Tim Federle

Tim Federle is an American author, director, and screenwriter born in 1980 whose work spans middle-grade fiction, cocktail recipe books, and television productions. His career encompasses multiple successful franchises, including the "Better Nate Than Ever" novel series and the creation of "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" for Disney. Federle gained recognition in children's literature with his "Better Nate Than Ever" trilogy, which earned several accolades including the Lambda Literary Award. His adult-oriented work includes the bestselling cocktail recipe book "Tequila Mockingbird" and its sequels, which blend literary references with mixology. His work in theater and film includes co-writing the Broadway musical adaptation of "Tuck Everlasting" and the screenplay for the animated feature "Ferdinand," which received both Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations. Based in Pittsburgh during his formative years, Federle frequently incorporates his hometown setting into his fictional works. A career spanning multiple genres has established Federle as a versatile creator whose work appeals to varied audiences across age groups and mediums. His contributions to children's literature, theater, and television have earned him notable awards including the Golden Kite Award and multiple Odyssey Awards.

Readers praise Federle's authentic voice and humor, particularly in depicting young LGBTQ+ characters. Parents and teachers highlight how his books help kids feel seen and understood. What readers liked: - Relatable characters dealing with real issues - Balance of humor and emotional depth - Strong representation of theater kids and artistic passion - Natural dialogue that captures teen voices - Accessible writing style for middle-grade readers What readers disliked: - Some found the teen dialogue too quippy or precocious - Occasional complaints about pacing in later series books - Adult readers note predictable plot elements Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - Better Nate Than Ever: 4.0/5 (11,000+ ratings) - Tequila Mockingbird: 4.1/5 (8,000+ ratings) Amazon: - Better Nate Than Ever: 4.6/5 - Five, Six, Seven, Nate!: 4.7/5 One reader noted: "Federle captures the awkward, hopeful spirit of middle school theater kids perfectly." Another wrote: "The humor feels forced at times, but the heart shines through."

Better Nate Than Ever A 13-year-old small-town theater kid secretly travels to New York City to audition for E.T.: The Musical while navigating his identity and dreams of Broadway stardom.

Five, Six, Seven, Nate! The sequel follows Nate Foster as he lands a role in an actual Broadway production, dealing with the realities of professional theater and growing up.

Nate Expectations The trilogy conclusion sees Nate returning to his hometown to direct a high school musical while processing his Broadway experiences and planning his future.

Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist A collection of 65 literary-themed cocktail recipes paired with drinking game suggestions and bar snack ideas.

Gone with the Gin: Cocktails with a Hollywood Twist A compilation of movie-themed cocktail recipes featuring drinks inspired by classic and contemporary films.

Are You There God? It's Me, Margarita A cocktail recipe book featuring drinks inspired by classic literature aimed at book clubs and literary enthusiasts.

The Great American Whatever A YA novel about a gay teen screenwriter dealing with grief and first love while rediscovering his passion for movies.

Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love A middle-grade survival guide offering advice and encouragement through personal stories and humor.

David Levithan writes LGBTQ+ coming-of-age stories that blend reality with elements of magical realism. His work focuses on teen identity and relationships, particularly in theater and arts-centered settings.

Jordan Sonnenblick creates middle-grade fiction that balances serious themes with humor and music elements. His protagonists navigate family dynamics and school challenges while pursuing their artistic passions.

Jack Gantos writes character-driven stories set in Pennsylvania that mix autobiography with fiction. His work deals with creative young protagonists who find their way through unconventional circumstances.

Chris Colfer produces middle-grade fiction drawing from his entertainment industry background. His books feature theatrical elements and young characters discovering their identity while pursuing performing arts dreams.

Gary Schmidt writes coming-of-age stories that incorporate theater, music, and the arts into their narratives. His work examines young characters finding their place in the world while dealing with family expectations and personal growth.