Like A Brother

By Author / Illustrator

Nathanael Lessore

Genre

Funny Stories

Age range(s)

11+

Publisher

Hot Key Books

ISBN

9781471418235

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

07-05-2026

Synopsis

From the multi-award-winning author of Steady For This and King of Nothing comes a laugh-out-loud new teen comedy about a summer turned upside down!

They're totally different. Except in all the ways that matter.

Owais lives a chill life. He's well-liked, funny and everything's a breeze - until his estranged cousin shows up. Loud, unpredictable and one bad decision away from serious trouble, Abass crashes into Owais's laidback world like a hurricane: picking fights, ruining parties, disappearing without explanation and clogging toilets in places he absolutely shouldn't.

But as the boys get to know each other and their bond deepens, Owais starts to see there's more to Abass than the chaos - and more to himself than just being the popular guy who coasts through life. Because sometimes, the person who turns your world upside down is also the person who helps you figure out where you're really meant to be . . .

'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. 'A fresh and funny read' - The Times, Children's Book of the Week. Shortlisted for the Indie Book Awards 2026.

Praise for Steady for This: Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2024; Winner of the Children's Diverse Book Award 2024; Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal Award 2024 and the UKLA Book Award 2024. "Funny, original and heart-warming." - The Times.

Praise for King of Nothing: "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." - The Observer

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Reviews

Sue

Fond of terrible jokes, Owais is surrounded by loving family and good friends. His life is good - until his cousin, Abass, comes to live with them. Responding very differently to their harsh upbringing, Owais's father and his brother are estranged, meaning that this new cousin is something of a shock to Owais and his sister, Lara, and Abass's behaviour is challenging and unsettling. But gradually, the cousins come to understand one another, forming a strong, brother-like bond.

Like a Brother is a really wonderful read. I am probably about as far from its target reading audience as is possible, yet I loved every page. The light-hearted bantering tone of Owais's narration does not hide the fact that this book is hard-hitting in places, tackling some of the challenges which teenagers face. His well-grounded take on life reflects the fact that he has been raised in a close knit, supportive family and has friends he can rely on, contrasting vividly with the chaotic, troubled upbringing of his cousin.

Abass, like many, has grown into a troubled teen, carrying the weight of negative expectations, criticism and uncertainty which have forced him to develop behaviours and attitudes which act as a defence mechanism, protecting the vulnerable boy inside. Finding a substitute family in a gang and attacking before others can attack, Abass has all but resigned himself to an inevitable path. However, as he comes to find his place in his cousin's family, things change and he is able to move forward in a different way, breaking the cycle.

However, the story is not all about Abass. Owais learns a great deal from having his cousin thrust into his life. Coasting along, making light of everything, he realises the importance of setting his mind to things and completing them. Recognising how lucky he is to have his father who chose to raise his family in a different way, Owais is able to empathise with his cousin and support him, but also to learn from him in turn.

I hope this finds its way into the hands of many young readers and fills them with the same sense of optimism that it gave me. An excellent read.

336 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher