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Cover of The King of Nothing

Age rating and parents' guide:The King of Nothing

by Nathanael Lessore

Ages 12–14

The King of Nothing by Nathanael Lessore is best for children aged 12–14. It has mild violence, nothing scary, no romance and mild language.

Anton is the undisputed king of his crew, spending his days mocking others and playing the part of the untouchable cool kid. But when an unexpected mishap at a school fair completely shatters his tough exterior, his friends turn on him and his social status evaporates overnight. Forced to look at himself honestly for the first time, Anton starts learning what real friendship and self-worth actually mean. Packed with witty dialogue and genuine London teenage banter, it is a funny, heartfelt exploration of teenage masculinity.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
Mild
Scary moments
None
Romance
None
Bad language
Mild
Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 4 October 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Novel
  • ★A steady start that picks up quickly
  • ★Mostly text
  • ★Emotionally light
  • ★A good pick for reluctant readers

Great for kids who like

  • Humor & Comedy
  • Art & drawing
  • Friendship

Reading mood

  • Funny
  • Thoughtful
  • Suspenseful

Good to talk about

  • Friendship
  • Emotions & empathy

Books like The King of Nothing

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is The King of Nothing for?
The King of Nothing suits children aged 12–14. It is a novel: a steady start that picks up quickly, mostly text.
Q: Is The King of Nothing appropriate for a 12 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 12–14. It has mild violence, nothing scary, no romance and mild language.
Q: What should my child read after The King of Nothing?
Try Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Anne of Green Gables and Stormbreaker. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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