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336
Novel • Fiction
•
Coming of Age•
RomanceArizona • Contemporary
•
Conflict•
Emotions/Behavior: Courage•
Bullying2019
Union Square Kids
Middle grade
8-12 years
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
10,727 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
10,727 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
336
Novel • Fiction
•
Coming of Age•
RomanceArizona • Contemporary
•
Conflict•
Emotions/Behavior: Courage•
Bullying2019
Union Square Kids
Middle grade
8-12 years
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