Five, Six, Seven, Nate!
Strong sequel sparkles with charm, humor, and heart.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Five, Six, Seven, Nate! -- the sequel to Tim Federle's charming debut novel, Better Nate Than Ever -- moves Nate's emerging sexual awareness to center stage. The first book hinted that Nate may be gay, and now Nate grows increasingly comfortable in his own skin and has his first kiss with another boy. But the story will speak to anyone who has felt like an outsider: The very enthusiasm and passions that get Nate bullied back home help him find friendship and happiness in New York. Nate learns the hard way how quickly a digital photo can go viral. There are many references to the extent to which Nate was bullied at home, including a fake "Nate Fagster" page on Facebook. Also, a main character's mom is seriously ill.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Nate Foster is eager to make his Broadway dreams come true as an understudy in E.T.: The Musical. His best friend, Libby, is the only thing he misses from home -- he's relieved to be away from middle school bullying and unhappy family life. But Broadway isn't quite the glittery paradise he dreamed of: Nate discovers he isn't exactly E.T.'s understudy -- he's the understudy's understudy. The choreographers give him extra workouts but little else. The boy playing Elliott seems to hate him, and the kid's mom is even worse. But Nate, used to being a misfit, is fine being his own audacious, awkward self. His bubbling enthusiasm and unique talents win him respect and friendships. And once again Nate finds himself facing a future full of possibility.
Is It Any Good?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the evidence Libby presents as proof that Bill is "definitely gay": tap classes, "liberal" status in his Facebook profile, and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? among his favorite movies. Is she savvy or stereotyping?
- Have you ever had a photo, text, or Tweet spread too far, too fast, like Nate's E.T. photo? How you can avoid being in a situation like that?
- What do you think of the different ways Nate, his parents, and Libby respond to bullying? For help talking about bullying and how to be an upstander, read our article "Bullying Is Everybody's Business."
Book Details
- Author: Tim Federle
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Topics: Arts and Dance, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
- Publication date: January 21, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 14
- Number of pages: 304
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: April 23, 2020
Our Editors Recommend
-
Marcelo in the Real World
Gorgeously moving story about teen with autism.
-
Snap: A Novel
Delicate story of impending death of a loved one.
-
Letters to a Bullied Girl: Messages of Healing and Hope
Heartfelt letters to cyberbullied teen inspire compassion.
For kids who love coming-of-age stories and musicals
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate