Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

As you can see, our copy is already loved.

Middle Schooler, Aven, has to adjust to a new school, new classmates, and a new home.
Moving from Kansas to Arizona is difficult; but, when Aven crosses paths with a mystery, she takes on the challenge.

With pluck and insight into the feelings and worries of 8th graders, Dusti Bowling weaves a story that makes the reader face their own "first impressions" of others.

Discussion and questions are a natural part of reading "Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus" during Library storytime. 

If we could say something to that group of girls, what would we tell them about Aven? 

You have to look at who the person is, not their physical appearance. Aven has value because God made her and loves her.

How would we describe our main character? 

She's funny and cares about people.

How do we help new students adjust to our community? 

We can sit with them at lunch and invite them to hang out with us during break.

If you could say anything to Aven, what would you say? 

Remember to be who God made you to be.

It's nice to read books from the perspective of characters who live with some of the challenges we live with and some of the challenges we may not have faced in our community. Aven, the main character, was born without arms. Throughout the book, she discusses how she learns to do a variety of tasks. One of her new friends has Tourettes and his parents are divorced. He explains to Aven some of the things he thinks about his Tourettes and his parents' divorce, some of his concerns, and what it's like when he tries to control his Tourettes.
One of the things I like about these kids is that this challenge is something they have, but it isn't who they are. Dusti Bowling does a good job of developing the character without letting a challenge define them, just as we should not let a challenge define anyone in our community. 

Aven, the main character, has a healthy relationship with her parents. They have very open conversations about Aven's adoption, her ability to be a problem-solver, and her high-jinx. 

Overall, this is a very positive book about a girl who faces challenges with the help of friends and her parents with positive messages about adoption and life challenges. 

Who should not read this book? If you're terribly picky about the secular books your child reads, this book is not for you. There is some language and because she's an 8th-grade girl, Aven does mention some very girl-centric topics.