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Tim Federle

Better Nate Than Ever Paperback – January 30, 2014

by Tim Federle (Author)

279 ratings

Book 1 of 3: Nate

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“The Nate series by Tim Federle is a wonderful evocation of what it’s like to be a theater kid. Highly recommended.” —Lin-Manuel Miranda, star and creator of the musical, Hamilton

A New York Times Notable Book of the Year
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A Slate Favorite Book of the Year

A small-town boy hops a bus to New York City to crash an audition for E.T.: The Musical in this winning middle grade novel that The New York Times called “inspired and inspiring.”

Nate Foster has big dreams. His whole life, he’s wanted to star in a Broadway show. (Heck, he’d settle for seeing a Broadway show.) But how is Nate supposed to make his dreams come true when he’s stuck in Jankburg, Pennsylvania, where no one (except his best pal Libby) appreciates a good show tune? With Libby’s help, Nate plans a daring overnight escape to New York. There’s an open casting call for E.T.: The Musical, and Nate knows this could be the difference between small-town blues and big-time stardom.

Tim Federle’s “hilarious and heartwarming debut novel” (Publishers Weekly) is full of broken curfews, second chances, and the adventure of growing up—because sometimes you have to get four hundred miles from your backyard to finally feel at home.

Reading age

9 - 13 years
Print length

304 pages
Language

English
Grade level

4 - 8
Lexile measure

930L
Dimensions

5.13 x 0.9 x 7.63 inches
Publisher

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication date

January 30, 2014
ISBN-10

1442446919
ISBN-13

978-1442446915
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Critics are raving about Nate." -- CNN

"The book I needed--and would have adored--when I was a kid. Federle writes from the heart and hits you in the gut--not to mention your funny bone." -- Jesse Tyler Ferguson, star of Modern Family

"A smash hit! If there were a Tony Award for books, it would go to Better Nate Than Ever." -- Alan Menken, Tony and Oscar-winning composer of Newsies and Beauty and the Beast

“No one captures Broadway or the kids who want to be part of it with the humor, insight and heart of Tim Federle. This hysterical and heartwarming story is for everyone who dreams of going out there a middle-schooler and coming back a star.”
-- Thomas Schumacher, Tony Award–winning producer of The Lion King

"I can’t stop reading this book! Nate Foster’s hilarious and touching adventures en route to making it big on Broadway just kill me—I’m falling in love with New York City all over again, and with Nate for the first time. Please, Tim Federle, take a break before writing your next book, so I'll have time to write mine. I can only hope it's half as much fun as Better Nate Than Ever!" -- James Howe, author of The Misfits

"The funny, awkward, vulnerable Nate is an insightful and entertaining narrator for this adventurous tale about an ugly duckling learning to experience and embrace his inner swan." ― The New York Times Book Review

“[A] charming debut by a rising theater star.” -- Entertainment Weekly

"Hilarious and heartwarming...this book soars." ― Publishers Weekly, starred review

"From his obsession with the first franchise restaurant he sees in New York to his infectious enthusiasm for city-life, Nate is the quintessential starry-eyed small-town boy in the Big Apple...Between the hijinks and the humor, however, Nate reveals himself to be a kid who accepts that he is a disappointment to his conventional family and yet still remains solidly himself, optimistically certain that there is a place for guys like him somewhere in the world. There’s plenty of substance to go along with the razzle-dazzle here, so sit back and enjoy the show." ― BCCB, Recommended

"A story of Broadway dreams tailor-made for the younger side of the Glee audience...Nate is a quirky and endearing leading man from the start, and anyone who has ever felt out of place will easily identify with him. It’s a joy to watch him fall head over heels for a city that couldn’t care less about him—in the best possible way...Federle’s debut addresses—deftly—big and solemn issues in the second half of the novel, particularly with regard to family, sexuality and religion. Bravo, Nate!" ― Kirkus Reviews

"Funny and insightful...This talented first-time author has made the classic Chorus Line theme modern and bright for the Glee generation." ― Booklist

