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Life of a Cactus #3
The Beat I Drum
Connor, best friend of Aven Green, tells his own story in this tale about overcoming the challenges of life with Tourette’s.
Connor Bradley is dreading the first day of high school. Not just because he is new, or because he misses his best friends, but because he knows the other kids won’t understand his barking and tics. Connor has Tourette Syndrome, and every day has been a challenge—from the mimicking to the laughing, the questions, and the stares. It turns out school isn’t quite as bad as he expected. Connor forms a fast friendship with a girl who also has Tourette’s and is welcomed into her accepting circle of friends. He also meets a special music teacher who encourages him to take up the drums to manage his stress, and maybe get a break from his tics.
But Connor’s world is turned upside down when his absent father reappears and a bully starts to escalate at school. All these problems—with family, with friends, and even with himself—build and build until Connor feels ready to explode. Will a surprising revelation save him and help him find his beat again?
Connor Bradley is dreading the first day of high school. Not just because he is new, or because he misses his best friends, but because he knows the other kids won’t understand his barking and tics. Connor has Tourette Syndrome, and every day has been a challenge—from the mimicking to the laughing, the questions, and the stares. It turns out school isn’t quite as bad as he expected. Connor forms a fast friendship with a girl who also has Tourette’s and is welcomed into her accepting circle of friends. He also meets a special music teacher who encourages him to take up the drums to manage his stress, and maybe get a break from his tics.
But Connor’s world is turned upside down when his absent father reappears and a bully starts to escalate at school. All these problems—with family, with friends, and even with himself—build and build until Connor feels ready to explode. Will a surprising revelation save him and help him find his beat again?
Unknown Binding
First published April 1, 2025
51 people are currently reading
3761 people want to read
About the author
Dusti Bowling
18 books1,311 followersDUSTI BOWLING grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, where, as her family will tell you, she always had her nose in a book. She released her first middle grade novel in 2017 and hasn't stopped writing since.
Dusti's books have won the Reading the West Award, the Sakura Medal, a Golden Kite Honor, the William Allen White Children's Book Award, and have been nominated for a Cybil and over fifty state awards. Her books are Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections and have been named best books of the year by the Chicago Public Library, Kirkus, Bank Street College of Education, A Mighty Girl, Shelf Awareness, and many more.
Dusti currently lives in Eagar, Arizona with her husband, three daughters, and a bunch of farm animals.
Follow her on Twitter at @DustiBowling.
Dusti's books have won the Reading the West Award, the Sakura Medal, a Golden Kite Honor, the William Allen White Children's Book Award, and have been nominated for a Cybil and over fifty state awards. Her books are Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections and have been named best books of the year by the Chicago Public Library, Kirkus, Bank Street College of Education, A Mighty Girl, Shelf Awareness, and many more.
Dusti currently lives in Eagar, Arizona with her husband, three daughters, and a bunch of farm animals.
Follow her on Twitter at @DustiBowling.
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December 24, 2024I'm so grateful I got to write a whole story about a character who is so very close to my heart. He's a character inspired by my own husband and children. I hope you all love reading about Connor as much as I loved creating him ♥️
December 30, 2024
Wow, wow, wow.
Divorce, generational trauma, Tourette's ,the power of music, the influence of good teachers, forgiveness, new friendships and old friendships and moving forward-
Dusti Bowling manages to pack it all into a well-written, non-preachy narrative.
This story is one of hope and healing, resilience and even when things are going bad- they're going to be okay.
This is Bowling at her best.
Divorce, generational trauma, Tourette's ,the power of music, the influence of good teachers, forgiveness, new friendships and old friendships and moving forward-
Dusti Bowling manages to pack it all into a well-written, non-preachy narrative.
This story is one of hope and healing, resilience and even when things are going bad- they're going to be okay.
This is Bowling at her best.
