Finding Chance is a sweet, middle-grade book that recalls a day when children’s literature dealt with topics we expected our children to face. During the summer between 5th and 6th grade, Alice finds herself adjusting to yet another senseless move. Her mother may have restless feet, but Alice most certainly does not, and she sees no reason to have left Oregon. Missing home, she writes constantly to her best friend, but waits in vain for a response. In the meantime, she makes friends, tries to befriend a stray dog and wanders through the forest. Alice is a delightful child: good, but not too good. Curious and intelligent. Loyal to her friends. A lot like I was, come to think of it. I’m sure she gets told she’s too sensitive on a regular basis. This is a perfect book for homeschoolers, and indeed, any parent worried about the adult content of many books aimed at children. The tone of the book is punctuated by delightful black and white drawings by Nancy Lane. It’s hard to explain what makes this book so wonderful. Things happen, but they are simple things, things ordinary children really do have to face on a regular basis. Alice isn’t an undercover spy. She doesn’t have superpowers, and she doesn’t save a person’s life, much less save the world. She explores her world, exciting in a most ordinary way, grows emotionally from her experiences and enriches the lives of people around her. In other words, she’s just a child: like you were, like your children are, like we used to read about. Now, that's worth reading. Note: I should disclose that Linda Benson is a good friend of mine and in my writers group. If you're interested in purchasing this book, you might contact Mondo Publishing or my independent bookseller: Book 'N Brush.