When You Get the Chance
on Goodreads (11,219)
What’s inside...
Nothing will get in the way of Millie Price’s dream to become a Broadway star. Not her lovable but super-introverted dad, who after raising Millie alone, doesn’t want to watch her leave home to pursue her dream. Not her pesky and ongoing drama club rival, Oliver, who is the very definition of Simmering Romantic Tension. And not the “Millie Moods,” the feelings of intense emotion that threaten to overwhelm, always at maddeningly inconvenient times. Millie needs an ally. And when a left-open browser brings Millie to her dad’s embarrassingly moody LiveJournal from 2003, Millie knows just what to do. She’s going to find her mom. There’s Steph, a still-aspiring stage actress and receptionist at a talent agency. There’s Farrah, ethereal dance teacher who clearly doesn’t have the two left feet Millie has. And Beth, the chipper and sweet stage enthusiast with an equally exuberant fifteen-year-old daughter (A possible sister?! This is getting out of hand). But how can you find a new part of your life and expect it to fit into your old one, without leaving any marks? And why is it that when you go looking for the past, it somehow keeps bringing you back to what you’ve had all along?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-18
Length
308 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Millie felt when she discovered her online friends in real life? What would you do in a similar situation?
Which character in the book do you relate to the most and why?
What lessons do you think Millie learned about friendship and family throughout the story?
If you were to plan your own adventure like Millie, where would you want to go and who would you bring along?
How do you think the story would change if it was told from another character’s perspective?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, highlighting that their opinions are valued and respected.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of understanding and empathy in friendships and family relationships.
Ask your child to draw a scene or a character from the book. This can help them connect visually and emotionally with the story.
Create a fun atmosphere for discussion, perhaps theming the conversation around a 'book club' style with snacks and comfy seating.
Link discussions to real-life situations, asking your child how they might act similarly or differently to characters in the book in various scenarios.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of family and connection
Explanation: The protagonist embarks on a journey to find her unknown family members, demonstrating a deepening appreciation for bonds and connections.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture relationships with family members, understanding the unique role each person plays in their lives.
Example Lesson: Persistence in achieving goals
Explanation: The main character shows determination in her quest to connect with her family, despite facing numerous challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to stay determined and persistent when facing their own challenges, whether in school or personal pursuits.
Example Lesson: Embracing change and personal growth
Explanation: As the story unfolds, the protagonist learns to embrace the changes around and within her, evolving through her experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can see the value in being open to change and personal development, learning to adapt and grow from new experiences.