Nate Foster may not be the world's best singer or dancer or actor or...anything, but he's taking Broadway by storm with his enthusiasm. This charming follow-up to [b:Better Nate Than Ever|13414183|Better Nate Than Ever|Tim Federle|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1391970255s/13414183.jpg|18707527] finds Nate understudying the title role in the new musical E.T. alongside his nemesis, the perfect Jordan Rylance who's starring as Elliot. Nate is funny and charming as a bumbling success. He relies on his BFF Libby via Skype and texting. He makes friends and enemies. He does some serious growing up and becomes an even more lovable character.

One important detail is that this story, unlike the first, lets Nate explore his romantic interests a bit towards the end of the book. If Tim Federle wants to write a third installment in the Nate saga, I'll surely read it! (Or probably listen to it, as Federle does a fantastic job narrating the audiobook.) ( )

middlegrade fiction/stage kid drama/secret admirers. Continues the story begun in Better Nate than Ever (read that one FIRST). I missed Heidi's roommate Freckles a LOT! but there are some important developments in 13-year-old Nate's story here (and those of Libby and his aunt Heidi). Nate is still pretty innocent (no swearing, one mild kiss scene) but the feel of the book is different. Gone is the wonder of the small-town kid in the big city for the first time; gone are almost all of the bullying issues (except those briefly shown in some intolerant parents). Now we have Nate in a relatively friendly environment (WHERE IS FRECKLES?) in which he is free to explore his inner feelings, but he only does it a wee bit at the very end.

So I didn't feel entirely satisfied, but I would definitely read another sequel. ( )

Nate Foster’s dreams of Broadway have paid-off and now he is back in New York as the understudy to E.T.’s understudy in E.T.: The Musical.

There are so many colorful characters in this book, including a few that carry over from Better Nate Than Ever. We get to know these characters a little bit better and see that there’s more to some of them than you might have guessed. My favorite of the new characters is Ansella, the E.T. understudy who takes Nate to the Korean spa.

Nate's friendship with best friend Libby is a still major highlight for me. They are loyal to each other and share an almost encyclopedic knowledge about musicals (and like to use legendary Broadway flops as cursing words: “Holy Dance of the Vampires, no!”). Another extremely important aspect of these books and part of Nate’s developing sense of self is his struggle to fit in with traditional ideas of “masculinity” and his understanding of his own sexuality.

Nate is so funny because the people and situations feel real. The author shows us Nate discovering himself and his adult life with subtlety and sensitivity. If you loved the first book, you'll love this one even more. ( )

So clever, so funny and completely entertaining.

Nate Foster is back in Tim Federle's sequel to his debut novel, BETTER NATE THAN EVER. E.T.:THE MUSICAL is beginning rehearsals and preparing for the first preview performance, and Nate has so much to learn about how Broadway really works. This novel is hilarious for theater geeks, younger teens, and anyone looking to read a book that keeps you smiling all the way through. ( )