Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Strong sequel sparkles with charm, humor, and heart.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
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?
FIVE, SIX, SEVEN, NATE! is a strong follow-up to Better Nate Than Ever. Buzzing with clever quips and quirky characters, it's grounded with a sweet, relatable young teen and an insider's knowledge of stage life in New York. The messages are heartwarming without being maudlin. Nate is a terrific hero for underdogs of all types. His anxieties and insecurities belie an easygoing, roll-with-the-punches strength. Nate doesn't challenge bullies directly but endures with humor and an arsenal of coping techniques that put him on top. It's probably best enjoyed as a sequel: Readers are plunged wholly into the unique world of theater kids, and Nate's considerable growth is more meaningful set against the early part of his story.
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 :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Arts , Friendship
- 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, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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