Plot Summary

Half a Chance

Cynthia Lord
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Half a Chance

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2014

Book Brief

Cynthia Lord

Half a Chance

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New Hampshire • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2014

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

690L

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Super Short Summary

Half a Chance by Cynthia Lord follows twelve-year-old aspiring photographer Lucy, who spends a transformative summer in North Conway, New Hampshire. She befriends Nate and his family, particularly connecting with Grandma Lilah, who is living with Alzheimer's. Together, they work on a photo scavenger hunt while conserving a local loon population, underscoring themes of friendship, environmentalism, and familial bonds.

Heartwarming

Emotional

Contemplative

Hopeful

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.2

6,599 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Half a Chance by Cynthia Lord receives praise for its heartfelt narrative and engaging portrayal of friendship and family dynamics. Reviewers appreciate the novel's ability to address important themes such as environmentalism and the struggles of aging. Some critique the plot's predictability and slow pacing for older readers. Overall, an enriching read for middle-grade audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Half a Chance?

Readers who enjoy engaging, emotionally-resonant middle-grade novels with themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery will love Half a Chance by Cynthia Lord. Fans of Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo and Wonder by R.J. Palacio will appreciate the relatable characters and heartfelt storytelling.

4.2

6,599 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New Hampshire • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2014

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

690L

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