Nat a Chance

Nat Enough #6

by Maria Scrivan

The sixth book in the New York Times bestselling series that began with Nat Enough!

You don't know until you tri...

Nat doesn't think she's an athlete, but after a series of painfully embarrassing moments, she's determined to build her confidence and signs up for a triathlon with her best friend, Zoe. As training begins, Nat realizes she's in way over her head, facing so many setbacks and challenges that she wonders why she ever signed up! Can Nat get out of her own way and complete the triathlon, or has she convinced herself that she's not cut out for it and quit?

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, Sports, Juvenile

240 pages, Paperback

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Jesse]

I related to Nat’s view of her own athleticism a little too much! I was so glad to see her challenge her own narrative and try something new-without putting expectations on herself. Lots of great advice on friendships in here, too.

[Julie Grace Immink]

Training tips for snails who aim to be triathletes

[Elizabeth]

I love these books!

[Ms. Yingling]

E ARC Provided by Edelweiss Plus

Nat has a history of doing poorly at any athletic adventures she has tried, and sometimes even struggles with walking across the room without falling. This means that when her friend Zoe wants to quit the volleyball team because Lily is being mean to her, and wants to train for a triathlon, Nat is reluctant to join her. Lily, who previously game Nat a hard time, has ramped up her meanness, and is joined in it by the popular Alex. There is a new Climate Coalition club at the school, and Luca is interested in joining and participating in the competition, but he doesn't know quite what to do for a project. Nat reluctantly starts training with Zoe and Coach Renny, and has a lot to learn not only about swimming, biking, and running, but about having a good attitude as well. Even though she falls and injures her knee, putting her out of commission for two weeks, she practices all of the events, and has a successful triathlon. She even inspires Luca's project, and Lily is put in her place.
Strengths: My favorite part of the book was the very good description (and pictures) or how to set up a transition station for a triathlon! It always seems like the swimming should go last so that one wouldn't have to bike while wet, but I'm sure it's first so that fewer people drown. Scrivan's note that she always thought she wasn't an athlete in middle school is one I hope students take to heart. Nat's general anxiety has lessened, and it makes perfect sense that she would still have some localized axiety. The message about trying things that seem difficult and keeping a positive attitude is one that many students need.
Weaknesses: I worry about Flo. I know she is a humorous character, with her sock puppet and desire to adopt unusual pets, but if she were a student she would have a lot of social issues!
What I really think: Now I am just sad that I won't be able to start training for a triathlon until at least August of 2025. The swimming has always stopped me, but I need to take some hints from Coach Renny and just try. Fans of this series will be glad to see this new installment.

[Darla]

Nat and friends are going strong in this sixth book of the series. The character development touches on real middle school experiences and we all learn from the story. In this case, negative self-talk is given a karate chop.

Interestingly enough, the chapter I was just listening to in Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman elaborated on how our brains answer the questions we ask ourselves. If we keep asking negative questions like "Why am I bad at my job?" or "Why don't I have more friends?" our brain completes the circuit with a corresponding dead end solution. Instead ask things like "Why does my job keep pushing me to learn new things?" or "Why do my current friends hang out with me?" and you will move in a more positive direction.

Back to Nat! When her friend Zoe joins a Triathlon Club, Nat and Flo also give it a try. We get a close look at their training and the event. As a half marathon participant, I could relate to the temptation to quit training when you hit an obstacle like an injury and the tenacity it takes to finish on race day. My hat is off to author Maria Scrivan who has completed more than one Ironman herself. Amazing!

One of my favorite things about the Nat Enough series is the glimpses we get of her dog and cat on each chapter title page. This latest installment also includes a chapter where the dog and cat join Nat in a dream sequence called "Nat In Wonderland." Loved seeing Nat's nemesis Shawn Dreary as Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

Thank you to Graphix and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Therearenobadbooks]

Uaaaaa so inspiring. Nat goes from Nat a chance with a big case of "Nattitude" into trying and trying with friends, changing her lack of confidence into her strengths and not paying attention to self negativity or bullies. Participating in a triathlon sounds like a nightmare to her until she takes one step each tune. The book is filled with useful and relevant tips, suggestions, and advice on preparing and good conduct. I love the interludes with the cat and dog jokes and the extra comic at the end with an Alice in Wonderland dream. Art is simple and easy to follow. This is a great educational series.

[Anika Goyal]

I received a free copy from the publisher as part of Girl’s Life Magazine’s Book Club Team. All opinions are my own, unsponsored.

This book felt overly preachy, with little to no light-hearted elements to brighten the mood.