January 5, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Connor Bradley, Aven Greene's friend from Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus has had to move from Scottsdale, Arizona to Chandler, to be near his father. His mother has a better job, and their apartment is cheaper, but Connor misses Aven and his friends, and isn't thrilled about starting a new high school where people aren't aware of his Tourette's Syndrome. His mother talked to the school, so his teachers tell his classmates about his situation, and he does meet Amanda, who also has Tourette's. She has more muscle tics than vocal ones, but invites Connor to have lunch with her and her friends. Since Connor's tics also include spitting, the two eat outside, but it's too hot, and she assures him that her friends will understand. There are some jerks at the school, and Liam constantly gives him a hard time on the bus, but Rory, Amanda's friend, comes to his rescue. She has a birthmark that covers half her face, so knows all too well how unpleasant Liam can be. She and Amanda are involved with music, as is their friend Keanu. Amanda's parents own the Organ Pipe Pizza Parlor, and Connor is enthralled with the place, and is very happy to have new friends. He takes a lot of comfort from this, as well as taking drumming lessons from Ms. Chen at the school. He needs it, because he has a fraught relationship with his father. He feels that his parents divorced because his father couldn't deal with his Tourette's, and he and his father seem to fight even when his father is trying to help. Rory and Connor like each other, and share tentative kisses, and he agrees to go with her to a Pink Daylight concert, because she thinks that her real father is the lead singer, Ted Caddell. After a scuffle with Liam at school, where Connor gets suspended for punching the other boy in the face, Connor has a hard time dealing with his new friends, and makes everyone angry. He even breaks a drumstick while working with Ms. Chen. He reconnects with Aven, realizing that he's been neglecting her and that she's been in a funk. This gives him a little perspective, and his father also helps to shed some light on their relationship, and makes an effort to improve it. Connor is able to apologize to his new friends, and even though the concert doesn't go well for Rory, begins to feel at home in his new town.
Strengths: I loved that Connor was starting his freshman year in high school. Young readers want to read about older characters, so this is perfect. It also makes sense, since we've seen him in middle school in previous books. It was good to see that while there were jerks like Liam, there were also supportive people like Amanda and Ms. Chen. The principal was realistically understanding when Connor punched Liam; there would still have to be a punishment, even if Liam was a bully. Dealing with divorce, and trying to navigate a new relationship with parents is something that many young readers experience, and Connor's difficulties seem well portrayed. The relationship between Connor and Rory was my absolute favorite part of the book; we need more sweet romances like this!
Weaknesses: The storyline with Rory thinking that her father was a rock star was a bit far fetched, and took attention away from other issues that have used more exploring. While I personally don't think that the father should have to share his past with Connor, he does have to get along with his son, and modern philosophy involves this kind of sharing. I think it is not necessary for children to know things their parents don't wish to share, but I am in the minority.
What I really think: Readers who have followed Aven's story will be glad to pick up this related volume, and fans of Grosso's I Am Drums will appreciate the percussion representation.There are not as many books about kids in musical programs as there should be; fans of Larsen's Playing Through the Turnaround and Landis' Operation Final Notice will also like this upper middle grade title.
Connor Bradley, Aven Greene's friend from Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus has had to move from Scottsdale, Arizona to Chandler, to be near his father. His mother has a better job, and their apartment is cheaper, but Connor misses Aven and his friends, and isn't thrilled about starting a new high school where people aren't aware of his Tourette's Syndrome. His mother talked to the school, so his teachers tell his classmates about his situation, and he does meet Amanda, who also has Tourette's. She has more muscle tics than vocal ones, but invites Connor to have lunch with her and her friends. Since Connor's tics also include spitting, the two eat outside, but it's too hot, and she assures him that her friends will understand. There are some jerks at the school, and Liam constantly gives him a hard time on the bus, but Rory, Amanda's friend, comes to his rescue. She has a birthmark that covers half her face, so knows all too well how unpleasant Liam can be. She and Amanda are involved with music, as is their friend Keanu. Amanda's parents own the Organ Pipe Pizza Parlor, and Connor is enthralled with the place, and is very happy to have new friends. He takes a lot of comfort from this, as well as taking drumming lessons from Ms. Chen at the school. He needs it, because he has a fraught relationship with his father. He feels that his parents divorced because his father couldn't deal with his Tourette's, and he and his father seem to fight even when his father is trying to help. Rory and Connor like each other, and share tentative kisses, and he agrees to go with her to a Pink Daylight concert, because she thinks that her real father is the lead singer, Ted Caddell. After a scuffle with Liam at school, where Connor gets suspended for punching the other boy in the face, Connor has a hard time dealing with his new friends, and makes everyone angry. He even breaks a drumstick while working with Ms. Chen. He reconnects with Aven, realizing that he's been neglecting her and that she's been in a funk. This gives him a little perspective, and his father also helps to shed some light on their relationship, and makes an effort to improve it. Connor is able to apologize to his new friends, and even though the concert doesn't go well for Rory, begins to feel at home in his new town.
