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Half a Chance
Half a Chance | Cynthia Lord
7 posts | 7 read | 1 reading
A moving new 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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blurb
CherylVDM
Half a Chance | Cynthia Lord
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This book reminded me of spending my summers at the lake in the Adirondacks. The sound of the looms, the muck at the bottom of the lake under the dock, and the kayak trips early in the morning brought back such wonderful memories. @DrSpalding I'm glad this book ended with hope for the future. Some of the others we have read did not!

DrSpalding Beautiful picture. Your text to self connection sounds wonderful. I too have been in the Adirondacks but for a very short time. I also saw loons on the Saint St. John's.💜 8y
2 likes1 comment
review
DrSpalding
Half a Chance | Cynthia Lord
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Mehso-so

#ucfprofLC I enjoyed the friendship between Lucy and Nate along with the photography and loon theme throughout the story. The bald 🦅 scene was sad but expected. I saw an eagle while kayaking on the St. John's River over Spring Break. This was a recent text to 🌎 connection. Overall, I think this book would be a good addition to a classroom library but I wouldn't place it in a book pass for LCs.

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LForsythe
Half a Chance | Cynthia Lord
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I had a hard time getting hooked at the beginning of the book, but now at midpoint am enjoying the story. I am eager (and worried) to learn more about Grandma Lilah's health and how Lucy and Nate may help her see the loons. I love how the Baileys, esp Nate, have made the move easier for Lucy! I think we are about to learn more about Megan. #UCFprofLC

CherylVDM I had a hard time at the beginning as well. I am enjoying the friendship that is growing between Lucy and Nate. I'm a bit worried about how Grandma's health will impact the whole community. 8y
DrSpalding I agree with both comments @LForsythe and @CherylVDM I was hoping the bully character wasn't going to be in this book! I was not happy when she deleted Lucy's loon photos! 8y
LForsythe Right?!?! I think we are all a little scarred from Betty's behavior in Wolf Hollow. Hopefully Megan will be different! @CherylVDM @DrSpalding 8y
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quote
DrSpalding
Half a Chance | Cynthia Lord
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"Half a chance beats none." ~ Lucy, Ch. 1
We hear this title quote as we meet Lucy as she acclimates once again to a new home. Twelve chapters in, I am enjoying the characters but mostly the talk of photography! I LOVE black and white pictures. My family photo wall is full of photos I have taken of the people I love and converted to black and white. I'm hoping Lucy enters and wins the contest so that her dad recognizes her talent! #UCFprofLC

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CaitlinPVeal
Half a Chance | Cynthia Lord
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This RL is a book about a girl named Lucy who moves around a lot, and has to make new friends. In chapter 3, we find out that Lucy's Dad is going out of town for his job being a photographer. Even when he is out of town Lucy tries to take amazing pictures to impress him. It is a really great book for children that are coming of age! www.cynthialord.com/about.html #UCFLAE3414sp17

CaitlinPVeal Sorry not RL it's RF 8y
DrSpalding Yes RF and Lord is an award winner! Super choice! 8y
Riley.Clayson Somewhat reminds me of Raymie Nightingale 8y
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review
Readingismyescape
Half a Chance | Cynthia Lord
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Pickpick

"It must take some courage to fly, to trust the wind to hold you as it lifts you away from all you've ever known. To know inside that you're heading where you're meant to go -- even if you've never been there before."

Heartwarming story. 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommended to realistic fiction fans in grades 3 & up.