Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus

Dusti Bowling
56 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 2019

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Book Brief

Dusti Bowling

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Coming of Age

•

Romance
Setting

Arizona • Contemporary

Theme
Family

•

Conflict

•

Emotions/Behavior: Courage
Topic
Disability

•

Bullying
First Publication Year

2019

Publisher

Union Square Kids

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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Super Short Summary

In Dusti Bowling’s Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus, 14-year-old Aven Green, born without arms, navigates the challenges of high school, including stares, jokes, and a heartbreaking bullying incident, while juggling friendships, new relationships, and life at Stagecoach Pass. Sensitive topics include instances of bullying.

Inspirational

Emotional

Challenging

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.4

10,727 ratings

88%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling has been praised for its compelling and heartwarming exploration of disability, resilience, and adolescence. Readers appreciate the strong, relatable protagonist and engaging narrative. Criticisms focus on predictable plot elements, but overall the book is lauded for its positive messages and authentic voice.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus?

Readers who enjoy heartwarming, character-driven stories about overcoming adversity, like R.J. Palacio’s Wonder or Holly Goldberg Sloan’s Counting by 7s, will find Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling uplifting and engaging, with its unique protagonist and themes of resilience and self-discovery.

4.4

10,727 ratings

88%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

An armless high school freshman known for her humor and self-confidence, who faces unique challenges with determination while building friendships and finding her place in the world.

A gentle and shy friend of Aven, who struggles with self-confidence due to past bullying but gradually learns to take pride in himself and his passions.

Aven’s best friend who has Tourette Syndrome; he supports and stands by Aven as they navigate their new high school experiences and maintain their strong friendship despite the distance.

Zion’s popular older brother and high school quarterback who enjoys art and dreams of creating a comic book, while supporting both Zion and Aven through their challenges.

A lively and talkative new friend of Aven, with a passion for punk culture and art, who encourages Aven to embrace her individuality and self-belief.

Aven’s birth grandmother and former owner of Stagecoach Pass, who helps Aven realize the importance of love and family beyond biological connections.

An elderly ice cream shop owner with memory issues, whose experiences help Aven understand the value of time and the concept of chosen family.

A popular and blue-eyed football player who poses as a friend but ultimately represents challenges and prejudice that Aven faces in high school.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Coming of Age

•

Romance
Setting

Arizona • Contemporary

Theme
Family

•

Conflict

•

Emotions/Behavior: Courage
Topic
Disability

•

Bullying
First Publication Year

2019

Publisher

Union Square Kids

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

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