Federle, Tim. Better Nate Than Ever. Fic. Simon & Schuster, 2013. 288p. $16.99. 978-1-4424689-2. OUTSTANDING. GRADES 4-7.
Middle schooler Nate Foster sneaks away from home in Jankburg, Pennsylvania to audition for the Broadway musical of E.T. in New York. Surprisingly, he not only safely traverses the Greyhound bus system and New York’s streets, he also squeaks into the audition and manages to get two callbacks. Federle manages to mix quite a few topics into an entertaining, though slightly improbable, storyline. In addition to developing themes on acting aspirations and sneaking behind parents’ backs, he also includes some focus on friendship, estranged families, and difficult siblings. Nate’s adventures in New York will appeal to readers who are escaping parental ties or are just looking for an entertaining, humorous read. Review based on an ARC.
Joshua Rees, Daly City PL