What Happens Online by Nathanael Lessore (author)

NOMINATED FOR THE CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR WRITING 2026

SHORTLISTED 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 Week

Existor 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 2024
WINNER OF THE CHILDREN’S DIVERSE BOOK AWARD 2024
SHORTLISTED FOR THE YOTO CARNEGIE MEDAL 2024
SHORTLISTED FOR THE UKLA BOOK AWARD 2024
SHORTLISTED 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.” – BookTrust

PRAISE FOR KING OF NOTHING:

WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN’S BOOK PRIZE FOR OLDER READERS 2025
WINNER OF THE CARNEGIE SHADOWERS’ CHOICE MEDAL FOR WRITING 2025
WINNER OF THE JHALAK CHILDREN’S & YOUNG ADULT PRIZE 2025
SHORTLISTED FOR THE UKLA BOOK AWARD 2025
SHORTLISTED 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.” – Guardian

PRAISE FOR LIKE A BROTHER:

SHORTLISTED FOR AND HIGHLY COMMENDED BY THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2026
THE 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