He's a bit of an outsider and doesn't feel like he fits in. Nate is teased back home for liking musicals. This isn't just Nate's journey to New York, but also to accepting who he is. He captures the craziness of a show, the excitement and nervousness of auditions and the painstaking wait as you wonder if you'll hear more. Tim Federle is obviously writing about a subject he knows-and knows well. In New York, Nate discovers what Broadway is like-from auditioning in a room full of adults to pushy stage moms and incredibly talented kids up for the same role as you. His innocence about New York is part of his charm-he sees the good in everything which makes you want to cheer Nate on. He's from a small town, so he's a bit naive at times, but I believed it all-this is the first time Nate's ever been out of Jankburg PA (except for that trip to Disney) and this is first trip to a big city. He has the perfect blend of humor and heart that you just have to adore in a main character. Nate is a kid that I would love to have in my library and we would talk Broadway and it would be awesome. I knew Nate and I would become kindred spirits. I was a drama and choir kid all throughout my school years. I spent every summer from fourth grade into college attending and working at a fine arts summer camp. I love musicals, I love show tunes, I love Broadway. GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: I knew I was going to love this book from the moment I heard it booktalked at ALA. Will this be Nate's chance to move out of his small town and become a star? When his best friend Libby tells him of an open audition of ET: The Musical, Nate and Libby devise a plan for Nate to run away to New York City and audition. About the Book: Thirteen-year-old Nate is from a small town in Pennsylvania and he dreams of being on Broadway.

Better nate than never book