Can Lucy Find the Perfect Shots?

Lucy moves around a lot because her father is a famous photographer and he’s always looking for the next assignment. It's the start of summer, and her family has ended up on a lake in New Hampshire. Right before her dad leaves for his latest shoot, Lucy finds out about a photography contest for kids, but her dad is the judge. She knows she shouldn’t enter, but she wants to prove that she can take pictures too. Lucy knows it's hard to make friends, but things look promising when she meets Nate on the dock while she's taking pictures. It turns out Nate is only visiting the lake, like he does every year. When school starts he'll be going back to New Jersey. Still, Lucy and Nate become fast friends. He decides to help her find the perfect picture for each category of the photo contest. They're also recording their observations of the loons on the lake during what they call "loon patrol. Nate's grandmother, Grandma Lilah, loves finding out what's happening with them. At first Lucy was frightened by the call of the loons, but the more she learns about them the more fascinated she becomes. This is a very rough time for Nate, as his grandmother has the beginnings of dementia, so this will probably be her last season on the lake. One day Lucy snaps the perfect picture of Grandma Lilah, which Nate tells her she can't use in the contest. Should she submit it anyway? What will happen when her father finds out? What will the loon teach her? Pick up this book so you don’t miss the fun at the lake!

I read Half a Chance by Cynthia Lord because I've read other books by her and really enjoyed them. I met Ms. Lord this past November at the UCONN Children's Book Fair and I couldn't wait to read her latest book. I was not disappointed. I've spent time in New Hampshire and I think she captured the setting perfectly. I liked Lucy. I could relate to her concern about Grandma Lilah and her uncertainty with the developing friendship with Nate. I've always found photography interesting, so I loved learning more about that too. I knew a little about loons before reading this book, but now I know much more and think I'd have fun going on "loon patrol." The title ties into the theme of the story because having half a chance is better than having no chance at all. I recommend this book to kids in fourth grade and up who like realistic fiction and stories about friendship. Kids who have known someone with dementia will understand how Nate feels and the struggles his family deals with. This is a great book any time of year, but it's perfect for summer!

Has anyone else read Half a Chance? Or have you read another book by Cynthia Lord? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 

We were lucky enough to interview Ms. Lord a while back if you want to check out what she had to say about writing. 

Happy Reading!

~L