“It’s possible that all labels are curses. Unless they are on cleaning products.”― Holly Goldberg Sloan, Counting by 7s
This is a powerful novel by Holly Goldberg Sloan. Willow Chance is a twelve year old genius obsessed with nature and diagnosing medical conditions. She has a difficult time connecting with people other than her family and she finds comfort in counting by 7s. Willow’s world is shattered when both of her adoptive parents are killed in a car crash, leaving her alone in a world she doesn’t always understand or fit in with. The amazing thing about this book is that despite the tragic circumstances, it is not a tragedy. This very odd, but lovable girl pushes through her grief and finds love and belonging with an eclectic cast of characters that become her surrogate family. Willow’s story is a triumph in every way and illustrates that hope and resilience after great loss is possible.
Content Advisory: Death of parents, grief, suicidal thoughts