Me: Love!
Friend: Is it another character from a book?
Me: NO! maybe... Ok, yes, but this time it is different.
Friend: Because this time he is going to come out of the book and love you back?
Me: No, because this time he is just a sweet boy I wish were my nephew (not to replace the fabulous nephew I already have, but in addition).
Friend: (sigh) Who is it?
Me: Nate Foster from Tim Federle's Better Nate Than Ever and 5,6,7, Nate. And he is fabulous. 
He runs away from home to audition for a Broadway play. He is brave and resourceful. He wonders if he might have feelings for other boys, but also knows he is just not really even ready to consider it seriously because he is pursuing a career and is only 13. Federle has just done a great job presenting Nate as a great kid who is just trying to do what he loves. Nate is sweet and talented and reminds me of a few kids I directed when I was doing the HS musical. I LOVE these books!
Me Again: The books are perfect for a middle school library where books with the question: "Am I gay or not?" are needed but at the level for kids 12-13. As a librarian I really appreciate the way Federle has woven the excitement of the theatre in with the wondering and questioning. Standing ovation!
