Counting by 7s

Twelve-year-old Willow Chance stands out from her middle school peers with her genius-level intellect and passion for medical science, plants, and counting by 7s. After experiencing a personal tragedy, she must navigate dramatic changes in her life while relying on an unexpected group of people who become involved in her story. The novel follows Willow's journey as she processes grief and forms connections with characters from different backgrounds, including her school counselor Dell Duke and a Vietnamese family who runs a nail salon. Through these relationships, she begins to create a new support system and find her place in an unfamiliar world. This middle-grade novel explores themes of family bonds that transcend biological connections, and the power of human resilience in the face of loss. The story demonstrates how people can find strength and belonging in unlikely places, while celebrating the unique qualities that make individuals different.

Readers connect with the main character Willow's unique perspective and intelligence, though some find her voice unrealistic for a 12-year-old. Parents appreciate the book's handling of grief and loss without becoming too heavy for middle-grade readers. Likes: - Complex character relationships and growth - Diverse cast of characters - Balance of serious themes with hopeful moments - Short chapters that keep the story moving Dislikes: - Plot coincidences stretch believability - Some side characters feel underdeveloped - References and vocabulary may be too advanced for target age group Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (82,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (2,800+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 Reader quote: "The story shows how family isn't always blood relatives, but the people who help you when you need it most." - Goodreads reviewer Critic quote: "Some readers may struggle with the advanced vocabulary, but the emotional depth makes it worth the effort." - School Library Journal

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🌟 Author Holly Goldberg Sloan worked as a screenwriter for films like "Angels in the Outfield" and "Made in America" before writing novels for young readers. 🌟 The novel explores the topic of synesthesia, a neurological condition where senses overlap - some characters associate numbers with colors, similar to real people with this fascinating trait. 🌟 The number 7, which features prominently in the book, is considered lucky in many cultures and appears frequently in nature, from the days of the week to the number of cervical vertebrae in most mammals. 🌟 The book was nominated for 21 state reading awards and appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list, gaining particular praise for its authentic portrayal of grief and healing. 🌟 The main character Willow's genius-level IQ of 160 puts her in the top 0.1% of the population - the same level as Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.