Counting By 7s

A parent might reach for this book when their child is grappling with a profound loss or feels like an outsider who doesn't fit in. The story follows Willow Chance, a 12-year-old genius whose world is shattered when her adoptive parents die in a car crash. Through a series of unlikely events, she builds a new, unconventional family with her school counselor and the family of a new friend. This novel sensitively explores themes of grief, resilience, and belonging through a unique, often humorous lens. It's a powerful choice for middle-grade readers, offering a hopeful and intelligent story about how community can be found in the most unexpected places and people.