Better Nate Than Ever

Oct 19, 2012 Mary Catherine rated it 5 of 5 stars

5 out of 5 stars on Ordinary People, Extraordinary Works

Okay, so I had made this (somewhat strange) decision that I was going to stop reviewing books, save the random thoughts on GoodReads. And for a while - a long while - I was awesome about it. Sure, that had to do with lack of time and reading manuscripts instead of books, but that is not the point here. The point here is actually that I have to throw away the idea that I'm not reviewing on this site because I found the most awesome middle gr...more 5 out of 5 stars on Ordinary People, Extraordinary Works

Okay, so I had made this (somewhat strange) decision that I was going to stop reviewing books, save the random thoughts on GoodReads. And for a while - a long while - I was awesome about it. Sure, that had to do with lack of time and reading manuscripts instead of books, but that is not the point here. The point here is actually that I have to throw away the idea that I'm not reviewing on this site because I found the most awesome middle grade book ever.

So let's get the awkwardness out of the way first - Tim Federle was on Broadway and I most likely saw him in Gypsy with Bernadette Peters though I really would not have known since I was in the last row of the god-forsaken theater that made me feel like I had vertigo. I probably also saw his work in Billy Elliot but we won't talk about that. We all know I loved the dancing but that was about it. Oops.

I digress.

That being said, I'm pretty sure Tim is going to be the biggest star once this book hits shelves. I'm talking big star like the important one in The Princess and the Frog:

In BETTER NATE THAN EVER, Nate Foster lives in Jankburg, PA, which is about as far from the spotlights of Broadway as you can get - at least for this 13-year-old. What's important to note here is that Nate is that kid - the one I love, the one who lives and breathes showtunes, the one who may ~~or may not~~ start snapping his fingers when he finds himself on an empty street with West Side Story playing in the background. So when his best friend/vocal teacher/everything under the sun, Libby, hears about an open casting call for E.T.: The Musical, they both know Nate has to go for it - even if the auditions are in New York City.

I know what you're all thinking - "Mary, of course you loved this. It's all about Broadway musicals. You're obsessed with that."

Wait, come back! Don't go!

Are you back? Good, because BETTER NATE is so much more than a Broadway-infused book. Not only is this one of the funniest books I've read this year - and I'm talking nearly falling off my bed the first time Nate "curses" because that's how hard I was laughing - it's also one of the most heartfelt and emotionally-packed reads of my year. Tim somehow manages to write moments that made me think "did that really just happen?" the way Spring Awakening once did with "My Junk is You." Nate is a go-getter but in the naive way that most kids are. And that's one of the best parts of this book - Nate is a kid. He's 13 and he sounds like it. He's got a bit of that sass that most kids do but Tim writes him like an actual boy his age. This isn't Dawson's Creek, people.

There were also moments that made me sniffle and run the back of my hand over my cheeks to make sure I wasn't actually crying - something which you'll never actually know. But to put it in retrospect, some parts of this book made me want to uglycry - the way I did when Hunter Parrish left Godspell, the way I always do when Armageddon is on TV and it's that stupid moment when Liv Tyler holds her hand up to the monitor of white noise because her dad's about to give up his life for the world (oops, was that a spoiler?). In fact, I felt so deeply for Nate that sometimes I actually wanted to uglycry the way I did (and still do) at the end of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, season 2.

I have so much love for this novel - this fantastic marketed-to-the-middle-grade-age novel - because it's hilarious and riveting. Here's a boy with big dreams who has a best friend with whom he concocts crazy schemes with -- and it's all to follow his dreams.

We all had dreams as children. We still have dreams as adults.

I dare any of you (and myself, for that matter) to go for your dreams the way Nate does in this book.

Who knows... You may surprise yourself.

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Feb 05, 2013 Aeicha rated it 5 of 5 stars

Better Nate Than Ever was such a complete joy to read (devour, really)! This book sparkles and shines as bright as the lights of Broadway, and is as heartwarming as it is hilarious. Debut author Tim Federle has delivered a smash hit and has done so with addicting charm and flair.