Strengths: I loved that Connor was starting his freshman year in high school. Young readers want to read about older characters, so this is perfect. It also makes sense, since we've seen him in middle school in previous books. It was good to see that while there were jerks like Liam, there were also supportive people like Amanda and Ms. Chen. The principal was realistically understanding when Connor punched Liam; there would still have to be a punishment, even if Liam was a bully. Dealing with divorce, and trying to navigate a new relationship with parents is something that many young readers experience, and Connor's difficulties seem well portrayed. The relationship between Connor and Rory was my absolute favorite part of the book; we need more sweet romances like this!
Weaknesses: The storyline with Rory thinking that her father was a rock star was a bit far fetched, and took attention away from other issues that have used more exploring. While I personally don't think that the father should have to share his past with Connor, he does have to get along with his son, and modern philosophy involves this kind of sharing. I think it is not necessary for children to know things their parents don't wish to share, but I am in the minority.
What I really think: Readers who have followed Aven's story will be glad to pick up this related volume, and fans of Grosso's I Am Drums will appreciate the percussion representation.There are not as many books about kids in musical programs as there should be; fans of Larsen's Playing Through the Turnaround and Landis' Operation Final Notice will also like this upper middle grade title.
April 9, 2025
I appreciated that this author is extremely versatile. When I started this series book one with Aven as the star I knew I would come back to Stagecoach Pass again and again. I have been extremely hooked on this series and everything Dusti Bowling.
This story covers her bestie from book one Connor. He is a young man who seems fun and exciting and intelligent he just happens to bark sometimes. Connor happens to have Tourette’s syndrome and while he’s come to terms with it his life has now been flipped upside down.
A new school, new friends, a bully and a parent who is trying to change you because your ticks are just too much. The funny thing about being a teenager is that it always feels like the world is against you. But what do you do when the enemies are your own parents.
Connor’s book made me scream cry at work. Like actual flipping tears I love the writing of this book and the dynamics of dealing with self identity out loud.
This book made me think and think how could a book for a young adult cover so much anguish or pain. There is conscious awareness of the individuals’ disabilities, love of a new hobby, divorce, verbal abuse, friendship, bullying,new love and a deep rooted pain that I’m now permanently walking around with in my stomach. What the fluff this book was just so darn good.
This story covers her bestie from book one Connor. He is a young man who seems fun and exciting and intelligent he just happens to bark sometimes. Connor happens to have Tourette’s syndrome and while he’s come to terms with it his life has now been flipped upside down.
A new school, new friends, a bully and a parent who is trying to change you because your ticks are just too much. The funny thing about being a teenager is that it always feels like the world is against you. But what do you do when the enemies are your own parents.
Connor’s book made me scream cry at work. Like actual flipping tears I love the writing of this book and the dynamics of dealing with self identity out loud.
This book made me think and think how could a book for a young adult cover so much anguish or pain. There is conscious awareness of the individuals’ disabilities, love of a new hobby, divorce, verbal abuse, friendship, bullying,new love and a deep rooted pain that I’m now permanently walking around with in my stomach. What the fluff this book was just so darn good.
April 21, 2025
Ack! I was so excited about this book and it did not disappointment! Like I got so excited when I found out Connor was getting his own book! And Connor is just epic guys! I loved him even more!
Characters:
Connor is the one and only POV and he is so funny!!!! I loved every moment of this book! I understood where he was coming from, his frustration, anger, all of it was portrayed so well! He is just such a great character and his arc is beautiful!
Rory, Amanda, and Keanu are so much fun! I love their friendship and how quickly they accepted Connor into their group. They were such a hoot!
Aven and Zion were mentioned and in the book a little as the story tied in with Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus.
