Counting Thyme
Counting Thyme
by Melanie Conklin
A physical paperback edition ofCounting Thyme
An e-book edition ofCounting Thymein both epub and PDF formats.
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This touching story beloved by readers all over the world has made its timely return! Now available in paperback!
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Newbery-winning Rules meets Counting by 7s in this affecting story of a girl’s devotion to her brother and what it means to be home.
When eleven-year-old Thyme Owens’ little brother, Val, is accepted into a new cancer drug trial, it’s just the second chance that he needs. But it also means the Owens family has to move to New York, thousands of miles away from Thyme’s best friend and everything she knows and loves. The island of Manhattan doesn’t exactly inspire new beginnings, but Thyme tries to embrace the change for what it is: temporary.
After Val’s treatment shows real promise and Mr. Owens accepts a full-time position in the city, Thyme has to face the frightening possibility that the move to New York is permanent. Thyme loves her brother, and knows the trial could save his life—she’d give anything for him to be well—but she still wants to go home, although the guilt of not wanting to stay is agonizing. She finds herself even more mixed up when her heart feels the tug of new friends, a first crush, and even a crotchety neighbor and his sweet whistling bird. All Thyme can do is count the minutes, the hours, and days, and hope time can bring both a miracle for Val and a way back home.
With equal parts heart and humor, Melanie Conklin’s debut is a courageous and charming story of love and family—and what it means to be counted.

Praise for the book
"Melanie Conklin brings New York vividly to life in Counting Thyme, a gentle story fueled by heart, hope, and beautifully developed characters."
~ Pat Schmatz, an award-winning author
"Counting Thyme shows how a serious illness can tear the fabric of a family apart, and love can stitch it back together again. This deeply moving story of family, friendship, and belonging will settle deep in your heart and stay there long after the final page is read."
~ Donna Gephart, an award-winning author
About the author
Melanie Conklin
Melanie Conklin is a celebrated author of heartfelt middle-grade novels that explore themes of resilience, family, and friendship. Her debut novel, Counting Thyme, earned critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of a young girl navigating her brother's illness while adjusting to a new city. With a keen ability to balance emotional depth and engaging storytelling, Melanie has become a beloved voice among young readers and educators alike.
Before her journey as a writer, Melanie worked as a product designer in New York City, where she honed her creative problem-solving skills. This background informs her unique perspective as an author, allowing her to craft stories with meticulous attention to detail and authenticity. Her writing is inspired by her experiences as a mother and her passion for encouraging empathy and understanding in her readers.
Melanie lives in North Carolina with her family, where she continues to write stories that resonate with young audiences. When she's not at her desk, you can find her advocating for literacy and creativity, connecting with readers at schools and events, or enjoying the outdoors with her loved ones. Her books are a testament to the power of hope and connection, inspiring young readers to embrace their own stories with courage and heart.
Visit Melanie's website