Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers’ Favorite
Reading Signs and Seconds by Kathryn A. Zolman was an emotional journey. Kane was a resilient kid who had to process something no child should have to go through.
Zolman accurately describes the experiences of grief, fear, friendship, and hope. As a teacher, I’d recommend this book to a family dealing with a situation similar to Kane's. It was a quick read, but it still gave me time to process the more difficult moments.
The vivid storytelling helped me picture Kane’s experiences and the moments that shaped his journey. Pre-teen readers who like stories about family, friendship, and finding hope during hard times will want to pick this one up.
As Desmond Tutu said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” This novel reminds us that even when life changes in painful ways, moments of connection and comfort can still be found.
Reviewed by Makeda Cummings for Readers’ Favorite
Kathryn A. Zolman’s Signs and Seconds is a contemporary children’s novel that beautifully portrays how a child’s imagination works to protect them during a major family crisis.
The author does a wonderful job of capturing how a young boy builds safety nets from everyday coincidences to survive his grief. Kane’s emotional journey feels entirely real, and the unspoken tension in his school friendships adds a lot of genuine depth to the main storyline.
I was deeply moved by this sensitive look at family loyalty and the love Kane has for his hospitalized dad. The plot really keeps you turning the pages because you are desperately rooting for Kane’s family to find peace in the end. It is a gentle, touching exploration of how young people absorb shock, learn to forgive, and try to find a safe path forward.
Zolman’s decision to focus on empathy makes the storytelling stand out, leaving you with a lasting impression of Kane’s journey and the warmth of the community surrounding him during his darkest days. Fans of Ali Benjamin’s The Thing About Jellyfish will truly enjoy this remarkable read.
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers’ Favorite
Signs and Seconds by Kathryn A Zolman is a steady read that keeps things clear from start to finish. Kane sounds like a real kid, and the way he tries to make sense of everything feels completely believable. The story moves at a calm pace, and you can see him change as he starts to understand more about what’s happening. The character development is one of the strongest parts of the book. Kane’s need for control, Hattie’s guilt, and Lennox’s steady support all come through clearly, and their friendships grow and change naturally. The hospital scenes are written plainly, and the everyday moments at school and home help keep the story balanced. The adults are present without taking over, which keeps the focus on the kids. It’s not a high‑energy book, but it’s a sincere one that handles grief and uncertainty in a straightforward way, and it’s full of emotion. If you like stories that focus on characters and how they grow, this one fits perfectly.