Counting by 7s
Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan is a thoughtful and inspiring story about loss, resilience, and the power of connection. Willow Chance, a unique and highly intelligent twelve-year-old, sees the world differently—and after a sudden tragedy, she’s forced to rebuild her life in unexpected ways. The book tackles serious themes like grief and change with honesty, while also showing how friendship and kindness can lead to healing. Watching Willow and the people around her grow and support one another is both moving and uplifting. I especially like reading this book after going through loss, as a way to cope. You will find yourself befriending Willow along the way, as well as discover
ing more about yourself. It’s a beautifully written story that stays with you and reminds you of the strength found in unlikely bonds.
Turtles All The Way Down
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green is a heartfelt and honest novel that explores anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder through the eyes of Aza Holmes, a relatable and thoughtful teenager. Green’s compassionate writing captures the complexity of mental illness without oversimplifying it, balancing moments of humor, tenderness, and struggle. Reading this book it made me think. Think about how friendship is one of the strongest connections that most people have. The story also delves into themes of friendship, love, and identity, making it a moving and authentic read.
If you liked Counting by 7s:
If you liked Counting by 7s other books you may enjoy are Fish in a Tree and One for the Murphys both by Lynda Mullay Hunt. All three books have characters overcoming challenges whether it’s losing your parents, being taken to a foster home, or being dyslexic and hiding it. They all have themes of family, friendship, courage and perseverance with light humour. Most readers of Counting by 7s enjoy these books, because of their similar themes and enjoyment of watching the characters develop throughout these uplifting stories.
If you liked Other Lands:
If you read In Other Lands and are looking for a book similar to it, Elatsoe or A Snake Falls To Earth by Darcie Little Badger. These books all have similar themes of fantasy and adventure with friendship and character growth also being very apparent. These books are different but if you look closely they tie in identity along with growing up and self discovery.
If you liked Turtles All The Way Down:
Readers of Turtles All the Way Down might also like The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, or All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. While these books are all very different plot wise, they have themes of internal struggle, finding help in friends, and love. All three of these books are emotional and sad in many different forms. And all of these books are also available as movies so if reading isn’t your thing you can watch them in movie form.
