Five, Six, Seven, Nate!

Thirteen-year-old Nate Foster lands a role as understudy in a Broadway production of E.T.: The Musical. Moving from Pennsylvania to New York City, he must navigate the competitive world of professional theater while living away from home for the first time. Through rehearsals and preparation, Nate faces challenges from demanding directors, talented castmates, and the pressure of being ready to step into a major role. The story captures the behind-the-scenes reality of mounting a Broadway show, from dance rehearsals to costume fittings to technical runs. As Nate pursues his theater dreams, he also deals with homesickness, new friendships, and questions about his identity. His journey requires him to find courage, develop confidence, and learn to believe in himself. This middle-grade novel explores themes of following one's passion, coming of age, and finding acceptance. The story resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider while pursuing big dreams.

Readers describe this middle-grade novel as a realistic portrayal of theater life and early teenage experiences. The book maintains a 4.29/5 rating on Goodreads from 2,000+ ratings. Readers appreciate: - The authentic depiction of Broadway auditions and rehearsals - Nate's honest, humorous voice - LGBTQ+ representation without making it the main focus - Theater references and insider details - The balance of comedy and emotional moments Common criticisms: - Some found it less engaging than the first book - A few readers felt certain plot points were unrealistic - Parents noted some mature content/language Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.29/5 (2,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (180+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.6/5 (25+ ratings) One reader noted: "The voice is pitch-perfect for a 13-year-old theater kid." Another wrote: "It captures the excitement and terror of being in your first big show."

Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle The first book in Nate's story follows his initial journey to Broadway and establishes the theatrical dreams that continue in Five, Six, Seven, Nate.

Drama by Raina Telgemeier A graphic novel about middle school theater productions captures the behind-the-scenes chaos, friendships, and self-discovery of young performers.

The Backstagers by Andy Mientus This series delves into the world of high school stage crew members who discover magical portals and adventures in their theater's backstage area.

Jack and Louisa: Act 1 by Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Kate Wetherhead Two musical theater-obsessed teens navigate middle school while bonding over their shared love of Broadway shows.

My Life as a Diamond by Jenny Manzer A story about a young baseball player starting at a new school parallels themes of identity, self-discovery, and finding acceptance in new environments.

🎭 Tim Federle worked as a Broadway performer before becoming an author, appearing in shows like "The Little Mermaid" and "Gypsy." 🎬 The book is part of a trilogy that began with "Better Nate Than Ever," which was adapted into a Disney+ film in 2022. 🌟 The average age of a Broadway performer is 28, making Nate's character at 13 an unusually young addition to a professional production. 🎟️ Broadway theaters must have at least 500 seats to be officially considered a "Broadway house," and most productions require 8 shows per week. 📚 After writing the Nate series, Federle went on to create and showrun the Disney+ series "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series."