HALF A CHANCE by Cynthia Lord. New York: Scholastic Press, 2014. 224p. ISBN 978-0545035330 hc. $16.99  Gr. 4-7   JUV FIC

Lord's most recent coming-of-age novel is filled with the thoughts, questions and emotional reactions familiar to pre-teens.  Lucy, the daughter of a famous photographer, loves photography and aspires to be as good as her father. She’s been taught her to find “the story in the shot” when looking for a good photo.  When he agrees to judge a photo contest, Lucy enters under an assumed name because she wants to be judged on her talent, not her last name.  While seeking the perfect photo, Lucy also gets to know her neighbor, Nate, and his grandmother who is slowly slipping into dementia.  The camera reveals what Nate and his family don’t want to see, but will it cost Lucy his friendship in order to win the contest?

Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI