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Counting by 7s

Holly Goldberg Sloan

386 Pages
2013

Counting by 7s

Penguin

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Counting by 7s - Summary

In this captivating middle-grade novel, we meet Willow Chance, an exceptional twelve-year-old genius who finds solace in counting by sevens and has an insatiable curiosity for nature and medical science. Her structured world is suddenly shattered when her adoptive parents die in a tragic car accident, leaving her to rebuild her life from scratch. Despite her difficulty connecting with others, Willow's unique perspective and resilient spirit lead her on an extraordinary journey where she discovers that family can be found in the most unexpected places, creating a story that transforms potential tragedy into a celebration of human connection and personal growth.

Key Themes

1

Finding Order in Chaos

Through Willow's methodical approach to life and her comfort in numerical patterns, particularly counting by sevens, the story explores how creating structure can help process trauma and find meaning in seemingly random events. Her systematic way of viewing the world becomes both a coping mechanism and a bridge to understanding others.

2

The Architecture of Family

The novel masterfully deconstructs traditional notions of family, showing how genuine connections can be built through shared experiences and mutual understanding rather than blood ties. Willow's journey demonstrates that family can be assembled piece by piece, like a complex puzzle, with each member bringing their unique contribution to the whole.

3

Embracing Neurodiversity

Through Willow's character, the story celebrates different ways of thinking and perceiving the world. Her unique cognitive patterns and exceptional abilities are presented not as obstacles to overcome but as valuable traits that enrich her life and the lives of those around her, challenging readers to reconsider their understanding of 'normal.'

FAQ's

The book approaches grief with remarkable sensitivity, using Willow's analytical mind as a unique lens through which to process loss. Rather than dwelling on the darkness of tragedy, it focuses on the healing process and the unexpected joy that can emerge from profound loss.

The story's universal themes of belonging, resilience, and personal growth resonate across age groups. Its sophisticated handling of complex emotions, combined with Willow's engaging perspective, creates a narrative that speaks to readers at various stages of life.

Counting by sevens represents more than just a mathematical quirk - it serves as a metaphor for finding patterns in life's chaos, symbolizing how we create meaning and order in our world. This numerical framework becomes a touching representation of Willow's journey toward healing and connection.

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