In Better Nate Than Ever we follow Nate Foster as he sets out on a big journey to make his dreams come true. Nate dreams of starring in a Broadway show and with the ingenious help of his BFF Libby, he concocts an excit...more Better Nate Than Ever was such a complete joy to read (devour, really)! This book sparkles and shines as bright as the lights of Broadway, and is as heartwarming as it is hilarious. Debut author Tim Federle has delivered a smash hit and has done so with addicting charm and flair.

In Better Nate Than Ever we follow Nate Foster as he sets out on a big journey to make his dreams come true. Nate dreams of starring in a Broadway show and with the ingenious help of his BFF Libby, he concocts an exciting plan. When his parents go on a weekend trip and leave Nate in the care of his teenage brother, Nate and Libby put their plan in motion and Nate finds himself on an overnight bus trip to NYC and to an audition for E.T.: The Musical. Nate is dazzled by the city, but soon finds that navigating the streets (and people) of the big city isn't as easy as he hoped. And auditioning for a Broadway show is nothing like Nate imagined. But with a little help from a long lost relative and Libby back home, and a lot of courage and heart, Nate has one heck of an adventure and may just see his dreams come home.

Better Nate Than Ever is wildly entertaining, laugh-out-loud funny, surprisingly poignant, and dazzling all over. I simply fell in love with Federle's story, characters, and voice.

Federle brings Nate's story to life with a pitch-perfect and captivating middle-grade voice. Federle captures the often confusing, painful, and cringe-worthy middle-grade years in a way that young readers will relate to and older readers will appreciate. Federle is a fantastic storyteller with buckets of writing talent. Nate's world isn't a perfect one, in fact, it's pretty far from perfect. His love of singing and Broadway musicals hasn't made him popular among his peers and often leads to much teasing by classmates and his own brother, his home-life is rocky with parents that have an unstable marriage and don't relate well to Nate, and Nate feels like an outcast in his school, home, and small town...all of which Federle explores with such unabashed honesty, humor, and heart, and Federle holds nothing back.

Nate's journey to NYC and Broadway fame is an addicting, and awesomely unpredictable, one! Nate encounter's many different people and has many different experiences along the way: some that will leave you giggling, some that will leave you thoughtful, all super entertaining. I loved getting a first-hand look at the exciting, fast-paced, and, at times, utterly scary and competitive world of Broadway auditions! Federle clearly knows this world inside-out, and his knowledge and experience add wonderful and believable layers to Nate's story. Nate's audition process is equal parts disastrous, miraculous, and inspiring.

Better Nate Than Ever has a brilliant cast of characters! Nate is a completely endearing, witty, and thoughtful main character. Readers will easily relate to Nate and will root and cheer for him the entire way. Libby is now one of my favorite MG heroines ever! This clever, fearless, funny, plucky, and loyal girl is an absolute gem of a character. And Libby and Nate have such a sweet, lovable friendship.

Nate's quest for Broadway fame is a bumpy, moving, hilarious, and satisfying one. Better Nate Than Ever ends on a perfect note without being cheesy and unrealistic, which I appreciated.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Tim Federle has crafted a story worthy of big musical numbers with sparkling lights, jazz hands, and all. With its humor, heart, honesty, and awesome characters, Better Nate Than Ever captured, amused, and delighted me from beginning to end. This is a MUST read for anyone who has ever dreamed big then dared to dream even bigger!(less)

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Jun 02, 2013 Ulysses Dietz rated it 5 of 5 stars

I resisted Tim Federle's "Better Nate than Ever" just because it was so popular and has been getting such incredible press.

But Federle is coming to my local bookstore and I figured I should read it, and go meet him.

Good move. It's a wonderful book. Yes, as one of the lone low-score reviewers said, it might be a book for people who are into Broadway and that whole New York experience - but given that this means millions of potential people across the country, then why is that a criticism? Some p...more

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May 22, 2013 LJ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: juvenile-books

Nate Foster is the kind of kid that grows on you. In Better Nate Than Ever, a first novel for middle grade readers by Tim Federle, Nate is little more than an archetype at the beginning of the story. He’s short, fat and bullied. He has an older brother that’s a superstar high school jock that his parents idolize. He has an understanding female best friend that’s starting to think about taking their friendship a step further. This could be any of several similar book titles that have come out re...more Nate Foster is the kind of kid that grows on you. In Better Nate Than Ever, a first novel for middle grade readers by Tim Federle, Nate is little more than an archetype at the beginning of the story. He’s short, fat and bullied. He has an older brother that’s a superstar high school jock that his parents idolize. He has an understanding female best friend that’s starting to think about taking their friendship a step further. This could be any of several similar book titles that have come out recently (Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford comes to mind), but then everything quickly changes.

