Counting by 7s

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of illness and death.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What was your initial reaction to Willow’s unique personality traits and interests, particularly her fascination with the number seven, plants, and medical conditions?

2. How does Counting by 7s compare to other coming-of-age novels, like Holly Goldberg Sloan’s Short or The Elephant in the Room?

3. Which character’s transformation throughout the novel did you find most compelling or surprising, and why?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. When have you experienced the duality Willow describes when she says “rewarding and heartbreaking often go hand in hand” (22)?

2. How do you define family in your own life, and how does this compare to the novel’s portrayal of chosen family?

3. Have you ever felt labeled or categorized in a way that didn’t capture your complexity, similar to Dell Duke’s system of categorizing students?

4. What resources or stories have helped you navigate a difficult time in your life? Consider Willow’s frustration at not finding helpful literature about losing a parent when she searches the library.

5. Willow’s garden serves as her sanctuary. What spaces or activities provide you with comfort and peace during challenging times?

6. When Willow loses her parents, she temporarily loses interest in counting by sevens and gardening. Did you find this depiction of grief relatable?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. How does the representation of characters of diverse ethnic backgrounds contribute to the overall theme of what constitutes a family? What role does the novel carve out for families in modern societies?

2. In what ways does the novel address socioeconomic differences and privilege through Willow’s observations of unhoused people, as well as through her own sudden displacement?

3. The educational system in the novel seems ill-equipped to handle students like Willow, similar to how schools struggle in novels like R. J. Palacio’s Wonder. What does the portrayal of Sequoia Middle School reveal about how society treats those who don’t fit conventional expectations?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. The narrative alternates between Willow’s first-person perspective and third-person omniscient narration. What effect does this shifting point of view have on your understanding of the characters and events?

2. How do the plant and garden metaphors track Willow’s emotional journey from grief to healing?

3. What might the number seven symbolize beyond Willow’s personal fascination? Consider how its significance evolves throughout the story.

4. The novel contains several instances of deception that are portrayed as justified or even necessary. What statement is the author making about truth and lies?

5. What does Dell’s transformation, particularly regarding his labeling system, suggest about the human capacity for growth?

6. Consider the moments when the color red features in the text. What meaning might the color carry in relation to the novel’s themes?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were to create a garden inspired by Willow’s story, what would you plant, and why?

2. What do you think Willow’s life would be like 10 years after the events of the novel? Consider how her experiences might shape her education, career path, and relationships.

3. If you could add a chapter to the book, what would happen, and from whose perspective would you write it?

Need more inspiration for your next meeting? Browse all of our Book Club Resources