This is one of those middle-grade books that actually delivers—funny, fast-paced, and emotionally honest without being heavy-handed. Tim Federle nails the voice of a theater kid who doesn't fit in, and Nate's adventure to NYC is genuinely exciting.

It's especially great for kids who feel different or misunderstood. The LGBTQ+ themes are handled with care (Nate is clearly gay, though it's more subtext here than in later books), and the book celebrates being yourself even when it's hard.

The only caveat: if your kid has zero interest in theater, they might find all the Broadway talk a bit much. But for the right reader—especially the kid belting show tunes in the backseat—this is gold. A solid, engaging read that modern kids actually want to pick up.