Nate is planning an escape from all things dull and predictable in his hometown of Jankburg, Pennsylvania. He is going on a journey to fulfill a big dream for himself: become the lead―or at least audition for a part in ET: The Broadway Musical. You’ve got to admire a main character that in the first few pages takes charge instead of spending pages bemoaning his life.

The adventure begins and Nate sets off, making pithy comments on the differences he observes between dull Jankburg and glamorous New York city. He’s planned it all out: his parents are going on a weekend anniversary date and he’ll go to the open call in the afternoon and catch the bus back and be home by morning, no one noticing that he’s gone. BFF Libby has provided a cover story. Nate is supposedly spending the night at her house.

Of course it wouldn’t be a story if all things went well. The kind of things that happen to Nate are the kind of things that would happen to any child actor auditioning for the first time, with several remarkable co-incidences thrown in. New York city, once Nate has taken his rose-tinted glasses off, gets a realistic treatment with homeless people, smelly subway car rides and Nate becoming hungry and homeless himself until his Aunt rescues him.

An added perk is that Nate is questioning his own sexuality in a realistic fashion. He does no swishy sashays. His eyes are opening up to the possibilities that what he suspects are his true feelings are valid and not so repellent after all. Beware, anyone who has made up their minds against gay people, this book may not be for you.

It all ends up happily in the conclusion of the story, and that may not be so realistic. After all, Nate is a 13 year old child who is on his own in a very unpredictable city, however wonderful its cultural offerings. Still, there’s plenty of humor and Nate’s unique take on events and his social observations from an outsider’s perspective are wonderful. Nate’s eyes are opened to the possibilities, and that is always a welcome event in a young person’s life. This book is a refreshing take on familiar themes that young people this age will relate to, especially if they themselves are questioning their identity
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May 17, 2013 Carol Owen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Started and finished this book today as it was a very easy read, witty and lighthearted, but with the root of bullying propelling the main character, Nate, forward to overcome every obstacle to make something of himself.

Nate is a small 13 year old boy who, together with his best friend Libby, has planned an overnight bus trip from his home in Jankburg, PA to NYC to audition for the role of Elliot in E.T. the Musical. Although everything goes as planned, when he gets to NYC he quickly discovers...more Started and finished this book today as it was a very easy read, witty and lighthearted, but with the root of bullying propelling the main character, Nate, forward to overcome every obstacle to make something of himself.

Nate is a small 13 year old boy who, together with his best friend Libby, has planned an overnight bus trip from his home in Jankburg, PA to NYC to audition for the role of Elliot in E.T. the Musical. Although everything goes as planned, when he gets to NYC he quickly discovers that he's a "small fish in a big pond," and that without his parents consent he has no hopes of making it. But to his parents he barely exists. All of their attention and time is spent celebrating Nate's brother, Anthony, wonder-jock. The only attention he gets is embarrassed comments from his parent, "try to take a page from your brother's book - to fit in," and "you meeting any nice girls at school, son?"

I won't say how it happens, so as not to spoil things, but Nate does get to participate in the first "type-out", in which group of actors are lined up and the casting crew goes down the row and makes spot decisions based on size, looks, abilities, etc. But when Nate's number isn't called to stay for further auditions, he's left with how to deal with going back to his life of drudgery and constant bullying. Due to his size and love of anything show tunes he is often the victim of name calling, beatings, and being shoved in lockers, toilets, and garbage cans. Here in NYC though, he sees that his differences would not be a source of ridicule, and for that reason he has fallen in love with NYC. How can he leave all that he has found in NYC and return home?

