Nate Expectations
#3 of 31 in Big Nate Series
on Goodreads (589)
What’s inside...
';The Nate series by Tim Federle is a wonderful evocation of what it's like to be a theater kid. Highly recommended.' Lin-Manuel Miranda, star and creator of the musical, Hamilton Third time's a charm! Nate Foster returns home to Jankburg, Pennsylvania, to face his biggest challenge yethigh schoolin this final novel in the Lambda Literary Awardwinning Nate trilogy, which The New York Times calls ';inspired and inspiring.'When the news hits that E.T.: The Musical wasn't nominated for a single Tony Awardnot one!the show closes, leaving Nate both out of luck and out of a job. And while Nate's cast mates are eager to move on (the boy he understudies already landed a role on a TV show!), Nate knows it's back to square one, also known as Jankburg, Pennsylvania. Where horror (read: high school) awaits. Desperate to turn his life from flop to fabulous, Nate takes on a huge freshman English project with his BFF, Libby: he's going to make a musical out of Charles Dickens's Great Expectations. (What could possibly goright?) But when Nate's New York crush ghosts him, and his grades start to slip, he finds the only thing harder than being on Broadway is being a freshman especially when you've got a secret you're desperate to sing out about. This magical conclusion to Tim Federle's beloved Nate series is a love letter to theater kids young and not-so-youngand for anyone who ever wondered if they could truly go home again. Especially when doing so means facing everything you thought you'd left behind.
Why read this book
- Engages kids with humorous, relatable middle school experiences.
- Encourages resilience and perseverance through engaging storytelling.
- Inspires creativity and self-expression in young readers.
- Supports developmental growth with identifiable characters and themes.
Character compass
Nate Foster
Libby
Anthony Foster
Discussion points
What challenges does Nate face in his new environment and how does he manage them?
How do the relationships Nate forms influence his journey and growth throughout the story?
In what ways does Nate demonstrate resilience, and how can you apply this to your own life?
Can you identify any moments where Nate had to make a tough decision? What would you have done in his situation?
What does this book teach us about the importance of staying true to oneself?
Tip: Role play these questions
Initiate the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on Nate's character and his experiences, encouraging your child to express their own views.
Use examples from the book to illustrate real-life scenarios, aiding your child in connecting the story's themes to their own experiences.
Ask your child to consider what advice they might give Nate at various points in the story, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
Recognize and validate your child’s opinions and feelings about the story, whether they align with your views or not, to promote open and honest dialogue.
Encourage your child to explore more about the theater and performing arts, broadening their understanding and appreciation for Nate’s interests.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist, Nate, faces numerous hurdles at his new school yet he continues to pursue his passion for theater. His resilience is evident as he tackles each obstacle with optimism and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through their personal difficulties, whether in academics, sports, or friendships, understanding that challenges are opportunities to grow and improve.
Example Lesson: Embracing one's uniqueness
Explanation: Nate struggles with fitting in at a sports-centric school while having a deep interest in performing arts. His journey highlights the importance of being true to oneself.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to accept and celebrate their own unique traits and passions, fostering a sense of self-worth and confidence.
Example Lesson: Coping with change and uncertainty
Explanation: Adjusting to a new school and a shifting family dynamic, Nate navigates through significant changes, learning to adapt and find his place.
Real-World Application: Equips children with the ability to adapt to new environments or changes in life, emphasizing flexibility and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Valuing friendships and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Nate builds relationships with peers who have different interests. He learns the importance of teamwork and respecting diverse viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of building meaningful relationships and working collaboratively in group settings, be it in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Importance of following one's passion
Explanation: Nate's enthusiasm for theater helps him overcome various challenges. His journey illustrates how following one’s passion can lead to self-discovery and fulfillment.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to explore and engage deeply with their interests, which can lead to personal satisfaction and potentially guide future career choices.