A review by bickie
Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle

3.0

Nate, from a small town outside of Pittsburgh who lives under the shadow of his athletic, popular brother (who calls him “homo”), hatches a plan with his fellow Broadway musical fan, Libby, to take a bus to New York City for an open casting call for E.T. Nate is not sure why everyone seems to think he is gay - as the narrator, he matter-of-factly tells everyone to chill out, since he’s only 13 and not sure what kind of person he loves yet. The story is more about complicated family relationships and being true to yourself. Best for ages 10-13.

Spoiler

(Includes some epithets others use to describe Nate such as "homo" and "fag"; his aunt lives with a gay man as a roommate; mother has an alcohol problem; Nate runs away intending to stay for only 24 hours and steals his mother's ATM card as well as a jacket out of a homeless donation bin.)