I can't end this review without commenting on Tim Federle's writing style. I think it would have been interesting being his teacher, because I can only imagine that he would babble non-stop for hours on end, stopping only to wonder at a butterfly that floated by, but then launching right back in to a story that he started 20 minutes ago that has taken 5 diversions since. A bit like being on a roller coaster, yet somehow he'd always get back to point A and although your senses may take a few moments to catch up, you finally do and you can only think, "Whew! What a ride...let's do it again!" With that said, I look forward to further books from Tim Federle.(less)

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Apr 14, 2013 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction-misc, humorous, children

You know those rare times when you open a book, not knowing what to expect, and within a few paragraphs, realize you have a winner? When you keep checking where you are in the book because you don't want it to end? When you want to call all your friends and demand that they read this book right now, because you want to share your enjoyment with them? So that all happened to me today. I started this book a few hours ago, and could not put it down. My husband and children talked to me, but I did n...more

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Apr 02, 2013 Richard Kramer rated it 5 of 5 stars

BETTER NATE THAN EVER, Tim Federle’s new novel, is about different kinds of flight … the flight its title character, the undersized 13 year old Nate Foster, makes from misery in his hometown of Jankburg PA --to a Broadway audition for a musical version of ET (which is actually a great idea).

It’s about another kind of flight, too, that of the imagination that lifts Nate up beyond the range of the taunts aimed at him by the school bullies who think they know who he is and want to force him to acce...more

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Feb 25, 2013 Sam rated it 5 of 5 stars

I know this may sound like a bit of an over exaggeration, but I think Better Nate Than Ever may be one of my favorite books I’ve read.

Just like the protagonist, Nate, this book just oozes a sort of charm and hilarious innocence that is impossible not to love. Readers of all ages (I’m 24 and loved it) will find something that they can relate to in this hilarious tale of innocence, dreams, and family.

There’s just something about Nate that readers of all ages and sexes will love. He’s innocent, fun...more

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Feb 18, 2013 Ray rated it 3 of 5 stars

Better Nate Than Ever is a young adult book. The kind I would have devoured at 13. The gold standards of the lost in New York/kid adventure drama are probably A Cricket in Times Square or from the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. This book is a great edition to this very specific sub-genre but there was something inflected into Nate's POV that was a little too knowing--too adult writing in the voice of a kid. (Case in point: Nate's observations about Aw Shucks' decor. Similar, though...more Better Nate Than Ever is a young adult book. The kind I would have devoured at 13. The gold standards of the lost in New York/kid adventure drama are probably A Cricket in Times Square or from the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. This book is a great edition to this very specific sub-genre but there was something inflected into Nate's POV that was a little too knowing--too adult writing in the voice of a kid. (Case in point: Nate's observations about Aw Shucks' decor. Similar, though funnier and a little more on point, was his obsession with corporate restaurants in Times Square with which he was presumably familiar with from the Century III Mall. This of course horrified his New Yorker aunt. Also, I laughed out loud at Marc and Mark, the production interns, but the joke here was intended for adults not kids. I don't have a problem with multiple levels in a novel but it just seemed liked there was a way Nate could have made more honest observations appropriate to his age that took us to the same place in terms of humor.)

I think, to be honest, I was also thrown off by how this book works as a piece of LGBT lit. I liked how honestly Nate engaged the subject of sexual orientation. And maybe 13 is too many years away for me at this point, but there was something weird about how much he knew about what sex and sexual orientation was and yet still engaged in a sort of Morriessy-like asexuality. Of course I was 13 years old when I came out to myself way back in like 1992 so I guess I am assuming kids today come out to themselves at like 6 but I could see how I am being a little intense on this point.

I also was annoyed by the swearing via "flop" musicals. Flora the Red Menace was not a flop. And these kids were sort of whores for any kind of musical it seems. I would have liked to see more Sondheim (other than "Into the Woods" covered) especially. I realize this is a totally crazy and specific criticism though...

All in all, I liked this. And I look forward to giving it to my 13 year old to read sometime before we board a bus to go see a show on Broadway. But there was something in the voice that threw me a little off. I hope Federle keeps writing so I can see where/how he grows as a writer. (less)

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Feb 07, 2013 Melanie (Moviemavengal) rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is hilarious fun! I pre-ordered it for my 6th grade son, who developed a love of musical theater in the last year. When it came this week, I flipped to the author bio, and burst out laughing: "Tim Federle is the author of over 700 emails..." I started reading the book, and realized last night that I had to stop since it was 1 am.

