Steady For This by Nathanael Lessore (author)

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.” – 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:
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.” – Guardian

PRAISE FOR LIKE A BROTHER:

SHORTLISTED FOR 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