The Book of Chance by Sue Whiting
Walker Books Australia, 2020. ISBN: 9781760651367. 277 pp.
(Age: 10 +) In recent years, Sue Whiting has emerged as a talented
writer of Young Adult literature, as well as an awarding winning
writer of picture books for the young.
Missing,
published in 2018, was received very well and The Book of Chance
follows with a strong teenage voice and believable characters. The
book addresses social media and the way it affects decision making
for the right or wrong reasons. Protagonist, Chance Callahan,
arranges for a reality TV team to make over her house; in the
process, the discovery of some past newspaper cuttings reveal
secrets, which must be faced, but will cause her world to be turned
upside down.
The Book of Chance is an easy read, but well handled with
polished dialogue, a strong narrative voice and a mystery which
holds the reader's attention. Teacher's
notes are available.
Julie Wells