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 his best friend Libby's house. Instead, Nate leaves for New York City with $50, his brother's fake I.D, knowledge from the Internet on "things that annoy New Yorkers" and a big dream to chase.
It's a joy watching Nate marvel at Manhattan for the first time, such as the rush of Port Authority, but it's not nearly as dreamy as Nate finding hope in the audition process when all the odds seem to be stacked against him. Federle admirably rolls out themes of adolescent sexuality onto the stage to tie into Nate's dreams of escaping to a place where he doesn't have to change anything about himself to fit in. (Nate says of his sexuality, "I am undecided... and frankly don't want to declare anything other than 'Hey, jerks. I'm thirteen. Leave me alone.' ")
Better Nate Than Ever is an open call for any reader looking for a little book with big star quality. --Adam Silvera, former bookseller, Paper Lantern Lit intern