novel confirms him as a uniquely talented writer." - Guardian"Confirms [Nathanael Lessore] as a major new name in writing for younger teenagers . . . an immensely readable book." - The Observer"This teen comedy really is very funny, while also being meaningful and heartwarming." - iPaper PRAISE FOR WHAT HAPPENS ONLINE:"The blend of smart dialogue, believable characters and humour makes big issues immensely readable." - The Observer"Hilarious, thoughtful and deeply felt, this is another superb 13+ contemporary novel from the Branford Boase-winning Lessore." - GuardianPRAISE FOR LIKE A BROTHER:SHORTLISTED FOR THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2026THE TIMES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK'Few capture the wisecracking energy of teenagers, quite like Lessore. Everything in this charming, sensitive novel about masculinity is played for laughs . . . A fresh and funny read' - The Times'Lessore uses humour to shed light on issues including homophobia and masculinity, and is brilliant on the messy, unpredictable business of being a teenager' - The Observer

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING, WATERSTONES PRIZE-WINNING AND CARNEGIE SHADOWERS' CHOICE MEDAL-WINNING AUTHOR!SHORTLISTED FOR THE YOTO CARNEGIE MEDAL 2024SHORTLISTED FOR THE UKLA BOOK AWARD 2024SHORTLISTED FOR THE JHALAK PRIZE 2024MEET MC GROWLS, WANNABE RAPPER AND STAR OF THE SHOW IN THIS HILARIOUS AND HEARTWARMING TEEN DEBUT.Shaun (aka MC Growls) is ready to drop his best bars and smash the competition at Raptology. That way, he's convinced Tanisha, his crush, will finally give him a chance.But when a livestream practice goes epically wrong, Growls's dirty laundry is literally exposed. He's finally achieved his dreams of going viral - not in the good way.Now Tanisha won't look at him, he's the joke of the school and there's no way he can show his face at the competition. Will he ever catch a break?Then a new girl on the block appears who might be just the friend Growls needs. Especially when she points out that Raptology could be the answer to his problems after all. . .STEP UP TO THE MIC! It's MC Growls and he's ready for this. He's steady for this. It's comeback season and they call him comeback king for a reason.A hilarious debut from breakout star Nathanael Lessore, perfect for teen readers of Alex Wheatle and Jason Reynolds.PRAISE FOR STEADY FOR THIS:"Crammed with outrageously hilarious wordplay, Lessore's exuberant debut for 12+ is a southeast London celebration of teen awkwardness, creativity and silly joy." - Guardian"Funny, original and heart-warming." - The Times "An engaging, positive and heart-warming read." - BookTrustPRAISE FOR KING OF NOTHING:WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE FOR OLDER READERS 2025WINNER OF THE CARNEGIE SHADOWERS' CHOICE MEDAL FOR WRITING 2025WINNER OF THE JHALAK CHILDREN'S & YOUNG ADULT PRIZE 2025SHORTLISTED FOR THE UKLA BOOK AWARD 2025SHORTLISTED FOR AMAZON BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024"Rib-achingly funny, poignant, thoughtful and sly, Lessore's second novel confirms him as a uniquely talented writer." - Guardian"Confirms [Nathanael Lessore] as a major new name in writing for younger teenagers . . . an immensely readable book." - The Observer"This teen comedy really is very funny, while also being meaningful and heartwarming." - iPaper PRAISE FOR WHAT HAPPENS ONLINE:NOMINATED FOR THE CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR WRITING 2026 SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKS ARE MY BAG READERS AWARDS 2025"Begins as Adrian Mole for the gaming generation and then becomes, through its big-hearted tale of one awkward teenager's split life between reality and the internet, the kind of book you wish that boy from Adolescence had read [...] A brilliant, heartfelt book about now." - The Times"The blend of smart dialogue, believable characters and humour makes big issues immensely readable." - The Observer"Hilarious, thoughtful and deeply felt, this is another superb 13+ contemporary novel from the Branford Boase-winning Lessore." - GuardianPRAISE FOR LIKE A BROTHER: SHORTLISTED FOR THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2026THE TIMES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK'Few capture the wisecracking energy of teenagers, quite like Lessore. Everything in this charming, sensitive novel about masculinity is played for laughs . . . A fresh and funny read' - The Times'Lessore uses humour to shed light on issues including homophobia and masculinity, and is brilliant on the messy, unpredictable business of being a teenager' - The Observer

WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE FOR OLDER READERS 2025WINNER OF THE SHADOWERS' CHOICE CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR WRITING 2025WINNER OF THE JHALAK CHILDREN'S & YOUNG ADULT PRIZE 2025SHORTLISTED FOR AMAZON BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024"Rib-achingly funny, poignant, thoughtful and sly, Lessore's second novel confirms him as a uniquely talented writer." - GuardianANTON AND HIS FRIENDS ARE THE KINGS OF YEAR 9.They're used to ruling the school and Anton wears the crown. The other kids run away when he's about but that's the way he wants it - he's got a reputation to live up to after all.So when he gets into serious trouble at school, he doesn't really care, but his mum most definitely does. She decides it's time for Anton to make some new friends and join the Happy Campers, a local activity group. Anton would quite literally rather do anything else, especially when he finds out Matthew, the biggest loser in school, is also a member.But after Matthew unexpectedly saves Anton's life, Anton figures maybe this kid is worth a shot. Teaching him some game is the least Anton can do to repay the debt.As the boys strike up an unlikely friendship, Anton finds himself questioning everything he thought was important. Does he want ruling the school to be his crowning glory or should he set his sights on better things?Perfect for teen readers of Alex Wheatle, Jason Reynolds and Patrice Lawrence.PRAISE FOR STEADY FOR THIS:WINNER OF THE BRANFORD BOASE AWARD 2024WINNER OF THE CHILDREN'S DIVERSE BOOK AWARD 2024SHORTLISTED FOR THE YOTO CARNEGIE MEDAL 2024SHORTLISTED FOR THE UKLA BOOK AWARD 2024SHORTLISTED FOR THE JHALAK PRIZE 2024 "Crammed with outrageously hilarious wordplay, Lessore's exuberant debut for 12+ is a southeast London celebration of teen awkwardness, creativity and silly joy." - Guardian"Funny, original and heart-warming." - The Times "An engaging, positive and heart-warming read." - BookTrustPRAISE FOR KING OF NOTHING:"Confirms [Nathanael Lessore] as a major new name in writing for younger teenagers . . . an immensely readable book." - The Observer"This teen comedy really is very funny, while also being meaningful and heartwarming." - iPaper PRAISE FOR WHAT HAPPENS ONLINE:NOMINATED FOR THE CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR WRITING 2026SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKS ARE MY BAG READERS AWARDS 2025"Begins as Adrian Mole for the gaming generation and then becomes, through its big-hearted tale of one awkward teenager's split life between reality and the internet, the kind of book you wish that boy from Adolescence had read [...] A brilliant, heartfelt book about now." - The Times"The blend of smart dialogue, believable characters and humour makes big issues immensely readable." - The Observer"Hilarious, thoughtful and deeply felt, this is another superb 13+ contemporary novel from the Branford Boase-winning Lessore." - GuardianPRAISE FOR LIKE A BROTHER:SHORTLISTED FOR THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2026THE TIMES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK'Few capture the wisecracking energy of teenagers, quite like Lessore. Everything in this charming, sensitive novel about masculinity is played for laughs . . . A fresh and funny read' - The Times'Lessore uses humour to shed light on issues including homophobia and masculinity, and is brilliant on the messy, unpredictable business of being a teenager' - The Observer

