The Book of Chance by Sue Whiting

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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

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