The Book of Chance
Shortlisted CBCA Book of the Year Awards, Younger Readers
Age 10+
Crime & Mystery Fiction
Chance is a black-and-white thinker until she realises that sometimes there are shades of grey.
Chance is in Year 7 and thinks she has it all - a loving mother, dog Tiges, best friend and almost-sister next door. But when a reality TV team makes over her house, she discovers newspaper cuttings from the past that cause her to question the world as she knows it and everyone in it. Then she finds herself caught between two realities, identities and worlds. Face-to-face with the truth, Chance has a very difficult decision to make, which almost splits her in two.
This powerful story explores what is true and what is fake in today’s world. And while Chance is all about the truth, she ponders whether "Maybe being truthful was really just a big lie."
The Book of Chance by Sue Whiting, Highly Commended, 2021 Davitt Awards Best Children’s Crime Book
Resources
Creators
Sue Whiting is an award-winning children’s and YA author and editor who has worked in publishing for 20+ years. Sue was senior commissioning editor and publishing manager for Walker Books Australia for many years before leaving in 2016 to concentrate on her writing. As a storyteller and schools’ performer, Sue has informed, inspired and entertained thousands of kids across the country. She is also a freelance children’s book editor and writing coach, and the author of numerous books, including the bestselling Missing, the acclaimed The Book of Chance and a number of CBCA Notable Books. Sue’s latest books are a historical fiction middle grade novel, Tilda; the Pearly and Pig fiction series for middle grade, and the narrative nonfiction picture book The Echidna Near my Place, illustrated by Cate James, The Wheelbarrow Express also illustrated by Cate James.
Reviews
The Book of Chance is a story with a big heart and an even bigger twist. For readers aged 11+.
Readings
An intriguing and poignant novel; worth a read
Sharon Greenaway Reviews
Exploring themes of honesty and love, the question of ‘what is family’ and forgiveness, this is a compelling read for tweens and teens. This is a ‘coming of age’ narrative like no other I have read and I recommend it highly for astute readers from around 12 years upwards. I fully expect to see this receiving the highest accolades from all the award committees.
Just So Stories
Highly recommended… a powerful book
ReadPlus
This incredible novel will tie you in knots from the first page. Engrossing and superbly crafted, the longing to quickly turn the pages and find out what has happened will keep you riveted. There’s no way you can put it down till the end!
Kids Book Review
