Holly Goldberg Sloan

Holly Goldberg Sloan is an American novelist and screenwriter known for writing middle-grade and young adult fiction. Her work frequently explores themes of family, belonging, and self-discovery through the lens of young protagonists. Sloan's breakthrough novel "I'll Be There" (2011) established her as a voice in young adult literature, while "Counting by 7s" (2013) garnered significant acclaim and became her most widely recognized work. These books demonstrated her ability to craft complex emotional narratives that appeal to both young readers and adults. Prior to her career as a novelist, Sloan worked extensively in the film industry as a writer and director, contributing to films such as "Angels in the Outfield" and "Made in America." Her screenwriting background influences her novelist work, particularly in her visual storytelling style and scene construction. Beyond her writing career, Sloan has maintained connections to the film industry while continuing to produce novels including "Short" (2017) and "To Night Owl From Dogfish" (2019), co-written with Meg Wolitzer. Her work consistently appears on school reading lists and has been translated into multiple languages.

Readers connect strongly with Holly Goldberg Sloan's character development and emotional depth, particularly in "Counting by 7s." Multiple reviews note her skill at writing authentic neurodivergent characters without making their differences the sole focus of the story. What readers liked: - Natural dialogue and relationships between characters - Complex emotional themes handled with care - Integration of humor into serious subjects - Clear, accessible writing style for young readers What readers disliked: - Some plot resolutions feel too convenient - Pacing issues in middle sections of books - Secondary characters sometimes underdeveloped Ratings across platforms: - "Counting by 7s": 4.3/5 on Goodreads (160,000+ ratings), 4.7/5 on Amazon - "I'll Be There": 4.1/5 on Goodreads (12,000+ ratings) - "Short": 4.2/5 on Goodreads (3,000+ ratings) One parent reviewer noted: "My reluctant reader devoured 'Counting by 7s' in two days." A student reviewer wrote: "The characters feel like real people I know."

Counting by 7s (2013) A 12-year-old genius struggles to find her place in the world after losing her adoptive parents in a car accident.

Short (2017) A middle school girl joins a production of The Wizard of Oz despite being self-conscious about her height.

Appleblossom the Possum (2015) A young possum learns about survival and family bonds as she navigates life away from her mother and siblings.

Just Call Me Joe (2021) A 12-year-old boy moves in with his grandparents and adjusts to life in a retirement community.

I'll Be There (2011) Two brothers who have spent their lives on the run with their unstable father encounter a chance for a different life when they meet a musically gifted girl.

To Night Owl from Dogfish (2019) Two girls become unwilling pen pals when their gay fathers begin dating and plan to send them to the same summer camp.

The Elephant in the Room (2021) An eighth-grader forms an unexpected connection with an elephant while living with her father above an antique store.

Sarah Weeks writes middle-grade novels about family relationships and self-discovery, including characters dealing with loss and personal growth. Her books So B. It and Save Me a Seat feature young protagonists navigating complex emotional situations.

Lisa Graff focuses on stories about children facing challenges within their families and communities. Her novels Lost in the Sun and A Tangle of Knots incorporate elements of magic realism while exploring themes of grief and identity.

Rebecca Stead creates narratives that blend everyday life with unexpected plot elements. Her books When You Reach Me and Goodbye Stranger examine friendship dynamics and coming-of-age experiences in urban settings.

Lynda Mullaly Hunt writes about children overcoming learning differences and family difficulties. Her works One for the Murphys and Fish in a Tree feature protagonists who find their strength through supportive relationships.

Katherine Applegate combines realistic fiction with elements of fantasy in stories about belonging and resilience. Her books Home of the Brave and The One and Only Ivan present characters who face displacement and isolation while finding their place in the world.