Tim Federle

You can't tell the story of a 13-year-old boy who knows every lyric to 'Phantom of the Opera' without also referencing how much teasing he gets at school.

'Five, Six, Seven, Nate!' opens on my 13-year-old protagonist packing up a duffel bag and bidding his Midwestern town goodbye, heading off to start rehearsals for his New York City debut in 'E.T.: The Musical.'

The biggest difference in writing a sequel is that now there are expectations. But also - and this is the awesome part - now there are fans, too!

My dream is to try to reach as many kids and readers who might need an unlikely hero to connect to.

The thing I miss about performing is being with people.

My mother had a book club that would dissolve into opening wine.