A Chance in the World

Steve Pemberton’s incredible true story teaches us that no matter how broken our past, no matter how great our misfortunes, we have it in us to create a new beginning and to build a place where love awaits.

Taken from his mother at age three, Steve Klakowicz lives in the clutches of a cruel foster family. He finds his only refuge in a box of books given to him by a kind stranger, books that take him to new worlds he can only imagine. He begins to hope that one day he might have a different life.

As he grows, Steve is determined to unravel the mystery of his origins. A fair-complexioned boy with blue eyes, a curly Afro, and a Polish last name, he embarks on an extraordinary quest for his identity, armed with only one clue. Yet nothing is as it appears.

Since its publication in 2012, Steve’s story has inspired thousands of people around the world. This new adaptation of A Chance in the World for children ages 8 to 12 shares Steve’s journey with sensitivity, honesty, and hope. Age-appropriate prompts will help young readers apply Steve’s inspirational message to their own lives as they find encouragement that they too can overcome challenging circumstances.

Beautifully told with an element of mystery, A Chance in the World (Young Readers Edition) is a wonderful way to foster empathy in children and is also an empowering tool to help struggling young people explore their current realities and future possibilities in positive and healthy ways. Steve’s story of suffering, perseverance, and hope assures readers from all backgrounds that everyone-including themselves-has value.