"Explores weighty issues such as sibling rivalry, bullying, religious parents, and gay or questioning teens with a remarkably lighthearted and humorous touch totally appropriate for young audiences." ― School Library Journal

"Filled with adventure, suspense, plenty of humor, and incredibly unique characters, Better Nate than Ever will be enjoyed by anyone who has ever decided to stop waiting, and make their own dreams come true." ― Bookpage

“[A] twinkling adventure tale for the musical theater set.” ― New York Times

“Judy Blume as seen through a Stephen Sondheim lens -- with a dash of Lewis Carroll whimsy. As long as Federle wants to tell stories, a new generation of Broadway-loving theater fans has a voice in young adult literature.” ― Huffington Post

“[A] little book with big star quality.” ― Shelf Awareness

“The Nate series by Tim Federle is a wonderful evocation of what it’s like to be a theater kid. Highly recommended.” -- Lin-Manuel Miranda, star and creator of the musical, Hamilton

About the Author

Tim Federle is “a prolific scribe whose breezy wit isn’t bound to a single genre” (Huffington Post). Tim’s award-winning novels include The New York Times Notable Books The Great American Whatever and the Nate series—which Lin-Manuel Miranda called “a wonderful evocation of what it’s like to be a theater kid.” Tim cowrote both the Tony-nominated Broadway musical Tuck Everlasting, and the Golden Globe and Oscar–nominated Best Animated Feature Ferdinand, starring John Cena and Kate McKinnon. A native of San Francisco who grew up in Pittsburgh, Tim now divides his time between New York and the internet (@TimFederle).

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; Reprint edition (January 30, 2014)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1442446919
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1442446915
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 - 13 years
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 930L
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.1 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.13 x 0.9 x 7.63 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #709,361 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #88 in Teen & Young Adult Theater Fiction
- #1,071 in Teen & Young Adult LGBTQ+ Fiction (Books)
- #1,558 in Teen & Young Adult Friendship Fiction

Customer Reviews:
279 ratings

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Tim Federle

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Tim Federle is the showrunner and executive producer of "High School Musical: the Musical: the Series," which he created for Disney+. His novels include the New York Times Notable Book "Better Nate Than Ever" and its Lambda-winning sequel—which Lin-Manuel Miranda called “a wonderful evocation of what it’s like to be a theater kid” (New York Times). A film adaptation of "Nate," written and directed by Federle, will premiere on Disney+ in spring 2022. The film stars Aria Brooks, Joshua Bassett, Lisa Kudrow, and Rueby Wood as Nate.

Tim’s hit series of cocktail recipe books, including "Tequila Mockingbird," have sold over half a million copies worldwide. He co-wrote the Broadway musical adaptation of "Tuck Everlasting," and won the Humanitas Prize for co-writing the Golden Globe and Academy Award-nominated Best Animated Feature "Ferdinand," starring John Cena and Kate McKinnon.

A former Broadway dancer, Tim was born in San Francisco, grew up in Pittsburgh, and now divides his time between Los Angeles and the internet.

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5 star		75%
4 star		14%
3 star		7%
2 star		1%
1 star		3%

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Ulysses Grant Dietz

For anyone who remembers being thirteen and awkward.

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 2, 2013

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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 people. Yeesh.

This is a Young Adult novel aimed at early teenagers - but written with a sparkling, sharp-edged humor and bracingly fast pace. The author's voice feels like a teen, but has the language skills of an adult. It works - or it worked for me. A lot. It all but careens through Nate Foster's escape from the rural outskirts of Pittsburgh to the gritty reality of what he, adorably, calls Manhattan City.

There is not a single thing about Nate that resembles me or my life at the age of thirteen. And yet I identified with him so fully as I read the book I had to stop and remind myself that I wasn't like this.

I laughed out loud throughout the book - and yet there were several moments, small, incisive bits of very smart writing, that surprised me into tears. Because where Nate and I do intersect is that place where, at thirteen, you realize you're not a "normal" boy, and that you'll never fit into that mold. Never.