Themes:
Not to judge people based on appearance or actions, to give them a chance. To be kind and understanding. To be patient and not to take your anger out on other people. It was sooooo good! The power of forgiveness and how it's just as much for ourselves as the other person. So beautiful!
Romance:
A crush and some barely described kisses. Very light.
Language:
Some uses of dang but that was it...not a problem to me.
Violence/Gore:
Someone gets punched...but that's it on the violence level.
Overall:
I loved the storyline, the themes, the everything about this book! Connor is just a great character and the over arcing theme of finding your beat and sticking with it was sooo good! Of being yourself in a world that is constantly telling you to be someone else, to fit in. Instead, be you! The beautiful you that God created you to be.
Ahhhh, such a good book!
Recommend age 11+
Characters:
Connor is the one and only POV and he is so funny!!!! I loved every moment of this book! I understood where he was coming from, his frustration, anger, all of it was portrayed so well! He is just such a great character and his arc is beautiful!
Rory, Amanda, and Keanu are so much fun! I love their friendship and how quickly they accepted Connor into their group. They were such a hoot!
Aven and Zion were mentioned and in the book a little as the story tied in with Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus.
Themes:
Not to judge people based on appearance or actions, to give them a chance. To be kind and understanding. To be patient and not to take your anger out on other people. It was sooooo good! The power of forgiveness and how it's just as much for ourselves as the other person. So beautiful!
Romance:
A crush and some barely described kisses. Very light.
Language:
Some uses of dang but that was it...not a problem to me.
Violence/Gore:
Someone gets punched...but that's it on the violence level.
Overall:
I loved the storyline, the themes, the everything about this book! Connor is just a great character and the over arcing theme of finding your beat and sticking with it was sooo good! Of being yourself in a world that is constantly telling you to be someone else, to fit in. Instead, be you! The beautiful you that God created you to be.
Ahhhh, such a good book!
Recommend age 11+
April 16, 2025
Yes. Wholeheartedly yes. Connor is starting high school in a new place without his best friends, struggling to forgive his dad for leaving, and trying to find a way to manage his Tourette syndrome. He is an incredible character (all the characters are, really!), and I shed a few tears as he learned to beat his own drum. Such a good story!
Thank you to Libro.fm for the Educator ALC of this title.
Thank you to Libro.fm for the Educator ALC of this title.
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April 20, 2025Connor is beginning freshman year in a rough situation. His parents are separated. Connor lives with his mother but doesn’t get along with his father, although his mother has moved them to a different Phoenix suburb in the hope that Connor and his father can somehow make amends. This move means that Connor is starting at a new school where he knows no one. Connor’s ability to make friends is difficult because his Tourette Syndrome causes him to bark and move his body awkwardly.
On his first day at the new school Connor meets a girl who also has Tourette Sydrome, although her tics are not as severe as Connor’s. They become friends, and she introduces Connor to other friends, including another girl with a vivid facial birthmark. Their music theory teacher helps Connor find his way to playing drums, and this changes everything. Drumming is a physical outlet for his frustrations, and he seems to tic less when he concentrates on playing rhythmically. These friends and their music teacher become Connor’s support system as he struggles with a bully and his father.
The Beat I Drum is an appealing middle-grade realistic fiction novel. (Because the characters are new high school students, its appeal may also extend to young adult readers.) Connor’s story reminds us that we all have something that makes us unique but it never diminishes our worth. We all also want to belong and have meaningful relationships, but sometimes we need to work at them and give people second chances.
I appreciate how author Dusti Bowling gives readers an appreciation for how a special teacher makes involvement in the arts the thing that matters most to certain students. Her focus on neurodiversity is also an important contribution to literature for young people. (For another excellent book dealing with Tourette Syndrome, see Halli Gomez’s List of Ten). The Beat I Drum is the third book in Bowling’s Cactus series. It definitely stands on its own, but now I’m eager to read the earlier books.
Thanks to Libro.fm for early access to this title.
On his first day at the new school Connor meets a girl who also has Tourette Sydrome, although her tics are not as severe as Connor’s. They become friends, and she introduces Connor to other friends, including another girl with a vivid facial birthmark. Their music theory teacher helps Connor find his way to playing drums, and this changes everything. Drumming is a physical outlet for his frustrations, and he seems to tic less when he concentrates on playing rhythmically. These friends and their music teacher become Connor’s support system as he struggles with a bully and his father.
The Beat I Drum is an appealing middle-grade realistic fiction novel. (Because the characters are new high school students, its appeal may also extend to young adult readers.) Connor’s story reminds us that we all have something that makes us unique but it never diminishes our worth. We all also want to belong and have meaningful relationships, but sometimes we need to work at them and give people second chances.
I appreciate how author Dusti Bowling gives readers an appreciation for how a special teacher makes involvement in the arts the thing that matters most to certain students. Her focus on neurodiversity is also an important contribution to literature for young people. (For another excellent book dealing with Tourette Syndrome, see Halli Gomez’s List of Ten). The Beat I Drum is the third book in Bowling’s Cactus series. It definitely stands on its own, but now I’m eager to read the earlier books.
Thanks to Libro.fm for early access to this title.
Currently reading
June 20, 2025I’m actually in the middle of this book and so far it’s so good love the love triangle and I think he’ll pick Amanda. Hopefully Connor doesn’t abandon Rory.
May 8, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up. A nice continuation (finale?)of the Cactus series. This book follows Aden’s best friend, Connor, as he starts a new school, makes new friends, and connects with his estranged father. I found the emotional arch of the characters very realistic. I think middle schoolers would really see themselves in these characters’ struggles. They would also experience empathy and insight into dealing with Tourette’s. Really good on audio.
January 4, 2026
This book is so special. It features main character, Connor, who has tics because of Tourette’s Syndrome. This story follows Connor as he moves apartments, schools, navigates new friendships, and wrestles with rebuilding a relationship with his dad. The story is told well, and I’m glad to add a book to my classroom that gives a window into how some may experience Tourette’s, since I haven’t encountered many books that have. A beautiful story that had me smiling.
September 19, 2025
Connor Bradley is out of sorts with the world. He has had to move away from his friends and start high school in a new place just because his father who left two years before could have him close by. Since his father thinks Connor can stop his Tourette's tics just through willpower, Connor doesn't really want anything to do with him. How Connor finds his place and begins to make peace with his father, who really starts to try is a tangled, yet hopeful story. Connor finds that trust is not always a trap and that sometimes when people offer help, they are genuine.
May 6, 2025
This was everything I wanted and more!!!!! *stares at wall in awe*
Language: N/A. Just uses of h*ck, d*ng, g*sh, and d*rn.
Violence: Nope, someone punches someone, but it's barely described.
Magic: N/A.
(Other: Characters referring to other characters as ‘cute’. One or two slight kisses, barely described.)
Yessss!!!! This was so perfect in every wayyyyy!!!!💖💖💖 Connor is my favorite character in the Cactus books so when I saw he was getting his own book I was so hyped and man…The Beat I Drum did not disappoint!!!💖 I loved every second of it, I literally had to make myself read slower than I wanted to so I could enjoy it more! It was just so beautiful and good!💖
Connor is the best, I love him so much, his internal monolog, his conflicts, and struggles, and just *hugs him* Poor guy!!💖💖💖 He's so fun too, I loved being in his head!
Amanda and Keanu were great friends! So loyal and sweet! And Rory? Loved herrrr!!!! She was so fun and sweet and just…I loved her so much! And she was an artist which is always a bonus for me!💖😉
*really wants to draw these characters now*
And the plot?? *chefs kiss* IT was so beautiful and just wow…I loved it so much, so so powerful!💖 The struggles and challenges Connor faces throughout the story with his dad and everything is just…just wow! So well done!💖💖💖💖💖 And I also love stories that represent the power of music for some reason even tho I don't make music myself I just always love those types of stories because I love music! Music is definitely powerful!💖
This was so great! Everything I wanted from a Connor story and more!!!💖💖💖 I'm not saying you should read Aven's books (which are amazing too!😉) so you can read this one but read Aven's books so you can read this one!💖😉
10+
Language: N/A. Just uses of h*ck, d*ng, g*sh, and d*rn.
Violence: Nope, someone punches someone, but it's barely described.
Magic: N/A.
