In Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan, 12-year-old Willow Chance, a highly gifted girl fascinated by plants and medicine, navigates life in Bakersfield, California. After her adoptive parents die in a car accident, she finds solace and a new family with her school counselor, Dell Duke, and her friends Mai and Quang-ha Nguyen. The story explores themes of family, growth, and healing. Willow experiences profound loss and the narrative includes the death of significant characters.

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan is widely praised for its heartfelt and inspiring narrative, centered on a unique protagonist. Readers appreciate its emotional depth and engaging characters. However, some find its plot developments somewhat predictable and the pacing uneven at times. Overall, it remains a touching story of resilience and the power of community.

A reader who enjoys Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan is typically someone who appreciates heartfelt, character-driven stories about overcoming adversity. Fans of Sharon Draper's Out of My Mind or R.J. Palacio's Wonder will likely be drawn to the book's themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of found family.

Bittersweet / Inspirational / Emotional / Heartwarming / Contemplative

Holly Goldberg Sloan

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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Counting by 7s Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-11

Counting by 7s Chapters 1-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-21

Counting by 7s Chapters 12-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-30

Counting by 7s Chapters 22-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-45

Counting by 7s Chapters 31-45 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 46-53

Counting by 7s Chapters 46-53 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 54-61

Counting by 7s Chapters 54-61 Summary & Analysis

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Counting by 7s Character Analysis

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Counting by 7s Themes

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Counting by 7s Symbols & Motifs

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Counting by 7s Important Quotes

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Counting by 7s Vocabulary

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Counting by 7s Quiz

Counting by 7s

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