Half a Chance

By Cynthia Lord

A young photographer's lens uncovers hidden truths and challenges her perception of beauty and family.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 6,324 ratings

224 pages· 41,857 words· Est. 6 hour read

$7.99Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

Lucy, a budding photographer, moves to a lakeside home and enters a photo contest judged by her famous father. As she captures the world around her, she befriends Nate, whose grandmother's fading memory casts a shadow over their summer. Through her lens, Lucy discovers the power of art to reveal truths and transform lives. Will her photos meet her father's high standards, and can she help Nate face the changes in his family? This summer, Lucy learns that beauty and truth are intertwined in unexpected ways.

From the publisher

*With winning results, Lord brings the same sensitivity to the subject of dementia that she brought to autism in her Newbery Honor book, Rules. – Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewA moving middle-grade novel from the Newbery Honor author of Rules.When Lucy’s family moves to an old house on a lake, Lucy tries to see her new home through her camera’s lens, as her father has taught her – he’s a famous photographer, away on a shoot. Will her photos ever meet his high standards? When she discovers that he’s judging a photo contest, Lucy decides to enter anonymously. She wants to find out if her eye for photography is really special – or only good enough.As she seeks out subjects for her photos, Lucy gets to know Nate, the boy next door. But slowly the camera reveals what Nate doesn’t want to see: his grandmother’s memory is slipping away, and with it much of what he cherishes about his summers on the lake. This summer, Nate will learn about the power of art to show truth. And Lucy will learn how beauty can change lives…including her own.

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