A couple of weeks ago we did a team building activity at
school. (Yes, in March…) Anyhow, it was a fun way to work with a
group. We had to list 20 things that we
love/make us happy, another list of something, and five dream jobs we would do
it we could. It is risky sharing these
jobs. These are things we want to do,
but maybe probably lack the skills to actually do. Since I was a kid my dream was to be a
Broadway star. Sing, dance and win a
Tony. To be totally honest I lack
everything to be able to do this. I
can’t sing, trust me or ask around. I
can’t dance; it’s not that I have two left feet they can’t even find the
beat. Of course I do perform daily. I am a supporting actor and get to share center
stage with 26 very dramatic characters. You’re always welcome to catch my daily
matinee.
Every Sunday I read the New York Times Book Review. Recently, there were two middle grade books
reviewed about the theatre. Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle
perked my interest. I decided that
since there were 22 books on my to be read stack I would get a new one to read
instead. Please, don’t even try to
figure out the logic to that! Well I’m
glad I did. It was a gritty and charming
story of Nate’s guest to be what I will never be: a Broadway STAR!
Nate’s best friend Libby finds out that there are auditions
for the musical version of ET. Together
they plan his escape from his small town outside Pittsburgh to New York to
audition for a role. Life for Nate is
not easy. He is over weight, and, well,
he sings show tunes all the time. Not
the easiest way to survive middle school.
His parents fight all the time and his brother calls him the same names
he is called at school. Who wouldn’t
want to escape?
Once Nate arrives in New York he works very hard to reach
his dream. Along the way he meets his
estranged aunt and her roommate and discovers the importance of family.
Middle Grade classification!
Publishers have to lump books together.
It helps all of you know where to start, but sometimes just putting them
in a category isn’t enough. Better Nate Than Ever is listed at a
9-13 year old book. There are nine year
olds that will enjoy this book, but putting it in a fourth grade classroom
library is doing a disservice to a wonderful book. This book should have book talks in 5th,
6th, 7th, and 8th grade classrooms and
libraries. Student’s dreams must be
fostered, and allowed to bloom. Given
what is dominating media coverage this week gay students must have books that
show that they are OK. Luckily, Tim
Federle wrote a book that will help many of these kids see that it will get
better.
1 comment:
This sounds great! Can't wait to read it!
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