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Holding on for Dear Life
Acclaimed author Dusti Bowling takes the bull by the horns in this moving novel about a boy struggling to keep his family together while facing the side effects of bull riding.
Thirteen-year-old Canyon loves bull riding, but the sport doesn't exactly love him back. His body is in constant pain and doctors have warned him about the dangers of his repeated concussions, but bull riding is the only thing he and his dad connect on ever since Canyon's mom died. Canyon is convinced winning the Junior World Bull Riding championship will be the thing to bring them together again, that once he has that shiny belt buckle all the pain will be worth it. Besides, Canyon has a secret way to help his playing the fiddle.
When Canyon is unexpectedly chosen for a music competition show, a new dream begins to form. But Dad is getting worse, and Canyon feels more pressure than ever to hold his family together--even if it means choosing to hurt himself bull riding over healing through music. Soon Canyon begins to wonder if he's holding on to all the right things, or if there are some he needs to let go of.
Thirteen-year-old Canyon loves bull riding, but the sport doesn't exactly love him back. His body is in constant pain and doctors have warned him about the dangers of his repeated concussions, but bull riding is the only thing he and his dad connect on ever since Canyon's mom died. Canyon is convinced winning the Junior World Bull Riding championship will be the thing to bring them together again, that once he has that shiny belt buckle all the pain will be worth it. Besides, Canyon has a secret way to help his playing the fiddle.
When Canyon is unexpectedly chosen for a music competition show, a new dream begins to form. But Dad is getting worse, and Canyon feels more pressure than ever to hold his family together--even if it means choosing to hurt himself bull riding over healing through music. Soon Canyon begins to wonder if he's holding on to all the right things, or if there are some he needs to let go of.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published October 7, 2025
24 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Dusti Bowling
21 books1,302 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 8, 2025LOVED. Great audiobook. Trigger warnings: family trauma, alcoholism, and significant injuries via bull riding.
December 15, 2025
This deserves more stars because it's written really well. The story is well told and thoughtful. The reason for 3 stars from me is that it was horrifying to read. I couldn't believe all that bull riders go through for their sport. I can't believe this is legal...it's seriously terrible. I have only been to 1 rodeo in my life and it was fun but I didn't really get what everything was about. I know I'm naïve about this whole world but I didn't enjoy reading it. I didn't enjoy hearing about all the injuries and what they go through-from my research afterwards this seems very true to life.
My heart broke for Canyon and that he felt like he needed to keep putting himself through all that to make his Dad proud of him. I appreciated that he had other supportive adults in his life. I appreciated the way she wrapped up the story but I can't say I'd ever want to read this again.
My heart broke for Canyon and that he felt like he needed to keep putting himself through all that to make his Dad proud of him. I appreciated that he had other supportive adults in his life. I appreciated the way she wrapped up the story but I can't say I'd ever want to read this again.
August 17, 2025
Wow! 📙had me roped in from the beginning. Canyon is everything! 13 yr old boy fighting to make those that love him proud. Will he figure out what’s best…hold on or let go? 🥹⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Preorder now! By @DustiBowling @bloomsburykids Grateful #BookPosse New word hippo critter 🤣
November 29, 2025
Just wow. Dusti Bowling, you have done it again. I’m pretty sure this is going to be the most requested middle grade book this year.
June 23, 2025
Canyon is determined to become the Junior World Bull Riding champion. Bull riding is in his blood. His dad was great at it, many of his heroes are champions, and it's how he and his best friend bond. He loves it, right? Unfortunately, every time he rides he has to see the looks of fear on the faces of his sister, his grandmother, and his other best friend. He hasn't exactly mastered the 'get off' and often lands on his head, suffering many concussions along the way. But it will all be worth it when he claims the title, and finally earns his dad's respect.
Facing the bulls isn't Canyon's only obstacle. He is also dealing with grief from his mother's death, and trying to survive and take care of his sister while his father is spiraling out of control. His one solace is his nightly playing of his fiddle which he uses to get his sister to sleep and calm his own rising anger and fear. Canyon's music is the one place at school he feels content, the thing that brings peace at home, and his final connection to his mother.
