Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle<br>

Walker Books, 2015. ISBN: 9781406361537
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. The warmth and humour of the main character, Nate, make this book a really great read that will appeal to all ages.
Nate, has big aspirations, but is trapped in a small town. His best friend, Libby helps him plan an escape to Broadway where he hopes to make his dreams come true by winning a role in a musical version of ET. This story waltzes you along with the adorable Nate and surreptitiously feeds the back story of love, relationships, family, forgiveness and hope.
The story gently and thoughtfully touches on the small town response to a young man who wants to sing on Broadway.
'My sexuality, by the way, is off-topic and unrelated. I am undecided. I am a freshman at the College of Sexuality and I have undecided my major, and frankly don't want to declare anything other than "Hey jerks, I'm thirteen, leave me alone. Macaroni and cheese is still my favorite food - how would I know who I want to hook up with?"
The reader can't help smiling and laughing and completely relating to the main character, Nate, as he bravely negotiates New York City and the cut throat world of Broadway auditions, ably supported by Libby, Freckles and Heidi.
Linda Guthrie