Book Review of Better Nate Than Ever
The Children’s Book Review
Better Nate Than Ever
Written by Tim Federle
Ages 9+ | 288 Pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers | ISBN-13: 9781442446892
What to Expect: LGBTQ, Dance, Theater, Pursuing Dreams, and Self-Identity
Turn out the lights and open those stage curtains; Nate is ready to dance into your heart. Five, Six, Seven, Eight …
If you are searching for an uplifting and engaging novel, Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle is a story that revolves around Nate, who lives in Jankburg, Pennsylvania. Unlike his peers, Nate is passionate about theater, which makes him a standout figure. However, only his best friend, Libby, seems to understand and share his interests—she appreciates a good show tune. In his pursuit of a career in the theater industry, Nate devises a secret plan to travel to New York City to audition for the Broadway musical, “E.T.” This decision sets off a humorous and hilarious journey filled with a unique cast of characters, including taxi drivers and eccentric theater personalities.
Better Nate Than Ever is more than just a story of a young boy pursuing his dreams. It also delves into Nate’s challenges, including bullying, self-identity, and navigating relationships with family—the road to being a Broadway star, or even just Nate, is not always easy. Despite the obstacles, Nate is determined to make his dreams come true, no matter what it takes.
With witty humor, poignant themes, and a fantastic narrator, this book is perfect for anyone searching for an inspirational and heartwarming read. Better Nate Than Ever is a book to phone home about and worthy of your jazz hands. Bravo!
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About the Author
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 Literature Award–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 cowrote the Broadway musical adaptation of Tuck Everlasting and won the Humanitas Prize for cowriting 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.
What to Read Next if You Love Better Nate Than Never
- Five, Six, Seven, Nate!, by Time Federle
- Drama, by Raina Telgemeier
- Two Weeks with the Queen, by Morris Gleitzman
- The Boy in the Dress, by David Walliams
Bianca Schulze reviewed Better Nate Than Ever. Discover more books like Better Nate Than Ever by reading our reviews and articles tagged with LGBTQ, Dance, Theater, and Dreams.