(Other: Characters referring to other characters as ‘cute’. One or two slight kisses, barely described.)
Yessss!!!! This was so perfect in every wayyyyy!!!!💖💖💖 Connor is my favorite character in the Cactus books so when I saw he was getting his own book I was so hyped and man…The Beat I Drum did not disappoint!!!💖 I loved every second of it, I literally had to make myself read slower than I wanted to so I could enjoy it more! It was just so beautiful and good!💖
Connor is the best, I love him so much, his internal monolog, his conflicts, and struggles, and just *hugs him* Poor guy!!💖💖💖 He's so fun too, I loved being in his head!
Amanda and Keanu were great friends! So loyal and sweet! And Rory? Loved herrrr!!!! She was so fun and sweet and just…I loved her so much! And she was an artist which is always a bonus for me!💖😉
*really wants to draw these characters now*
And the plot?? *chefs kiss* IT was so beautiful and just wow…I loved it so much, so so powerful!💖 The struggles and challenges Connor faces throughout the story with his dad and everything is just…just wow! So well done!💖💖💖💖💖 And I also love stories that represent the power of music for some reason even tho I don't make music myself I just always love those types of stories because I love music! Music is definitely powerful!💖
This was so great! Everything I wanted from a Connor story and more!!!💖💖💖 I'm not saying you should read Aven's books (which are amazing too!😉) so you can read this one but read Aven's books so you can read this one!💖😉
10+
August 13, 2025
It was really cool to know what was going on in momentus events in connors perspective !
March 28, 2025
4 stars
Fellow Cactus Fans unite! Connor is starting high school, and we get to go along for the ride!
Connor, of Life of a Cactus series fame, is a lone protagonist this time, and he is facing many new shifts in his young life. Recently, Connor and his mom have moved to a new town, he has started a new school, and Connor's dad - with whom Connor has what can only be referred to as either no relationship or a very strained relationship - is trying to get back into his good graces. Connor is also trying to make new friends while frequently thinking about those he doesn't see as much anymore, adjust to the start of high school, and continue to manage other people's reactions to him. As expected, all of this causes a great deal of trouble for Connor, and readers see it all unfold.
I really enjoy this series (and this writer in general), and this book is no exception. Fans of the other books will be pleased, though they may also wish for a little more Aven because that's a given in all cases. Though Connor is young, a high school freshman, he also reads a little younger than he is, which I found a bit distracting at times. But as noted, the kid is going through a lot, so I'll cut him a little slack on that point.
I'm always excited when Bowling has a new book out, and I can confirm that this is another one to anticipate.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Tantor Audio, and Page Street Kids for this alc and arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Fellow Cactus Fans unite! Connor is starting high school, and we get to go along for the ride!
Connor, of Life of a Cactus series fame, is a lone protagonist this time, and he is facing many new shifts in his young life. Recently, Connor and his mom have moved to a new town, he has started a new school, and Connor's dad - with whom Connor has what can only be referred to as either no relationship or a very strained relationship - is trying to get back into his good graces. Connor is also trying to make new friends while frequently thinking about those he doesn't see as much anymore, adjust to the start of high school, and continue to manage other people's reactions to him. As expected, all of this causes a great deal of trouble for Connor, and readers see it all unfold.
I really enjoy this series (and this writer in general), and this book is no exception. Fans of the other books will be pleased, though they may also wish for a little more Aven because that's a given in all cases. Though Connor is young, a high school freshman, he also reads a little younger than he is, which I found a bit distracting at times. But as noted, the kid is going through a lot, so I'll cut him a little slack on that point.
I'm always excited when Bowling has a new book out, and I can confirm that this is another one to anticipate.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Tantor Audio, and Page Street Kids for this alc and arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
January 20, 2025
Five stars, exactly what I was expecting. I fell in love with Aven Green and her friends with Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, and so I was sure that Connor’s story would be no different. I was right.
Connor has moved. New home, new school and new (maybe?) relationship with his absent father. As a child with Tourette’s, new schools and friends can be difficult, but Connor meets an amazingly supportive group of kids. I love how every person in his circle of friends is accepted for who they are. It’s not all rainbows though. There is a bully and Connor faces his dad, who is trying (a little too late, in Connor’s opinion) to get close to his son. Add to that the usual teen angst and coming of age stuff, and you’ve got the makings of a great book!
