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emerygirl's review against another edition
5.0
I think I liked this book so mug because Nate reminded me of my own cute, imaginative, singing through life little man.
hayleybeale's review against another edition
3.0
I'd heard such good things about this and I really liked the idea of it, but I found the whole plot so wildly unrealistic that I couldn't rate it higher. While I felt so bad for this poor plump bullied kid, the ending seemed such a copout - I wanted him to go back and face those bullies and not have this fantasy ending where he gets scooped up in a Broadway show. I'm sure much of this is written from the heart (and life) of the author, but I wish he'd made it just a little more realistic.
sparklethenpop's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. We listened to this on a road trip as a family. The story itself was cute and it had some good messages and being LGBTQ but there were a lot of other microagressions about race, class, and weight that bothered me.
jwinchell's review against another edition
3.0
I had to do the 30 minute read on this one--just couldn't actually read it. I'm glad it exists--obsession with musical theater is common, and cheeky, scheming protagonists really do it for some--but it is one I can now talk to tweens about without having put myself through every single precocious word.
aoosterwyk's review against another edition
4.0
A very unusual and humorous story about Nate, a thirteen year old who lives in a PA suburb, loves musicals, and dreams of acting on Broadway. He has been bullied all his life for just being himself and has developed some skill at self-preservation. His dialogue is full of funny lines he would say if he weren't self-monitoring so he doesn't get pounded.
He has a great sense of self-deprecating humor and a sympathetic and daring friend, Libby, who is also a fan of the theater. Together they hatch a plan for Nate to skip town and head to Manhattan to audition for a role in the musical E.T.. The descriptions of the show biz industry are hilarious as Nate tries to figure out how it all works.
Funny, funny, funny.
The theme of Nate's sexuality is handled lightly and is a mystery to him. He is constantly being compared negatively to his "perfect" jock older brother and things are a little dicey at home between his parents since dad's affair. Instead of being stifled by all the negativity in his life, Nate attempts to find the people and places where he belongs.
Nate is one of the bravest kids I've met in fiction and he'll go to any length to pursue his dream.
He has a great sense of self-deprecating humor and a sympathetic and daring friend, Libby, who is also a fan of the theater. Together they hatch a plan for Nate to skip town and head to Manhattan to audition for a role in the musical E.T.. The descriptions of the show biz industry are hilarious as Nate tries to figure out how it all works.
Funny, funny, funny.
The theme of Nate's sexuality is handled lightly and is a mystery to him. He is constantly being compared negatively to his "perfect" jock older brother and things are a little dicey at home between his parents since dad's affair. Instead of being stifled by all the negativity in his life, Nate attempts to find the people and places where he belongs.
Nate is one of the bravest kids I've met in fiction and he'll go to any length to pursue his dream.
deemazztan's review against another edition
3.0
The humorous narration was fun in the first chapter, but I found it tiring as the book continued.
cimorene1558's review against another edition
4.0
Great book! Hilarious, sweet and totally right on target!
amyefaulhaber's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not sure who this book is for, age-wise. Obviously, it's for theatre nerds like myself, but I can't imagine it resonating with any kids or teens I know (and I teach musical theatre). It feels really dated and definitely needed a sensitivity reader. It's just kind of one of those YA books that makes me wonder if the author has ever once met or spoken to a child/teen.
kelleemoye's review against another edition
5.0
Review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=5903
Oh. My. Goodness. I love this book so much! I just finished it, and I immediately had to read the second one. Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle is more than just a funny book about a young boy auditioning for a Broadway musical. It is about a boy who doesn’t feel like he fits in at home because of who he is. There are so many young kids out there that will connect with this feeling. And the prejudice and bullying that Nate faces is so real for so many. However, this book has hope. He finds something he loves and it helps him find a place to be himself.
Oh. My. Goodness. I love this book so much! I just finished it, and I immediately had to read the second one. Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle is more than just a funny book about a young boy auditioning for a Broadway musical. It is about a boy who doesn’t feel like he fits in at home because of who he is. There are so many young kids out there that will connect with this feeling. And the prejudice and bullying that Nate faces is so real for so many. However, this book has hope. He finds something he loves and it helps him find a place to be himself.