Award-winning author visits King’s

Pupils in Shells were treated to an entertaining and thought-provoking visit from acclaimed children’s author Nathanael Lessore this week.

As one of the Senior School Library’s most borrowed authors, it was no surprise that excitement levels were high as pupils took their seats in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre. 

From the moment he began speaking, pupils were enraptured. Nathanael had everyone laughing with stories from his own school days, including tales of gaming, missed deadlines, getting trapped in a pushchair in Year 8, and learning the hard way why you should always make sure your shoes are clean before walking on white carpets.

Nathanael spoke openly about his own journey into writing, explaining that he came to it later than expected because, in his own words, he was bored – and that boredom can actually be a positive thing. He encouraged students to embrace creativity and imagination rather than constantly turning to their phones for entertainment.

Giving pupils the benefit of his writing experience, he talked to them about the craft of storytelling, learning how to build an engaging plot using a story curve arc, and demonstrated how storytelling structures appear not only in books, but also in films and other aspects of daily life.

After his talk, Nathanael spent time signing copies of his latest book and talking to pupils in the library, an experience that his many King’s School fans will treasure for a long time to come. 

The visit was organised by Head Librarian, Jodie Brooks. She said: “Nathanael was excellent today and it was clear to see how strongly the pupils connected with him and his stories. 

“One of the strongest messages of his visit was the importance of reading. Nathanael explained that his mission as an author is to encourage children – especially boys – to read more.

“He explained so eloquently – and in a relatable way – how reading develops empathy, emotional intelligence and understanding; that, in an increasingly divided world, books can help to bridge the gap between different experiences and perspectives. 

“It’s something I talk to the children about a lot but I have a feeling that it means so much more coming from Nathanael.”

Nathanael Lessore first captured the imagination of King’s readers when his novel What Happens Online appeared on our Lower School shortlist, which gained him a legion of fans in school. Known for his relatable humour, authentic teenage characters and heartfelt storytelling, he has become one of the most exciting voices in contemporary children’s fiction.