What Happens Online by Nathanael Lessore (author) (UK edition)

“[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

FROM THE MULTI-AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF STEADY FOR THIS AND KING OF NOTHING COMES A HILARIOUS NEW TEEN COMEDY ABOUT FIGURING OUT WHO YOU ARE ONLINE AND OFFLINE!

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?

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 THE JHALAK CHILDRENS & 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

(WHAT HAPPENS ONLINE by Nathanael Lessore was a Times Children’s Book of the Week on 12/04/25)