Thanks to NetGalley, Dusti Bowling and Union Square Kids for the advanced reading copy. I appreciate it!
Connor has moved. New home, new school and new (maybe?) relationship with his absent father. As a child with Tourette’s, new schools and friends can be difficult, but Connor meets an amazingly supportive group of kids. I love how every person in his circle of friends is accepted for who they are. It’s not all rainbows though. There is a bully and Connor faces his dad, who is trying (a little too late, in Connor’s opinion) to get close to his son. Add to that the usual teen angst and coming of age stuff, and you’ve got the makings of a great book!
Thanks to NetGalley, Dusti Bowling and Union Square Kids for the advanced reading copy. I appreciate it!
May 8, 2025
Moving right before starting high school is hard for any kid, but with his noticeable Tourette's, Connor is particularly dreading the change. And it's all because his loser of a dad decided he wanted to try to be a part of their family again. Connor makes a few new friends, including one girl who also has Tourette's, and he begins taking music classes. But nothing really fixes him, and eventually, all the pressure gets to be too much.
This book perceptively describes what it's like to be bullied for something you have no control over and the devastating effects when some of that bullying comes from one's own parent.
This book perceptively describes what it's like to be bullied for something you have no control over and the devastating effects when some of that bullying comes from one's own parent.
May 16, 2025
Book number 3 in The Life of a Cactus series and they just keep getting better. This story focuses on Connor, a minor character from the previous 2 books. Connor has tourettes, and has just left his best friend Aven to move to a new school to start his ninth grade year. The story shows all that Connor has to deal with: his parent's divorce, the school bully, trying to make new friends, dealing with his ticks, and his anger and hurt that he has towards his father.
I just loved everything about this book and think it is a great read for Middle and high school students who feel like they don't fit in and for those who may be the school bully.
I just loved everything about this book and think it is a great read for Middle and high school students who feel like they don't fit in and for those who may be the school bully.
March 28, 2025
I'm always drawn to books with neurodiverse characters so this latest middle grade featuring a young boy with Tourette's and a friend who also has that and OCD definitely sounded interesting. Sadly it wasn't the strongest by this author for me and I didn't really love the story/plot of it as much as I wanted to. Would still recommend for young readers looking to learn more about different types of neurodiversity though - that aspect of the book was excellent. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
January 5, 2025
4 1/2 ⭐️
I am so glad that Dusti Bowling saw fit to continue Connor’s story. It’s refreshing to read a story with so many heroes worth celebrating. Kudos for presenting true friendship right from the start and parents who both work hard to be good parents and good people in general.
I wish that a little more time had been spent on resolution for Aven and Connor. I still feel like there are some unanswered questions there.
Overall, a great addition to a middle grade library!
I am so glad that Dusti Bowling saw fit to continue Connor’s story. It’s refreshing to read a story with so many heroes worth celebrating. Kudos for presenting true friendship right from the start and parents who both work hard to be good parents and good people in general.
I wish that a little more time had been spent on resolution for Aven and Connor. I still feel like there are some unanswered questions there.
Overall, a great addition to a middle grade library!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2025
Connor, who readers might recognize from The Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, has just moved and is starting high school in a new town. Moving and being at a new school is hard enough, but Connor has Tourette's and worries about fitting in at his new school with his tics, which include barking. He also is trying to figure out his relationship with his dad. On his first day of school, he meets Amanda, who also has Tourette's, and some other kids who are unique and amazing characters and who accept him the way he is, and a wonderful music teacher who takes him under her wing. This book sucks you right in with it's lovable (but flawed) characters. Highly recommend it!
April 5, 2025
Phew, it's been a while since a MG book made me cry, but this book had me all up in my feels.
Thank you, @dustibowling for sending me an ARC, and allowing me to read Connor's story a little bit earlier.
If you're familiar with Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, you'll remember Connor as Aven's loyal best friend. He helps Aven solve a mystery at Stagecoach Pass; her home that also happens to be a western theme park.
