Author Visit
Yesr 7 and 8 enjoyed a visit from award-winning author Nathanael Lessore this week. Following a talk in the theatre they were able to meet the author at a book signing session.
Nathanael’s novel Steady For This was shortlisted for the Carnegie Award, the Jhalak Prize, and won the Branford Boase Award 2024, as well as many regional awards. His follow up, King of Nothing, won the Waterstones Prize 2025, the Shadowers’ Choice Carnegie Medal for Writing 2025 and the Jhalek Children’s and Young Adult Prize 2025.
Writing his first book gave him the opportunity to show his South East London childhood as the funny, warm, adventurous world that wasn’t always represented as such. Celebrating diverse characters has given Nathanael the opportunity to represent kids who otherwise would never see themselves in this light in this form of literature.
In his talk he shared his personal tips and techniques for creative writing. He enlightened pupils on the wide range of opportunities in industry for writers such as sport journalism, music videos, television, song writing, gaming, and blogs. He promoted the importance of reading despite having been a reluctant reader himself – he has since made up for lost time! He shared some funny anecdotes that became source material for his books, these included getting stuck in a child’s pushchair and cockroaches! A memorable visit from an inspiring young writer. Catherine Duncumb