Nate is 13, and tormented in school in his home town near Pittsburgh. His one best friend is Libby and she shares his love of musical theater. He embarks on a...more

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Jan 31, 2013 Katie Zafian rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really liked this book, and I thought it was really relevant to real life and a kid who has to deal with homophobia and bullying because of his 'stereotypically gay' interest in theater (another thing I liked about this- he didn't even say he was gay or straight, but yet his sexuality was only slightly mentioned and even then he said it was not really relevant). Even though that is a bit cliché, it took a twist when Nate ran off to NYC itself! It wasn't a book about a kid overcoming bullying,...more

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Mar 27, 2013 Angela rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

Every so often, there's that book that completely engulfs you. That book that's not just a story; it's not just a silly little tale of a fictional life. Immediately, you know these characters. And you root for them, and you cry for them.

Enter: Nate Foster.

He's an awkward 13-year-old from Janksburg, PA. And even though Janksburg isn't an actual town (I checked), it has that middle-of-nowhere, Central Pennsylvania feel. In short: Nate's not going anywhere. But when his best friend, Libby, learns a...more

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Jun 04, 2013 Shelley rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love when I'm so into a book, I stay up late just to make sure I finish it all in one day. This was one of those books.

I'm a big fan of going-someplace-new-on-your-own stories, so as soon as I read the synopsis for this book, I knew I had to read it. I adored Nate's character, as well as supporting characters Libby, Heidi, and Freckles. They were a pleasure to spend time with, and Nate's inner thoughts were amusing and so true to life.

I had to rate this 4 stars instead of 5 because of the occa...more

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Mar 30, 2013 Mari Anne rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mg-ya

Very funny MG read about a young boy challenged by his height but inspired by Broadway, who decides to follow his dreams and run away to New York for an audition. While I thoroughly enjoyed most of this book I thought that it became almost TOO much by the end. Nate's sarcastic humour started to grate on me by the end. This was definitely his coping mechanism and when that failed him he broke into tears.... a LOT. I am not sure how realistic this is for an almost 14 year old boy... even if he is...more

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Apr 03, 2013 Marjorie Ingall rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: boys-9-12, girls-9-12, kids-9-12

I was gonna grade this on a yay-theater-geeks-yay-LGBT-friendly-kidlit scale. No need. It DEMOLISHED the curve, all by its fabulous little self. I expected Nate to have a funny, distinctive voice and I expected to like the book's politics and overcoming-bullying let-your-freak-flag-fly message. I did not expect the plot to be so tight and well-structured, or for the characterization of secondary and tertiary characters to be so strong. It's definitely madcap and farcical, but in that Noises-Off-...more

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Feb 10, 2013 Kim McGee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Better Nate Than Ever is Glee for the younger set. Nate is a quirky kid whose love of Broadway musicals and ambition to star in those musicals is often misunderstood. His brother picks on him, his classmates pick on him and his parents berate him. If it wasn't for his best friend Libby (think of the little girl whose mom is a travel agent in Sleepless in Seattle) than Nate would not get through life at all. When he decides to cash it all in and travel from his podunk town in Pennsylvania to the...more

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Feb 20, 2013 Kara Oates rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is amazing! I am so proud of Tim for his writing accomplishment, having known him for awhile. This book is great for anybody in my opinion. It's great for middleschoolers, kids my age (I'm 14) and adults too! Now on to the review.....
The book is told through the perspective of Nate Foster, a 13 year old from Pittsburgh, who runs away to New York City to audition for a Broadway Musical! And that musical just happens to be ET the musical! The only person he tells that he is going to NYC...more

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Apr 03, 2013 Reeka (BoundbyWords) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: middle-grade-fiction

As seen on my blog:

I know as much about Broadway, as I know about how cars are built..which is very close to nothing. With that sorry excuse for an analogy said, I enjoyed the heck out of this book. Better Nate Than Ever was exactly what I hoped a book about a 13-year boy who ran away to New York to audition for Elliot in E.T. WOULD be, and SO much more. I laughed, and cheered, out loud. And in the end, my whole heart belonged to Nate Foster.

