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Title details for Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle - Available

Better Nate Than Ever

#1 in series

by Tim Federle
Tim Federle
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available

A small-town boy hops a bus to New York City to crash an audition for E.T.: The Musical. 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 writes a warm and witty debut that's 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.

  • Creators

  • Series

    Better Nate Than Ever

  • Publisher

  • Awards

  • Release date

    November 20, 2014

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781470369408
      • File size: 170526 KB
      • Duration: 05:55:15

  • Languages

    • English

  • Levels

    • Lexile® Measure: 930
    • Text Difficulty: 4-6

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from December 17, 2012
      Federle’s hilarious and heartwarming debut novel follows 13-year-old musical theater–loving Nate Foster on his meticulously choreographed overnight getaway to New York City to audition for E.T.: The Musical. Catchy chapter titles framed in marquee lights (“This’ll Be Fast: You Might as Well Meet Dad, Too”) and running gags, like Nate’s use of Broadway flops as epithets (“Moose Murders it all to tarnation!”), add to the theatrical atmosphere as Nate breathlessly narrates his backstory and real-time adventures. Federle (who has himself worked on Broadway) combines high-stakes drama with slapstick comedy as Nate travels by Greyhound bus—dying cellphone and dollars in hand—determined to get to the audition, conceal his lack of chaperone, and compete in the cutthroat world of child actors and stage parents. Nate’s desperation to escape his stifling home environment, instant love affair with the city, questions about his sexuality, and relationship with his dysfunctional but sympathetic family add emotional depth. Federle’s supporting characters affirm theater’s “no small roles” adage, and E.T. references abound—like Elliott’s bicycle in the film, this book soars. Ages 9–13. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.

    • AudioFile Magazine
      What a listening pleasure! Author-read narrations are not always successful, but in this case, Tim Federle is a star. He's the heart and soul of 13-year-old Nate, who is passionate about his acting and knowledge of musicals but disheartened by his family and the bullies at school. He's also unclear about his sexuality. To the supporting characters, Federle brings vocal nuances that deepen each personality--from an estranged aunt to casting directors and overbearing child stars and parents. Listeners will experience laugh-out-loud moments as Nate and his friend Libby secretly travel from Pennsylvania to New York City to attend auditions for ET, THE MUSICAL, just a one-day outing--or, not. A.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2014 Odyssey Honor © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine
    • School Library Journal

      February 1, 2014

      Gr 4-6-Nate Foster and his best friend, Libby, are obsessed with musicals. They even curse by using the name of Broadway's biggest flops in vain: "Moose Murders it all to tarnation!" So when they learn of an open casting call for E.T.: The Musical on Broadway, they hatch a plan to get Nate from suburban Pittsburgh to the audition in New York. Armed with his mom's ATM card, his older brother's fake ID, a box of donuts, and $100, Nate embarks on a 48-hour solo adventure into the Big Apple. Debut author and Broadway performer Tim Federle reads with verve, but his voice variations are minimal, which can make it difficult to discern which of the story's characters is speaking. However, the semi-autobiographical nature of the story (S & S, 2013) overcomes this quibble, and the reading is effective because it feels like Nate is taking listeners into his confidence. While the packaging and marketing makes it seem family-friendly, be aware that the story, alongside the lighter issues of friendship, puberty, and perseverance, explores weighty and mature issues of sexuality, alcoholism, bullying, and religion. It's all told in the rarely serious naive and quip-filled voice of Nate, yet the depth of what is being conveyed is undiminished. Nate's bullies torment him through the use of brutish gay slurs and physical assaults. With his indefatigable spirit, he's able to mostly brush it all aside and pursue his dreams undaunted. Preteens having a hard time finding their niche will relate to Nate's travails; adults will appreciate the humor and wit of the story.-Jennifer Verbrugge, Dakota County Library, Eagan, MN

      Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • Lexile® Measure:930
  • Text Difficulty:4-6

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