Reviews

Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle

amyefaulhaber's review against another edition

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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

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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.

mckinlay's review against another edition

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5.0

so cute. really great story about being who you are. loved it.

thenextgenlibrarian's review against another edition

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5.0

The funniest MG+ book I’ve ever read!

adeslibrary's review against another edition

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4.0

it was adorable and funny and perfect for everyone who love musicals
i really want to read the second book!!

rdyourbookcase's review against another edition

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4.0

I listened to this as an audio book. I used to say I wasn’t an audio book fan, but I just didn’t know which audio books appealed to me. Answer: re-reads, children’s chapter, some teen, and almost all comedy books. I think my problem with other types of books is that I can’t just sit there and listen, so I listen while I am doing other things, like driving or walking. Naturally, sometimes I think more about what I’m doing than what I’m listening to - it’s necessary! I hadn’t read this book before and I managed to finish it and follow the entire storyline.

I loved it. It was hilarious and adventurous. I so wanted to see Nate win, even though in real life, he would have been busted right away. If he wasn’t found out, he definitely would not have made it past the first round of auditions. This story will make kids believe that dreams can come true. Drama kids especially will appreciate this story. I’m looking forward to LISTENING to the sequel!

emilymorgan02's review against another edition

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4.0

Well, this was darling. I loved the narrator, loved it being read by the author, loved the comedy, and also the heart-warming parts. All-around great read!

petersenftleben's review against another edition

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5.0

What a fun, touching book! The story, writing, characters, and voice kept me smiling from the first page to the last (no exaggeration), and the ending was rather moving. There were a lot of great twists to the story where I thought Tim might have written himself into a corner, but he really had a good handle on the story and worked it out. (I did sort of figure where the E.T. auditions would ultimately lead, though it's not quite confirmed for sure at the end, but how could there be another adventure without it?)

On a more objective note (or as objective as one can be when reviewing), I was incredibly impressed by the depth and dynamics of the secondary characters. For not seeing Nate's family for much of the story, I thought the growth in his relationships with his brother especially, but also his mother, was pretty amazing. Same with the reconciliation between his mom and Aunt Heidi. And can we please have more of Freckles, because I think I have a new book crush.

I definitely recommend this for everyone, but I must admit that, being able to appreciate so much of it as an adult, I wonder how appropriate it might be for younger readers. I think there are some fantastic themes and even a nicely subtle lesson, but will preteens get much of the humor and Broadway references?

neglet's review against another edition

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I thought I might enjoy this more, bring obsessed with music as a kid, but although the main character is appealing, the voice felt a bit too adult to my ears. I would probably enjoy the movie version more.

lexiegrace88's review against another edition

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4.0

*Audiobook*
Better Nate Than Ever is laugh out loud funny and poignant. It would take a unique 13 year old to make the sort of references Nate makes throughout the book, he's definitely wittier than average for a middle-school boy. But, he does feel like a real kid and average kids don't run away to Broadway! And who doesn't love a story about pursuing your dreams and being your true self? I would absolutely recommend this book to middle-grade readers who feel like they are different from everyone else since Nate shows how delightful different can be.