Nate is 13-years old, and wants to be a the next big...more As seen on my blog:

I know as much about Broadway, as I know about how cars are built..which is very close to nothing. With that sorry excuse for an analogy said, I enjoyed the heck out of this book. Better Nate Than Ever was exactly what I hoped a book about a 13-year boy who ran away to New York to audition for Elliot in E.T. WOULD be, and SO much more. I laughed, and cheered, out loud. And in the end, my whole heart belonged to Nate Foster.

Nate is 13-years old, and wants to be a the next big Broadway star. His every waking moment is spent lost in a show tune, being sung from the top of his lungs. In his mind, and his best friend Libby's, nothing would mean more than making it big; conquering the world by song and act. Unfortunately, not everyone in Nate's life feels that strongly about his dreams. At school, Nate is yet another victim of merciless taunting, of bullying on a daily basis, for being different. He lives in the shadow of his older, more athletic, more good-looking, more "normal" older brother, Anthony. Even his parents seem to have given up hope on him entirely, putting all of their awe, care and focus on his brother's achievements. But Nate wants luck on his side, and with the help of Libby, he hops on a bus to New York city, an audition for the role of Elliot in E.T. is calling his name, and he wants to make sure he answers.

Every step Nate took came with an innocently witty line, an observation, a wishful thought. I don't think I've ever enjoyed the dialogue of a preteen boy this much (that..somehow..sounded wrong). Nate's hopeful personality was infectious, and downright hilarious. I really wish I could quote some of the amazing one-liners, but I'm reviewing the ARC unfortunately. I've felt the magic of New York for myself, but reading about Nate experiencing it was a whole new joy. He was the ultimate tourist, and the more mishaps he got himself into, the more I fell in love with him.

Better Nate Than Ever was the ultimate story of following your dreams, but it dealt with so many other underlying issues: family conflicts, bullying, gender roles, and finding out who you really are, and accepting it. My heart broke in so many places for Nate, but at the same time, I knew I was bearing witness to the events that would lead to an awesome self discovery. Better Nate Than Ever is being sold as a Middle Grade novel, but I think people of all ages could appreciate what this book helped me discover: that sometimes being different from everyone else is the best thing that you could ever give the world.
This book made me so happy.

Recommended for: fans of Middle Grade, contemporary, and comedy.

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*DISCLAIMER* I won this book as an ARC from a Twitter contest hosted by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.(less)

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Mar 13, 2013 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: humor, ya

Nailed it! Tim Federle has written one of the funniest novels of the year. I was roaring reading this tale of a young 13 year-old Broadway wannabe and his madcap adventures. I truly could not stop laughing at many of the passages because they were pitch-perfect. For anyone who has ever done theater or know those that have, you will be screaming with laughter.
This isn't to say that Better Nate Than Ever is just a light-hearted romp. There are some poignant moments dealing with Nate's sexuality an...more

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Apr 06, 2013 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars

Nate is that theater/drama geek who looks at life through the lens of musical theater. So of course he's bullied and not understood. He's not even sure he totally understands himself. After all he's only 13! This book follows him going from small town Janksburg, PA to NYC for an open casting for Elliot in E.T.: The Musical. Nate is naïve, wondrous, funny and sweet. He has some body image issues and when he gets nervous it's hard for him to shut up. Add in the fact he's gone to NYC behind his par...more

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Feb 09, 2013 Adam Silvera rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: luckily-read-in-2013, shelf-awareness-reviews

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SHELF AWARENESS

Former Broadway performer and debut author Tim Federle takes readers behind the curtains of a boy's journey to make a name for himself in the big city.

Thirteen-year-old Nate Foster is fleeing Jankburg, Pa., for New York City so he can audition for the role of Elliot in E.T: The Broadway Musical Version. Nate's parents are away, celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary, and his "girl-addicted" 16-year-old brother, Anthony, encourages him to stay over at h...more

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Apr 15, 2013 Young Mensans rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: chapter-books

Better Nate Than Ever, the first novel by Tim Federle, is a wonderful realistic fiction book about a boy in love with Broadway so much that he decides to sneak into the huge city of New York to try to get the role of Elliot in the all-new “E.T.: The Musical.” In New York, Nate goes on a “salsa crawl,” borrows a jacket from a charity bin for the homeless, reunites with his long-lost aunt and auditions for the big role. Although this book may have some foul language, the story is still a fabulous...more

