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BETTER NATE THAN EVER

Tim Federle

The debut middle-grade novel (and gentle coming-out story) features a young boy with big Broadway dreams. The author, a career performer himself, is currently dance coach for "Billy Elliott" on Broadway.
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 a small town where no one (except his best pal Ruby) appreciates a good show tune? With Ruby’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. Now’s his chance to explore the city, wow the casting director, out-sing the competition, and hop the last bus home before anyone notices he’s gone. No big deal, right? But exciting as it is, the Big Apple can be big trouble. And if Nate isn’t careful, he’ll be lucky if he makes it through Times Square, much less the audition. 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. Tim Federle discovered show tunes in elementary school. Armed only with grit (and his father’s credit card), Tim fled to New York City as a teenager. He has since worn a Tina Turner wig at the Super Bowl, a polar bear suit at Radio City, and a big fat grin in five Broadway shows. This is Tim’s first novel. Please visit www.timfederle.com
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Published 2013-02-01 by Simon & Schuster

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Hilarious and heartwarming. This book soars. Read more...

No one captures Broadway or the kids who want to be part of it with the humor, insight and heart of Tim Federle. This hysterical and heartwarming story is for everyone who dreams of going out there a middle-schooler and coming back a star.

Stonewall Honor Book ALA Notable Book YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults (Top 10) ALA Rainbow List (Top 10) Odyssey Honor Audiobook ALA Notable Children's Recordings (for audiobook) http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists/ncb http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/odysseyaward New York Times: Notable Children's Book of 2013 mobile.nytimes.com/2013/12/08/books/review/notable-childrens-books-of-2013.html?from=books

China: Dolphin ; Italy: Il Castoro

A smash hit! If there were a Tony Award for books, it would go to BETTER NATE THAN NEVER.

Federle writes from the heart and hits you in the gut-not to mention your funny bone.

The funny, awkward, vulnerable Nate is an insightful and entertaining narrator for this adventurous tale about an ugly duckling learning to experience and embrace his inner swan.

Find it. Read it. Enjoy it thoroughly. Read more...

[A] twinkling adventure tale... ultimately it's a coming-of-age tale with an It Gets Better message: Embrace your idiosyncrasy rather than sacrifice it to bullies. Read more...