Sevens

I could hardly imagine reading Holly Goldberg Sloan's novel Counting by 7s. The main character's parents die in the first chapter! But Willow Chance, the twelve-year-old whose life has been transformed with the tragic death of both parents, seeks any semblance of acceptance and understanding, all the while reflecting on her life in ways both witty and wise. With no viable family or friends to care for her, she is suddenly and surprisingly taken in by people who have very little themselves.

At one point, she asks, 

"Does saying good-bye matter?

Does it really end something?"

This is another of those books about which I do not want to say too much. Just know that while reading it, your perceptions will be altered. Your thoughts about family will be extended. You might have to reevaluate what is best for a child. You will definitely laugh and cry and shake your head in wonder.