Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those middle grade novels that sticks with you—the kind adults remember reading as kids. Willow Chance is genuinely original: a 12-year-old genius who counts by 7s, diagnoses medical conditions for fun, and has to rebuild her entire world after her adoptive parents die in a car crash.

What makes it work is that it's not grief porn. Yes, it's sad, but it's also funny and weird and hopeful. Willow finds herself surrounded by a motley crew—a Vietnamese family, a reluctant counselor living in a garage, a taxi driver—and they become her chosen family in ways that feel earned, not saccharine.

The book has been widely praised (NYT Bestseller, multiple starred reviews) for its authentic multicultural cast and its refusal to be sentimental. It's emotionally intelligent without being preachy, and it celebrates neurodivergent thinking in a way that feels natural.

The caution: this isn't light reading. The parental death is real and central, so save it for kids who are emotionally ready and not currently dealing with fresh loss. But for the right reader at the right time? This is the kind of book that builds empathy, resilience, and a bigger understanding of what family can mean.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-14, though mature 9-year-olds who can handle themes of loss could manage it. The emotional complexity and grief make it too heavy for younger readers, but the hopeful tone and middle-grade voice keep it accessible for tweens navigating big feelings.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Models resilience, empathy, and the power of community in the face of profound loss. Willow's journey from isolation to connection is emotionally healthy and age-appropriate, showing how diverse people can form chosen family. The tone is poignant without being manipulative, and the multicultural cast is genuinely integrated into the story rather than tokenized. No chaos or meanness—just honest grief and genuine kindness.

Imaginative

82

Willow's unique perspective—counting by 7s, diagnosing medical conditions, obsessing over plants—invites readers to see the world through a beautifully odd lens. The book celebrates neurodivergent thinking and shows how unconventional interests can become bridges to others. While it's more character-driven than plot-driven, the imaginative element comes from Willow's internal world and how she rebuilds her life in unexpected ways.

Safe

75

The central tragedy—both adoptive parents dying in a car crash—is significant and could be emotionally heavy for sensitive readers. However, it's handled with care and isn't gratuitous. Common Sense Media notes some violence in scenes, though nothing graphic. The book deals with grief head-on, which is developmentally appropriate for middle grade but requires emotional readiness. Not a 'surprise' issue since the synopsis is upfront about it, but it's substantial content that warrants parent awareness.

Enriching

92

This is a masterclass in emotional intelligence, resilience, and what family actually means. Readers get insight into grief, neurodivergence, adoption, and building community across differences. The multicultural cast (Vietnamese, African American, Mexican ancestry) is woven authentically into the narrative. Multiple starred reviews highlight its meaningful exploration of resourcefulness and true resilience. It builds empathy while also being genuinely entertaining—the triumph is that it's not just a tragedy.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Willow is an unforgettable protagonist—neurodivergent, plant-obsessed, and counting by 7s to cope with a world that doesn't quite fit her
Shows how chosen family forms across differences (age, culture, background) in authentic, non-sentimental ways
Multiple starred reviews praise its lack of sentimentality and truly multicultural cast
Tackles grief head-on while remaining a story of renewal and hope, not just tragedy
Builds real empathy for outsiders and celebrates unconventional thinking

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What to Watch For

Both adoptive parents die in a car crash early in the story—this is the central event and will be emotionally heavy for some kids
Best for readers who can handle complex emotions and aren't currently dealing with fresh grief themselves
Some violence mentioned in parent reviews, though not graphic
The pacing is character-driven rather than action-packed—readers need to be ready for introspection

Conversation Starters

"Willow finds comfort in counting by 7s and studying plants. What helps you feel calm when things are hard?"
"The book shows how a 'family' can be people who aren't related by blood. Who are the people in your life that feel like family?"
"Willow thinks very differently from other kids. Have you ever felt like an outsider? What was that like?"
"How did the different characters help Willow, and how did she help them back?"

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Counting by 7s