Estimated read time: 6 min read
One Sentence Summary
A young prodigy finds solace in unlikely friendships after a devastating tragedy.
Table of Contents
Introduction
In Holly Goldberg Sloan's heartwarming novel, "Counting by 7s," readers are immersed in the life of Willow Chance, a twelve-year-old genius who finds solace in numbers. This moving and thought-provoking story takes readers on a journey of resilience, friendship, and the power of unconventional families.
Brief Synopsis
"Counting by 7s" is set in Bakersfield, California, and follows the life of Willow Chance, a highly intelligent and socially awkward twelve-year-old girl. Willow's world revolves around her love for nature, her adoptive parents, and her deep fascination with numbers. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when her parents die in a tragic car accident.
Left alone and struggling to connect with others, Willow finds comfort in her counselor, Dell Duke, who introduces her to a diverse group of people who become her unconventional family. This group includes Mai, a Vietnamese-American girl; Quang-ha, Mai's older brother; Jairo, a Mexican-American taxi driver; and Pattie, Jairo's mother.
Together, they help Willow navigate her grief, find her place in the world, and discover the true meaning of family.
Main Characters
| Character Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Willow Chance | A twelve-year-old genius with a love for nature and a deep fascination with numbers. |
| Dell Duke | Willow's school counselor, who becomes a guiding figure in her life. |
| Mai Nguyen | A Vietnamese-American girl who befriends Willow and becomes an integral part of her unconventional family. |
| Quang-ha Nguyen | Mai's older brother, who supports Willow and helps her along her journey. |
| Jairo Hernandez | A Mexican-American taxi driver who plays a crucial role in Willow's life. |
| Pattie Hernandez | Jairo's mother, who provides care and support for Willow. |
Summary of Story Points
Chapter 1-3: Willow's World Shattered
- Willow's parents, Robert and Diane Chance, die in a car accident.
- Willow attends their funeral and meets Dell Duke, her school counselor.
Chapter 4-8: Finding Unlikely Connections
- Willow meets Mai Nguyen at the school counselor's office and forms a friendship.
- Willow's counselor connects her with Jairo Hernandez, a taxi driver who helps her navigate the bureaucracy of the school system.
- Willow discovers a passion for gardening and transforming neglected spaces.
Chapter 9-12: Building an Unconventional Family
- Willow's counselor, Dell Duke, helps her find a temporary home with Pattie Hernandez.
- Willow's temporary living arrangement becomes permanent as she becomes part of Pattie's family.
- Willow meets Pattie's son, Jairo, and forms a close bond with him.
Chapter 13-17: Overcoming Challenges
- Willow encounters challenges at school due to her unique learning style.
- Willow's new family supports her and helps her overcome obstacles.
- Willow's unconventional family becomes a source of strength and love.
Chapter 18-23: A Journey of Self-Discovery
- Willow's unconventional family takes a road trip to rescue Quang-ha from immigration detention.
- Willow realizes her love for gardening and the healing power of nature.
- Willow's journey of self-discovery and resilience reaches a poignant climax.
Main Events
- Willow's parents die in a car accident, leaving her orphaned.
- Willow forms a friendship with Mai Nguyen, who becomes an important part of her life.
- Willow finds solace and purpose in gardening and transforming neglected spaces.
- Willow's counselor, Dell Duke, connects her with Jairo Hernandez, who helps her navigate the school system.
- Willow's temporary living arrangement with Pattie Hernandez becomes permanent, and she becomes part of Pattie's family.
- Willow overcomes challenges at school with the support of her unconventional family.
- Willow's family embarks on a road trip to rescue Quang-ha from immigration detention.
- Willow discovers her passion for gardening and the healing power of nature.
Themes and Insights
Resilience and Overcoming Adversity
The book explores the theme of resilience as Willow navigates the challenges of losing her parents and finding a sense of belonging. Despite facing adversity, Willow's unwavering determination and unique perspective allow her to overcome obstacles and build a new family.
Unconventional Families and Friendship
"Counting by 7s" emphasizes the importance of unconventional families and the power of friendship. Willow finds love and support from individuals who may not be related by blood but become her chosen family. The book highlights the idea that family can be found in unexpected places and that true connections are based on love and acceptance.
Embracing Differences and Finding Strength
Another prominent theme in the book is the celebration of diversity and the strength that comes from embracing differences. Willow's journey teaches readers the power of accepting oneself and others, regardless of societal norms or expectations. The characters in the story find strength in their unique qualities and learn to appreciate the beauty of diversity.
Reader's Takeaway
"Counting by 7s" is a touching and inspiring novel that reminds readers of the importance of resilience, friendship, and embracing differences. Through Willow's story, readers are encouraged to find strength in adversity, nurture meaningful relationships, and cultivate a sense of belonging. This book serves as a reminder that even in the face of loss, there is hope and healing to be found.
Conclusion
Holly Goldberg Sloan's "Counting by 7s" is a captivating and emotionally charged story that delves into themes of resilience, friendship, and the power of unconventional families. Through Willow's journey, readers are reminded of the strength that can be found in embracing differences and the beauty of finding love and support in unexpected places. This heartwarming novel leaves readers with a sense of hope and a renewed appreciation for the power of human connection.
Counting by 7s FAQ
What is the genre of 'Counting by 7s'?
The genre of 'Counting by 7s' is contemporary fiction.
Who is the author of 'Counting by 7s'?
The author of 'Counting by 7s' is Holly Goldberg Sloan.
What is the main theme of 'Counting by 7s'?
The main theme of 'Counting by 7s' is resilience and the power of human connections.
Who is the target audience for 'Counting by 7s'?
The target audience for 'Counting by 7s' is young adult readers.
What is the story about?
'Counting by 7s' is about a twelve-year-old girl named Willow Chance who is a genius with a unique view of the world. After a tragedy, she finds herself navigating through a series of unexpected events and forming new connections that change her life.
Is 'Counting by 7s' a standalone book or part of a series?
'Counting by 7s' is a standalone book.
Is 'Counting by 7s' suitable for all ages?
While 'Counting by 7s' is primarily targeted towards young adult readers, it can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Does 'Counting by 7s' have any awards or accolades?
Yes, 'Counting by 7s' has received several awards and accolades, including being a New York Times Bestseller and a recipient of the Schneider Family Book Award.
Are there any discussion questions or reading guides available for 'Counting by 7s'?
Yes, there are discussion questions and reading guides available for 'Counting by 7s' that can enhance the reading experience and promote deeper understanding of the book.
Where can I purchase 'Counting by 7s'?
'Counting by 7s' can be purchased at major book retailers, online platforms, and local independent bookstores.