And the great triumph of this book is that Nate, in the end, is fine with that. Which makes the whole adventure more than worthwhile - for me, as well.

4 people found this helpful

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J. Kuntze

So close, but a miss in the end

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 10, 2014

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Note: Let me say first that I read this book with the most "un-prudish" part of my open parental brain. But this is not a book I would feel comfortable giving any kid under the age of 14 -- and to be honest, I don't think the majority of kids over 14 would enjoy it. There are adults who are raving over it, if only because they wish it had been around when they were 10 or 11.

This book. Where do I start?

First, with the good. Federle is a good writer, and the story moves at a good pace. I don't remember ever reading a book about a kid who was so interested and committed to theater. Nate's ability to navigate his way to New York City and tryout for a big-time production is amazing and inspiring, even as he deals with bullies (and even grown ups) who do not take him seriously, make fun of his "flaws", and generally put roadblock after roadblock in his path. He struggles to find support and self-confidence, even as his naivete and dedication continue to propel him forward, and he discovers that he can achieve much more than anyone gave him credit for.

Now for the problems. This book, intended for readers between the ages of 9 and 13, is often jarring at times, because the character is 13, and most of the writing is only appropriate for this age range -- but then, suddenly, a more "mature" moment gets thrown in there. It is no secret that Nate (almost 14) is realizing his attraction more to other boys than girls, but then there are parts where he is ogling grown up men. Other readers have had a hard time with the author's inclusion of the "f"-word (ends with a "-g" or "-ot", rather than a "-ck"), which I understand has more to do with understanding the slurs that are thrown at Nate as opposed to encouraging kids to use that kind of language. I had to think about this story long and hard as a parent, and make sure I was not simply uncomfortable with it because the main character is coming to terms with his sexuality.

However, imagine the main character is a girl, and this is how part of the story goes: "...And as I'm fondling the rabbit foot and making sure my fly is zipped up and wondering if we woke Freckles, out he comes from the bedroom, wearing pajama bottoms and -- oh, how funny -- no shirt. 'What's up?' he says, rubbing his eye. Gosh, nobody back home is built like him, other than the varsity swim team. But he's so much older than them, like some animated character: AdultBoyMan, with a high schooler's fatless body and a kind of adult's face." Or maybe turn "Freckles" into a woman, as described by a straight boy -- how would that go over? One reviewer called this book "good for any age" -- but really???!!! Not for my kids, at least under the age of 13 or 14.

There are other parts of the book that seem a bit too racy for this age group as well: Nate's best friend (a girl) is caught playing in his brother's underwear drawer, Nate's mother shows up drunk to bring him home from NYC, a comment from his father that leads Nate to mention "This from a man who reportedly ran around with an exotic dancer in McKeesport throughout all of last winter," and other (dirty) asides that I can't imagine even quoting here (i.e., discussions about a Museum of Sex and the hood of his borrowed parka).

It's a shame, really, because most of these questionable (at best) parts could have been left out, and it would have been a much more appropriate book, without compromising much from the story overall. And kids need a book like this, with a point of view that's different from the current norm.

My take? You need a strong stomach and a birth certificate that is at least 14 years old to enjoy this book.

14 people found this helpful

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Dustin C. Holden

more than I expected

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 16, 2022

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This book is definitely a new favorite - I most certainly will be getting the sequels! I have to know what happens next.
It reminds me of me in a lot of ways and I hope it helps a lot of other queer kids (or other “black sheep” of their families). Very touching without being too corny. Cannot recommend enough!

3 people found this helpful

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Melanie Greenberg

Hilarious fun!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 8, 2013

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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 trip to New York City by himself to audition for E.T. the Musical. I think Federle gets the tone of middle school aged kids exactly right: Whip-smart funny, but also naive and unsure of themselves. I absolutely loved all of Nate's wide-eyed observations about being in New York City for the first time. He's amazed to find Appleby's right next to the bus station! And a cupcake shop on every street.

