If you haven’t encountered Nate Foster yet, think of him as the antidote to the "brain rot" content your kids might be scrolling through on YouTube. Written by Tim Federle—who, fun fact, was actually a Broadway dancer and the showrunner for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series—this book is a love letter to anyone who has ever felt like they’re living in the "Ohio" of their own life (and by that, I mean the middle-of-nowhere, boring version, not the meme version... though kids will find the overlap hilarious).

The plot is simple but high-stakes: Nate is a 13-year-old living in Jankburg, Pennsylvania. He’s obsessed with Broadway, but he’s constantly overlooked for lead roles in his school plays. When his best friend Libby stages a "hostile takeover" of his life, they hatch a plan for Nate to sneak away to New York City to audition for Lilo & Stitch: The Musical.

It’s a classic "big city, big dreams" story, but told with a voice that is so sharp and funny it actually holds up for parents reading along, too.

Middle school is basically a four-year exercise in trying to figure out where you fit. Nate is the patron saint of the "uncool" kids. He’s witty, self-deprecating, and incredibly resilient.

Kids who are deep into theater culture will love the "inside baseball" references to shows like Wicked or Hamilton. But even if your kid doesn't know a stage left from a stage right, the "secret mission" aspect of the book—Nate navigating the Port Authority bus terminal and the streets of NYC alone—provides enough adrenaline to keep them turning pages.

It also taps into that universal desire for independence. In a world where we track our kids' every move via Life360 or Find My, there’s something vicariously thrilling for a 11-year-old to read about a kid who just... goes for it.

Check out our guide on the best books for middle schoolers

We generally recommend Better Nate Than Ever for Ages 9-13.

There are two main things parents usually want to talk about when it comes to this book: the "running away" and the "identity" themes.

Let’s be real: as a parent, the idea of my 13-year-old getting on a Greyhound bus to NYC without telling me is a literal nightmare. The book doesn't shy away from the fact that this is a huge, risky deal. However, it’s handled within the safety of fiction. Nate eventually connects with his Aunt Heidi (a struggling actress in the city), which provides a "safe harbor" for the story to land. It’s a great opening to talk to your kids about the difference between "following your dreams" and "putting yourself in actual danger."

Nate is a character who is clearly navigating his identity. While the first book doesn't feature a "coming out" scene or a romance, it’s very evident to the reader (and to Nate, internally) that he is queer. Tim Federle writes this with incredible nuance. It’s not a "problem" book; it’s just who Nate is.

If your family is intentional about providing diverse perspectives, this is a top-tier recommendation. It shows a kid who is more worried about hitting a high note than he is about his sexuality, which is a refreshing and healthy portrayal for middle-grade readers.

Ask our chatbot about LGBTQ+ representation in middle-grade books

If your kid finishes the Nate series and wants more of that same "theatre kid energy" or stories about finding your place, here’s where to go next:

If your kid prefers graphic novels, this is the gold standard. It’s about the stage crew of a middle school play and deals with similar themes of friendship and first crushes.

For a movie night, this musical is high-energy, colorful, and shares the same message of inclusion and being true to yourself.

A classic about a girl who refuses to conform to her high school’s "normal" standards. It’s a bit more philosophical but hits the same emotional beats.

Believe it or not, a lot of "Nate" types find their tribe in Roblox theater groups where they actually put on digital plays. It sounds weird, but it’s a huge subculture.

Read our guide on how to navigate Roblox roleplay safely

Better Nate Than Ever is a winner. It’s one of those rare books that manages to be "educational" about the arts and identity without feeling like a lecture. It’s genuinely funny—the kind of funny where your kid might actually come into the kitchen to read you a passage because they laughed out loud.

In a digital age where so much content feels like "brain rot" or low-effort TikTok trends, Nate Foster offers something substantive. He’s a reminder that having a "niche" interest isn't just okay—it’s a superpower.

Next Steps:

Ask our chatbot for more book recommendations based on your kid's interests