'A FRESH AND FUNNY READ' - The Times, Children's Book of the Week SHORTLISTED FOR THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2026From the multi-award-winning and Sunday Times bestselling author of Steady For This, King of Nothing, What Happens Online and Against All Odds comes a laugh-out-loud new teen comedy about a summer turned upside down!THEY'RE TOTALLY DIFFERENT. EXCEPT IN ALL THE WAYS THAT MATTER.Owais lives a chill life. He's well-liked, funny and everything's a breeze - until his estranged cousin shows up.Loud, unpredictable and one bad decision away from serious trouble, Abass crashes into Owais' laidback world like a hurricane: picking fights, ruining parties, disappearing without explanation and clogging toilets in places he absolutely shouldn't.But as the boys get to know each other and their bond deepens, Owais starts to see there's more to Abass than the chaos - and more to himself than just being the popular guy who coasts through life. Because sometimes, the person who turns your world upside down is also the person who helps you figure out where you're really meant to be . . .'Lessore uses humour to shed light on issues including homophobia and masculinity, and is brilliant on the messy, unpredictable business of being a teenager' - The ObserverPRAISE FOR STEADY FOR THIS:WINNER OF THE BRANFORD BOASE AWARD 2024WINNER OF THE CHILDREN'S DIVERSE BOOK AWARD 2024SHORTLISTED FOR THE YOTO CARNEGIE MEDAL 2024SHORTLISTED FOR THE UKLA BOOK AWARD 2024SHORTLISTED FOR THE JHALAK PRIZE 2024"Crammed with outrageously hilarious wordplay, Lessore's exuberant debut for 12+ is a southeast London celebration of teen awkwardness, creativity and silly joy." - Guardian"Funny, original and heart-warming." - The Times"An engaging, positive and heart-warming read." - BookTrustPRAISE FOR KING OF NOTHING:WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE FOR OLDER READERS 2025WINNER OF THE CARNEGIE SHADOWERS' CHOICE MEDAL FOR WRITING 2025WINNER OF THE JHALAK CHILDREN'S & YOUNG ADULT PRIZE 2025SHORTLISTED FOR THE UKLA BOOK AWARD 2025SHORTLISTED FOR AMAZON BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024"Rib-achingly funny, poignant, thoughtful and sly, Lessore's second novel confirms him as a uniquely talented writer." - Guardian"Confirms [Nathanael Lessore] as a major new name in writing for younger teenagers." - The Observer"This teen comedy really is very funny, while also being meaningful and heartwarming." - iPaperPRAISE FOR WHAT HAPPENS ONLINE:NOMINATED FOR THE CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR WRITING 2026SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKS ARE MY BAG READER AWARDS 2025SHORTLISTED FOR THE BRITISH AUDIO AWARDS 2025LONGLISTED FOR THE UKLA BOOK AWARD 2026"Begins as Adrian Mole for the gaming generation and then becomes, through its big-hearted tale of one awkward teenager's split life between reality and the internet, the kind of book you wish that boy from Adolescence had read [...] A brilliant, heartfelt book about now." - The Times"The blend of smart dialogue, believable characters and humour makes big issues immensely readable." - The Observer"Hilarious, thoughtful and deeply felt, this is another superb 13+ contemporary novel." - Guardian

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING WORLD BOOK DAY COMEDY FOR TEEN READERS FROM THE MULTI-AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF STEADY FOR THIS, KING OF NOTHING, WHAT HAPPENS ONLINE AND LIKE A BROTHER!Noranto knows who he is. Or at least, he thinks he does.Footballer. Hustler. One of the boys. He's got the playground game on lock and big plans for his mum's surprise birthday party this weekend. But poetry? That's just something he does quietly - in his head, on the bus, between goals.Until his teacher spots his talent and encourages him to enter a creative writing competition. Noranto laughs it off. No chance: the deadline's in three days and he's already got way too much going on. His mates agree and tell him to stick to what he knows. Poetry doesn't win matches.But the rhymes won't stop coming. And a little voice inside him keeps asking: What if this is his shot? What if he could do it all?As the weekend unfolds and obstacles are thrown in his way, Noranto finds himself stuck between what's expected of him and who he really wants to be. Can he find the words in time - and the courage to share them - against all the odds?A funny and authentic story about the joys and challenges of dreaming big and showing the world you don't have to fit into just one box.*PRE-ORDER NATHANAEL'S NEXT LAUGH-OUT-LOUD READ FOR TEENS NOW: LIKE A BROTHER PUBLISHES MAY 2026!*PRAISE FOR STEADY FOR THIS:WINNER OF THE BRANFORD BOASE AWARD 2024WINNER OF THE CHILDREN'S DIVERSE BOOK AWARD 2024SHORTLISTED FOR THE YOTO CARNEGIE MEDAL 2024SHORTLISTED FOR THE UKLA BOOK AWARD 2024SHORTLISTED FOR THE JHALAK PRIZE 2024 "Crammed with outrageously hilarious wordplay, Lessore's exuberant debut for 12+ is a southeast London celebration of teen awkwardness, creativity and silly joy." - Guardian"Funny, original and heart-warming." - The Times "An engaging, positive and heart-warming read." - BookTrustPRAISE FOR KING OF NOTHING:WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE FOR OLDER READERS 2025WINNER OF THE CARNEGIE SHADOWERS' CHOICE MEDAL FOR WRITING 2025WINNER OF THE JHALAK CHILDREN'S & YOUNG ADULT PRIZE 2025SHORTLISTED FOR THE UKLA BOOK AWARD 2025SHORTLISTED FOR AMAZON BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024"Rib-achingly funny, poignant, thoughtful and sly, Lessore's second novel confirms him as a uniquely talented writer." - Guardian"Confirms [Nathanael Lessore] as a major new name in writing for younger teenagers . . . an immensely readable book." - The Observer"This teen comedy really is very funny, while also being meaningful and heartwarming." - iPaper PRAISE FOR WHAT HAPPENS ONLINE:"Begins as Adrian Mole for the gaming generation and then becomes, through its big-hearted tale of one awkward teenager's split life between reality and the internet, the kind of book you wish that boy from Adolescence had read [...] A brilliant, heartfelt book about now." - The Times"The blend of smart dialogue, believable characters and humour makes big issues immensely readable." - The Observer"Hilarious, thoughtful and deeply felt, this is another superb 13+ contemporary novel from the Branford Boase-winning Lessore." - GuardianPRAISE FOR LIKE A BROTHER:SHORTLISTED FOR THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2026THE TIMES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK'Few capture the wisecracking energy of teenagers, quite like Lessore. Everything in this charming, sensitive novel about masculinity is played for laughs . . . A fresh and funny read' - The Times'Lessore uses humour to shed light on issues including homophobia and masculinity, and is brilliant on the messy, unpredictable business of being a teenager' - The Observer

Controlling the wind, smelling fear, farting colours... The people of Walsham can do it all! The WHOLE TOWN has been granted powers by a mysterious treasure, except for Sara. Shecan't even levitate a squirrel! But the school football trophy (and her best friend's lucky charm) has been stolen, and powers or no powers, it's up to her to find it and catch the criminal. And who knows - maybe Sara will discover her super skills in the process... (She certainly hopes she will!). A laugh-out-loud series about all the different ways of being extraordinary, perfect for fans of PIZAZZ, SAM WU and MARV.

Sara has been practising her new teleport powers and she's getting pretty good! Except when she accidentally transports herself and her best friends (Georgie and Javier) and her nemesis (Jock) back in time... They're warned not to interact with ANYONE, to make sure they don't change anything in the future, but that becomes difficult when they're dragged into a birthday party. They get out as quickly as they can, although not before causing some minor chaos. But how much damage can a squashed cake really do?!? (As it turns out, a LOT.) A laugh-out-loud series about all the different ways of being extraordinary, perfect for fans of PIZAZZ, SAM WU and MARV.