For a kids graphic novel, I was expecting more of a storyline than just lesson after lesson. Also, the pacing was uneven, dragging in parts.

However, the illustrations were stunning and a real highlight. Sadly, the heavy-handed tone and lackluster pacing made it a tough read.

[Kristin DeGarmo]

I really like the Nat series. There’s always realistic situations that I went through as a kid. I wish these were around for me when I was young. As a 9 year old I did gymnastics so I guess you could say I was an athlete but by 10-11 I stopped gymnastics and became more of a bookworm. I definitely wouldn’t consider myself an athlete now. Running is evil in my opinion, but walking, walking I like to do. I’m glad this book deals with turning the impossible, possible, and to ignore the self doubt saying you can’t. Can’t wait for the next Nat book.

[Michelle Tuite]

Reading 2026
Book 155: Nat a Chance by Maria Scivan

Book 6 in the Nat Enough series.

Synopsis: Nat doesn't think she's an athlete, but after a series of painfully embarrassing moments, she's determined to build her confidence and signs up for a triathlon with her best friend, Zoe.

Review: I continue to enjoy this series, though reading it out of order. It has been established that Nat is not an athlete of any kind. In this installment, Nat learns that she can, with some hard work, actually put one foot in front of the other without falling on her face. 4⭐️.

[Ellon]

4 stars (I really liked it)

I didn't love this series at first but it's growing on me. I really liked this newest addition. Nat is not an athlete but that doesn't stop her from training for a triathlon with a friend. She learns that we can be all sorts of things. Great message in the book about trying new things and not listening to the negative self talk. The one thing that kind of bothered me was that the friends ignore Flo a bit when she is talking about her pets. It seems a little rude.

[Charlie Peters]

Hey there! This is Charlie P! I am eleven years old and I read books to raise money for charity. I want to help moms pick out books that their kids will like! Here is another review by me

Nat a chance was a book about Nat thinking she isn’t an athlete bit doing the triathlon anyway. This to me is a story of facing your fears and doing things outside of your comfort zone. It was super relatable and I definitely felt engaged in the story. Ages 8 to 12

[Aubri Edwards]

I love all of Maria Scrivan's books. I was so excited for this 6th installment of the Nat Enough series, and it did not disappoint. Her books are so relatable and inspiring. I love the art/cartoon work and the characters are so funny, cute, and inspiring! Love adding these to my Middle school library! Keep writing more and more please!

[Alyssa DeLeon]

These books are truly excellent. This one focuses on believing in the impossible. I remember feeling that a lot of very doable and basic things were impossible when I was in elementary/middle school. A kid’s brain has a hard time seeing past the obstacle in front of them. This was a great boost for kids to try and try again.

[Anthony]

Natalie doesn't think she's an athlete, but her friend Zoe convinces her to try a triathlon. Nat has her doubts but soon discovers that with the proper training and preserverance, anything is possible. Excellent tips provided for triathlon training.

[Diana Flores]

6th installment in the NAT ENOUGH series.

Nat and her friends train for a kids triathlon and learn some life lessons along the way about believing in yourself, not giving up, and trying new things.

[Casey]

2.5 i just don't know about this series. I thought the first one was very solid. The following volumes just didn't do so good. In my opinion, this volume was okay having the message of trying new things And believing in yourself.
But I didn't think there was much originality, there.

[Andrew Dittmar]

Reading history:
Normally I keep this in my private notes section, but I'm moving it. Yay!

Reading history was not added on Goodreads, but was instead kept on a post-it note with the book.


Started July 1st, 2025.
Finished July 1st, 2025.


July 1st, 2025: read entire book.

[Adam Fisher]

Review submitted to School Library Journal for upcoming SMS Fiction article.

[Anna]

Another lovely entry into the Nat Enough series.

[Tricia]

Life lessons from middle schooler. Triathlon, climate change and being a good friend.

[Steph]

4.5 stars. This may have been my favorite of the series. Theme in it is inspiration to live by and still hold on to as an adult.

[Ashley Ewert]

Only took me until the 6th book in the series to realize I like these so much because they remind me of the cartoon parts of Lizzie McGuire!

[Lisa]

3.75 stars

[Amy]

4.5 🌟

[Melody]

I love Nat.

[Noemi]

3.5

[C]

this book is so inspiring

[Alyson]

Not the best book in the series, but it has a nice overall message--see https://www.eatreadandbemommy.com/202... for details!

[Rebekah]

Another great book in the series! A good book about trying new things and not giving up.

[Eliana Scrafano]

I just thought it was boring. But I like the drawings