In The Beat I Drum, we're pulled into Connor's new world. In a new city, a new apartment, and a new school, he is struggling to find the strength to start over, and doesn't know how the kids at his new school will respond to his Tourette Syndrome and barking tics. Not to mention, his dad is also trying to get back into Connor's life after being MIA for almost two years.
As Connor begins to find his way, he discovers: the power of friendship, the sweetness of a first love, trust with a caring teacher, the healing power of music, and transformative forgiveness.
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While I can't relate to the struggle of having a disability, I felt so deeply the turbulent relationship he felt with his father.
His dad hurt him so strongly with his words and actions, abandoned Connor and his mom, and then one day decided that he wanted to try again. From a parental standpoint, I can empathize with Connor's dad, but I also know what it feels like to be in Connor's shoes, and feel hesitant to trust again.
Bowling does such an incredible job of writing from both perspectives, and brings readers a story full of hope and redemption
Thank you, @dustibowling for sending me an ARC, and allowing me to read Connor's story a little bit earlier.
If you're familiar with Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, you'll remember Connor as Aven's loyal best friend. He helps Aven solve a mystery at Stagecoach Pass; her home that also happens to be a western theme park.
In The Beat I Drum, we're pulled into Connor's new world. In a new city, a new apartment, and a new school, he is struggling to find the strength to start over, and doesn't know how the kids at his new school will respond to his Tourette Syndrome and barking tics. Not to mention, his dad is also trying to get back into Connor's life after being MIA for almost two years.
As Connor begins to find his way, he discovers: the power of friendship, the sweetness of a first love, trust with a caring teacher, the healing power of music, and transformative forgiveness.
--------------------------------------------------
While I can't relate to the struggle of having a disability, I felt so deeply the turbulent relationship he felt with his father.
His dad hurt him so strongly with his words and actions, abandoned Connor and his mom, and then one day decided that he wanted to try again. From a parental standpoint, I can empathize with Connor's dad, but I also know what it feels like to be in Connor's shoes, and feel hesitant to trust again.
Bowling does such an incredible job of writing from both perspectives, and brings readers a story full of hope and redemption
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July 10, 2025Continuing my journey in Middle Grade! I was a bit sad I didn't like this as much as the Life of Cactus first book, perhaps because Aven was so magnetic in that book. But I did enjoy Connor's growth a lot and the themes of forgiveness and expanding compassion (particularly to Connor's mom as he is able to ask himself what she wants) and finding your own beat--as in your own way to live in all the noise. The continued exploration of disability was great too!
July 7, 2025
Such an important story about Tourette’s, forgiveness, and music. I love that this is a middle grade / lower young adult story set in freshman year of high school as it allows middle schoolers of all ages and early high schoolers to read and enjoy without feeling as if they are reading down.
Source: school library hardcover
Source: school library hardcover
November 20, 2025
Aven’s crew of friends have been favorites for me since I read about them years ago. Bowling has done a wonderful job, once again, of making sure everyone is seen and understood. It’s a great read for middle grades and higher!
April 18, 2025
3.5 stars. I liked reading more of Connor’s story, but I’ll be honest, I missed Aven! This book addresses a lot from Tourette’s to bullying to the power of music to complicated families. I really loved Connor’s dad and the power of change, moving forward and addressing the problems.
eligible-in-2025
April 21, 2025Thanks Gary Anderson for the lead on thi book: https://whatsnotwrong.wordpress.com/2...
May 12, 2025
4.5⭐️
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus is my favorite middle grade novel ever. I want sure how I would feel about the story not revolving around Aven. Connor is everything! So many layers to him and the story left me wanting more. Or maybe Zion’s story…or Rory!
Audio ARC provided by NetGalley
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus is my favorite middle grade novel ever. I want sure how I would feel about the story not revolving around Aven. Connor is everything! So many layers to him and the story left me wanting more. Or maybe Zion’s story…or Rory!
Audio ARC provided by NetGalley
May 22, 2025
I read this very fast, and I definitely teared up while experiencing Connor's emotions & struggles with him.
June 14, 2025
4.7 stars!
I really enjoyed reading Connor's perspective from the Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus books!
I really enjoyed reading Connor's perspective from the Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus books!
November 13, 2025
i need more connor content
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