The author has appeared in several Broadway shows and was the associate choreographer on Billy Elliot on Broadway working with all the children in the show. So he knows the subject matter, and he knows theater kids.

This book is just excellent, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I'm hoping we get a sequel for further adventures of Nate!

17 people found this helpful

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Chelsea

You have to read this book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on October 13, 2015

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This book is amazing Nate is one of the best character ever you are cheering him on all the way and his adventure is one I could only dream of

Amazon Customer

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on May 2, 2016

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A wonderful, exhilarating and funny story. Wilhelm von Rosen

Mrs K Chase

So good I'm still missing Nate!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 27, 2013

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This is a wonderful book. Particularly, if like me, you have a passion for Broadway musicals. It’s aimed at teenagers but I’m 39 and I absolutely loved it! It’s extremely well written, and very witty . From the moment I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. Nate is such a warm character you can’t help but fall in love with him instantly. Now having finished it, I am just hoping Tim Federle writes a sequel. I would download it in an instant!

LenaRibka

4,5 stars!

Reviewed in Germany 🇩🇪 on June 8, 2015

Verified Purchase

"A kid who might have found someplace where he doesn't have to change anything about himself, to fit in.

(A kid going as himself for Halloween, but the best version, the ultimate.)

A better Nate than ever. "

Nate Foster , a 13 years old boy from Pittsburgh, has a backstory- he can sing, he loves to sing and he knows EVERY SINGLE MUSICAL on this planet.

And Nate Forster has a dream- he wants to star in a Broadway show .

And Nate Forster has a plan - to take a bus to New York to audition for a Broaday musical version of E.T., and get back home after the audition BEFORE his parents come back from their seventeen-year anniversary weekend. He has never been anywhere in his life except Pittsburgh.

And Nate Forster has a little help from his only and the best friend Libby, who shares his love for musicals. But as we all know from our own experience- not everything in our life works as it should.

No, this book is not exactly Nate Fosteralone alone in NY .
Well, in some way maybe. What this book is for sure NOT is a MM-romance. And what this book for sure doesn't have - a sexual tension or sex scenes. This book is a child book. Look at all these awards that Better Nate Than Ever was nominated for or won:

*** Stonewall Book Award Nominee for Children's & Young Adult Literature (2014)
*** Golden Kite Award for Fiction (2014)
*** Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Nominee (2015)
*** Lambda Literary Award Nominee for LGBT Children's/Young Adult (2014)
*** American Library Association Rainbow List Top 10 (2014)
*** ALA Odyssey Honor Book (2014)
*** Odyssey Honor (2014)
*** YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults (Top Ten) (2014)

It is a wonderful book, a refreshing, a sweet début novel about friendship and family and about our most impossible dreams come true.

If you love musicals, and I mean - if you REALLY have expert knowledge or at least are well-informed about a content of many musicals - you probably will have even more fun reading this book than I had, because Nate compares almost every situation in his life and almost every person he comes across with a scene or a character from musicals.

I thought I would laugh non-stop reading the book, and I really did, in the beginning, but more I read about a boy who was a bit different and therefore he didn't have a lot of friends except Libby, about a boy being bullied at school and called names, even if Nate told his story with humour and a warm child charm, even when he tried to find all these episodes in his boyish life comical and witty, my anger against his classmates and my sadness has been grown toward the end.

P.S. After reading about the author, I can imagine that this book was a result of his own experience and probably even a bit autobiographical. He grew up in San Francisco and Pittsburgh before moving to New York to dance on Broadway.

Colin McIntosh

LOVED IT - ROLL ON BOOK TWO

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on May 5, 2013

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This is a book that stirs the emotions of anyone who has ever loved musicals. Sadly i'm 42 and this is a book for teenagers but hey a man can dream! I loved Nate, I could see everything he said and felt and I read it in on sitting and would happily read again whilst waiting for Five Six Seven Nate book two. His Aunt is great too with her flatmate - definitely new book there too! Don't delay download or buy today!!

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Better Nate Than Ever Paperback – January 30, 2014

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