The Book of Chance

I have always been a huge fan of Sue Whiting. I first saw her in action in 2010, when she presented sessions at a school Literary Festival. Students and staff were mesmerised! From memory, she called students to the front, recreating a ‘true-life’ adventure about Antarctica, complete with beanies and props, and lured everyone in with simply sublime storytelling. The punchline? “It was all a lie.” The young audience was gobsmacked. How could a story, with so much intrigue and detail, not be true?
This is how Sue Whiting works. Her stories lure readers in, involving them from the first page. In The Book of Chance, the opening sentence is a beauty – “I’m starting this story at the end.” What follows is an intriguing, thought-provoking and page-turning mystery. I devoured it in one sitting.
Chance Callahan’s life is turned upside down when a reality TV show begins filming, and secrets and lies are exposed. Chance reluctantly has to face the reality that life isn’t black and white, and that deception, regardless of intention, can have significant consequences.
Sue Whiting respects her young audience, and raises issues about social media, family and identity, the meaning of ‘truth’ and the plight of refugees without a hint of condescension. Complex characters and ethical dilemmas combine with plot twists and tension to create a story that will stay with the reader for a long time.
The Book of Chance would be a wonderful book to explore with Stage Three and Stage Four students. Some ideas are below:
Social and emotional learning

• Is there such a thing as ‘truth’? Why do people lie? What are some different types of lies? Are all lies damaging? Can lying ever be a wise course of action? Which characters lied or were lied to in the book? What were the consequences?
• The Book of Chance explores family and community. Discuss the similarities and differences between these two concepts, and if any elements overlap.
• Is social media a reliable source of information? Why or why not?
• What advice would you give to a friend if they experienced online bullying? What would you do if you witnessed online bullying?
• Create your own Book of … What would you include? What events have shaped you?

English

• Consider the structure of the book. How did starting at the end build narrative tension for the reader? Would the unravelling have been as effective if it was told chronologically? Why or why not?
• Which character was your favourite? Why?
• What is the difference between a piece of narrative writing and a journalist’s article? Choose a scene and write it as a journalistic piece. Consider headlines, topic sentences, point of view etc.
• This book was inspired by a real event. How does this differ to a biography?

Art

• Use the cover as inspiration to create your own artwork based on your life.

History and Geography

• Research the landscape, lifestyle and political history of the South Sudan. Explore the reasons why South Sudanese refugees had to flee their homeland.
• Invite a South Sudanese community leader to speak to students about the joys and challenges of living both in South Sudan and in Australia.