“On the 7th day of the 7th month (is it any wonder I love the number?) my new parents drove north to a hospital 257 miles from their home, where they named me after a cold-climate tree and changed the world.”
Counting By 7s is the story of Willow Chance, a twelve-year-old girl who has been identified at an early age as ‘gifted’. Willow lives in Bakersfield, California and comes home from school one day to the news that her parents have been killed in a traffic accident.
What follows is Willow’s search to find a place where she belongs.
In equal parts an exploration of the pain of loss and of the triumph of moving forward, the novel looks at how one person can change the lives of many, often without even trying.
WILLOW CHANCE
…was adopted at birth by loving parents in Bakersfield, California. She loves numbers, plants, medical conditions and learning.
PATTY NGUYEN
…was born in Vietnam and now lives in Bakersfield, California where she runs a nail salon. She works hard and is compassionate. She has two children.
MAI
…is her daughter. Mai is strong. Determined. And a good friend. Her brother is…
QUANG-HA
… who is a skilled artist. He often feels lonely and left out.
DELL DUKE
…is the school counselor who has trouble finding his place in the world. He’s been known to take a few shortcuts in life.
JAIRO
…is a taxi driver who comes into all of their lives.
CHEDDAR
…is a cat looking for a good home.
