Better Nate Than Ever

Federle, Tim. Better Nate Than Ever. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, New York, 1970. 275 pages.  Tr. $16.99 ISBN 9781442446892

Plot Description:

Twelve year old Nate Foster loves Broadway and wants nothing more than to be a star on the stage, so when his friend Libby tells him about an open audition for E.T.: The Musical, Nate knows he must audition.  The only problem is the audition is in New York City.  With Libby’s help and the good fortune that his parents are out of town, Nate sneaks out and heads to the big city for what is suppose to be an afternoon trip, but when Nate’s older brother Anthony finds out about Nate’s trip and calls their aunt Heidi in New York, his trip takes a different turn.  Heidi agrees to let Nate audition, but then he has to get on a bus back home before his parents discover he is missing.  Heidi barely gets Nate on the bus, but they have barely pulled out of the station when the miraculous happens; Nate gets a call back! 

Review:

Nate is a wonderful character.  Despite constant teasing about being chubby, his love of Broadway, and his perceived sexuality, Nate refuses to be anyone other than himself.  Nate is not ready to decide on his sexuality, but he is frequently teased at school and by his own brother who greets him as “homo.”  New York, where Nate sees two men dancing together and kissing, and meeting his Aunt Heidi’s gay roommate makes a big impression on Nate and it is clear that he is comforted by the idea that a place like New York exists.  Federle debut novel is truly wonderful, the characters are well developed and the plot speeds along a good pace and is filled with humor. 

Genre:

Realistic Fiction

Humorous Fiction

GLBTQ

Reading Level/Interest Level:

Grades 5-8

Similar Books:

The Misfits by James Howe

Awards/Honors:
ALA Notable Book 2014
ALA Rainbow List 2014
Stonewall Honor Book 2014

Author’s Website:

http://www.timfederle.com/

Book Trailer:
http://goanimate.com/videos/0ChDidXBwU1s?utm_source=linkshare