Counting By 7s fits within the genre of a “pro-adoption,” feel-good story that rightfully counters notions of biocentrism within the realm of family but does so at the expense of reality. While there is superficial mention of many important topics, the book fails to portray trauma-informed complexities related to parental bereavement, transracial adoption, foster care systems, multiraciality and neurodivergence — all of which are systems and experiences real-life 12 year olds are navigating on a daily basis. Though this book has received multiple awards, I cannot recommend Counting By 7s to adoptees or fosterees who are looking for literature that will resonate.