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Apr 17, 2013 Lisa Jenn Bigelow rated it 4 of 5 stars

I tend to mistrust books with narration on the self-aware side -- especially when the narrator is a child and I hear the adult author's knowledge and perspective coming through. There was a bit of that here, but for the most part I was able to enjoy Nate's adventure in New York City -- the first place he's ever felt like he might truly feel at home. And while the story wraps up very neatly, heck, I'm a fan of happy endings (and we are reminded that Nate's life isn't going to be a walk in the par...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Aaron Hartzler rated it 5 of 5 stars

Featuring the best title of a YA book this calendar year, NATE will make you laugh, yes, but you'll have tears in your eyes while you do. Federle writes humor with a sort of effortless breeze—like he cut his teeth on a remote control watching reruns of I LOVE LUCY—while simultaneously plumbing the depth of feeling found in being seized by a dream that inspires you to risk everything, even when you're not exactly sure why.

This book is a call to action, really; NATE will whisper courage in your e...more

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Jan 10, 2013 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: to-read-childrens-ya

It took me the first quarter of the book to really get into the "voice" but, once I did, this was an absolute hoot of a story. Federle captures so well the pain and joy in growing up, not to mention that his insider glimpse of Broadway auditions rings true (Federle has worked on Broadway himself).

Lastly, I personally loved the book for its New York City moments: they are alternately hilarious, inspiring, and moving. This was a personal favorite: "A new reason to like New York, all over again -...more

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Mar 05, 2013 Betsy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This one's wit and heart had me snorting in the break room. Here is a hero we haven't met before -- a bullied and ignored middle school musical theater lover starring in a twist on the classic quest tale. His quest: To sneak away to NYC to audition for the Broadway show "E.T.: The Musical."
Unfortunately, the cover, while attractive, will appeal to readers younger than the book's intended audience. Sporadic derogotory language make this one feel more like a YA book than a children's fiction. The...more

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Feb 21, 2013 Karlee rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love this book. I relate to it because I go on auditions like Nate and it's always exciting when you get a callback (or just book the job)! This book got me at the edge of my seat. Especially at the end!

SPOILERS!!! This book left me hanging at the end! It finishes off and it's up to your imagination to find out if he got the part in ET the musical. I'm going to say he did! I thought Aunt Heidi was lying when she said to Nate that he got cut. However, later on I found out that they did cut him...more

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Jun 09, 2013 Charlou Lunsford rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: j, middle-grade

Nate at a hefty 4'8" isn't the most popular 8th grader in Jankburg, PA. He also sings. All the time. Show tunes. HIs brother is a high school athlete. His father understands him. Nate, not so much. So what's a boy to do? With the help of his best pal, Libby, he runs away to New York City to auditions for the role of Elliott in E. T.: the Musical. The author's personal experience comes through in a gently honest look at auditions and finding yourself. Easily read in a day. Coincidentally, watchin...more

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Mar 03, 2013 Mary Addison-lamb rated it 5 of 5 stars

Oh my gosh. It's been awhile since I read a "young reader's" book, but the author's mother is a high school friend (her son looks just like her, only handsome)and I loved the premise.

An almost 13 year old boy who is interested in musical theater and stuck in a dull town in Pennsylvania where he is bullied by his classmates, cooks up a plan to go to an audition in NY for "ET the Musical." His best friend who is his partner in all things musical, helps to cover for him when he takes his mother's...more

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Mar 29, 2013 Penny Peck rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-ya

Nate takes a bus to NYC from Pittsburg, to audition for a new musical based on the film "E.T." This hilarious tween novel has humor, heart, original characters, and lots of great inside information on Broadway theater. Written by a former "chorus boy," this authentic tween novel will appeal to fans of TV's "Glee" and "Smash," all the while breaking down barriers as to the main character's sexual orientation. As Nate says, he is only 13 an isn't sure what he is, although it is clear he is regular...more

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title link	preview: Better Nate Than Ever
avg rating	preview: Better Nate Than Ever Goodreads rating: 4.22 (258 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13414183-better-nate-than-ever?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1349703913l/13414183.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13414183-better-nate-than-ever?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle[/url]

Better Nate Than Ever (Better Nate Than Ever #1)

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