Tim Federle

Tim Federle

Tim Federle (Timothy Michael Federle) was born on March 24th, 1980 and is currently 46 years old. Tim Federle was born in Foster City, California, USA.

Tim Federle is an American author, librettist, director, and screenwriter.

He is best known for the novel Better Nate Than Ever, the cocktail recipe book Tequila Mockingbird, the Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated animated film Ferdinand, and Disney’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.

He wrote Better Nate Than Ever along with its two sequels, as well as Tequila Mockingbird and its two companion books. Federle also co-wrote the book for the Broadway musical adaptation of Tuck Everlasting.

His book, Better Nate Than Ever, is a lively and heartwarming story filled with humour, charm, and emotion, making it both entertaining and inspiring.

The novel follows Nate Foster, a boy with big dreams of starring in a Broadway show. With the clever help of his best friend, Libby, Nate comes up with a bold plan. When his parents leave town for the weekend, Nate and Libby seize the opportunity, sending him on a bus to New York City for an audition for E.T.: The Musical.

The city dazzles Nate, but he quickly realizes that navigating its streets and the world of auditions is far more challenging than expected. Along the way, he finds unexpected support from a long-lost relative, encouragement from Libby back home, and the strength within himself to push through obstacles.

Federle captures the struggles and joys of middle school life with honesty and humour. Nate faces teasing from classmates and his brother, lives in a home with parents whose marriage is unstable, and often feels like an outsider in his family, at school, and in his small town. Despite these challenges, his love for singing and Broadway musicals continues to propel him forward. The story reflects these hardships with honesty while balancing them with lighthearted and funny moments.

Nate’s adventure in New York is unpredictable and exciting. The Broadway audition process is shown in a way that is both realistic and engaging, sometimes disastrous, sometimes inspiring, but always captivating. Federle’s own theatre background gives the story an authentic feel, adding depth and believability to Nate’s experiences.

The characters are another highlight of Better Nate Than Ever. Nate is witty, thoughtful, and easy to cheer for, while Libby is a fearless, clever, and loyal best friend who stands out as one of the most memorable middle-grade heroines. Their friendship adds warmth and charm to the story, making it even more endearing.

The book ends on a satisfying note, hopeful, uplifting, and realistic without being overly sentimental.

Tim Federle has crafted a story filled with humour, heart, and honesty, featuring unforgettable characters. Better Nate Than Ever is perfect for anyone who has ever dared to dream big and will leave readers entertained, inspired, and smiling long after the final page.

Tim Federle: Awards & Accolades

Federle's book, Tequila Mockingbird won the Goodreads Awards, Best Food and Cookbooks, in 2013.

Tim Federle books have also been nominated for multiple awards, Better Nate Than Ever was nominated for the Stonewall Book Award, Children's and Young Adult, in 2014. Are You There God? It's Me, Margarita was nominated for the Goodreads Awards, Best Food and Cookbooks, in 2018.

Related Authors

Fans of Tim Federle also enjoy these authors:

1. Neil Gaiman, author of the American Gods Series.
2. Matt Haig, author of The Midnight World Series.
3. Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid's Tale Series.
4. Brandon Sanderson, author of the Mistborn Series.
5. Blake Crouch, author of: Dark Matter.

Tim Federle: F.A.Q