Better Nate Than Ever

I found I was easily able to relate to Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle.  Nate is growing up outside of Pittsburgh and trying to survive middle school.  While his older brother is “perfect” at everything (i.e. sports), Nate prefers Broadway shows and singing, hoping one day to be a star!  His best friend Libby helps him create an elaborate ruse to travel to New York City to audition for a part in E.T.: The Musical.  Little does Nate know of the trouble, excitement, and adventure that awaits him.

I grew up outside of Pittsburgh as well and I could easily relate to the small-town outlook many people had where I grew up.  Being different is never easy and I couldn’t wait to graduate high school and go to college and graduate school and figure out who I was.  I loved the small-town feel of being able to walk to school, the library, and friends’ houses, but there can also be a lot of ignorance in small-town life.  Nate knows this better than anyone.

I really enjoyed this book and I think it can resonate with middle schoolers because middle school is all about trying to fit in and worrying about how people see you.  I really enjoyed the ending of the book because the author rather than giving us a cookie-cutter perfect ending or an ending most people would be upset with, rather we are left hanging, which I believe works perfectly with the arc of the story.

For more information check the author’s website. 

Title: Better Nate Than Ever
Author: Tim Federle
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: 2013
Page Number: 275 pgs.