Sloan, H. G. (2013). Counting by 7s. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers.
Summary: Willow is a quirky girl who suffers a tragedy at the beginning of this book leaving her without a family. Through unlikely friendships with others who are just as unique and different, Willow learns the true definition of family.
Review: Sloan gives us a tearjerker with Willow chance, a young girl who can master new languages and college textbooks better than she can navigate social interactions. Sloan's choice of diverse major characters is excellent and she gives voice to the often times voiceless here. It is a feel good novel that many students will enjoy.
Diversity: This novel features very diverse characters. First Willow, a person of color who might have autism is just one of the major characters. Mai and Quang-ha, are Willow's friends and they are the children of a feisty Vietnamese nail salon owner. And, Willow's early adult figure is Dell Duke, her counselor who struggles to function in his own life. This is a beautiful cast of characters who are marginalized in society and here they are front and center. I especially love Mai's mom, this nail salon worker who has such voice in this book when often times in popular culture, Vietnamese nail workers are shown serving rich, white women.
Diversity: This novel features very diverse characters. First Willow, a person of color who might have autism is just one of the major characters. Mai and Quang-ha, are Willow's friends and they are the children of a feisty Vietnamese nail salon owner. And, Willow's early adult figure is Dell Duke, her counselor who struggles to function in his own life. This is a beautiful cast of characters who are marginalized in society and here they are front and center. I especially love Mai's mom, this nail salon worker who has such voice in this book when often times in popular culture, Vietnamese nail workers are shown serving rich, white women.
Suggestions for Teachers: This is a book that I would use for lit circles or independent reading. You could definitely use it to teach perspective maybe alongside or in place of Seedfolks.
Reading Level:
- Quantitative: Lexile 770L, ATOS Book Level 5.6, Flesh-Kincaid 3.9. Readability Grade Level 5.9, 7.6 RMM
- Qualitative: This text is moderately complex as there are various third-person perspective narrators. The narration is mostly chronological. Language is largely contemporary and explicit and thus moderately complex. The text has symbolism like the garden; students may only understand it literally but a teacher could choose to focus on symbolism here. Students who have some knowledge of autism and foster care might have a better understanding but it is not needed.
Content Areas: English, Contemporary Issues
Common Core State Standards:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.1
Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.2
Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.3
Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).
Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.
Awards: A New York Times Bestseller. An AMAZON Best Book of the Year 2013. A Kids' Indie Next List Top Ten Book-- #4, Best Books of Autumn 2013. B.E.A. Buzz Book Award 2013. A Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee 2014-2015 Master List. A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. An E.B. White Read Aloud Honor Book. A Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Nominee. A National Public Radio Best Book of the Year.
Series Information: N/A
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