This story is beautifully told. Bowling's descriptions of the injuries from bull riding had me physically cringing and wanting to put the book down. The topics of grief and family alcoholism are heavy and may not be for all middle school readers. But the characters and mentors that circle around Canyon both in the bull riding arena and at school are to be admired. I will happily recommend this book to some of my mature readers.
Facing the bulls isn't Canyon's only obstacle. He is also dealing with grief from his mother's death, and trying to survive and take care of his sister while his father is spiraling out of control. His one solace is his nightly playing of his fiddle which he uses to get his sister to sleep and calm his own rising anger and fear. Canyon's music is the one place at school he feels content, the thing that brings peace at home, and his final connection to his mother.
This story is beautifully told. Bowling's descriptions of the injuries from bull riding had me physically cringing and wanting to put the book down. The topics of grief and family alcoholism are heavy and may not be for all middle school readers. But the characters and mentors that circle around Canyon both in the bull riding arena and at school are to be admired. I will happily recommend this book to some of my mature readers.
June 25, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Canyon Cress is a bull rider. It's been a huge part of his identity ever since his father Austin first put him on a bull. His two best friends, Dakota and Tate, whose father figure, Uncle Ty, works with Canyon at the Rodeo, understand this. Dakota (on whom Canyon may have a crush!) is a barrel racer isn't thrilled that her sport isn't given the attention it deserves, and Tate is in direct competition with Canyon. The two boys hope to qualify for the Junior World Bull Riding Championship that will be held in Las Vegas. It's especially important to Canyon, because he thinks the prize money might help his family get out of the trailer in which they are living. Austin was a bull rider who did very well until he and Canyon's mother were in a car accident. They were hit by a drunk driver, and the mother was killed. While her mother is very supportive of both Canyon and his younger sister Josie, the accident has completely knocked Austin for a loop. He is finally back at work, leaving for construction jobs at 3 a.m., but is back to drinking, not buying groceries, and relying on Canyon to get Josie off to school. Grandma helps by being at the bull Riding competitions and feeding the children, but Canyon doesn't want to let on how bad things have gotten at home. Canyon is also a talented fiddle player like his mother, who was a violinist with the Phoenix Symphony. Bull riding is a tough sport, and its toll on Canyon's body is harsh. He's had at least three concussions, and now even the slightest fall or jostle causes him to have horrible headaches. Again, he keeps this to himself. His music teacher encourages him to pay more attention to his music, and Canyon even uploads a video of his playing for the American Superstar competition, and fills out the application, although in a fit of despair, throws it away. When a bull named Wonderstruck head butts him in competition, Canyon ends up in the hospital. The doctor warns him that any other head trauma could be very serious, but Canyon feels he needs to "cowboy up" because injuries are all part of the sport. Thanksgiving doesn't go well, with Austin behaving erratically. Drunk, he fights with Canyon and forces both Canyon and Josie into the truck to go to the mother's grave. Josie manages to get out of the car to call Grandma, but at the cemetery, Austin hits Canyon, who runs away. Grandma has said that if Austin drove drunk or hit the children, she would not let him near them, and Austin ends up in jail. Canyon still hopes to compete in the bull Riding championship, but after Tate is assigned Wonderstruck and is "hung up" during his ride and has his arm shattered by the bull, it's harder than ever to continue. Tate, however, begs Canyon to go in his place. Grandma takes the children to Las Vegas for the bull riding championship, and Canyon gets a taste of the American Superstar scene as well. When it turns out that his application was sent in with a touching letter of recommendation from Ray, Canyon's long time spotter (and friend of Grandma's), Canyon has a choice: will he continue the dangerous life of a bull rider, or turn to the safer passion of music?
Strengths: Bowling can certainly tell an interesting tale, and I can't think of a single other book that involves bull riding. This is exactly the type of sad book my students gravitate toward-- the neglect and abuse that causes the character to step up and care for himself and a sibling. It was good that the children had a support network that included family friends like Dakota (who was living with Tate's family because her mother was also an alcoholic) and Tate, Uncle Ty, and Ray. The grandmother is fantastic. She's trying not to overstep and intervene with Austin (who is not her son), but has a firm line when the children are in danger, and steps in immediately to care for them. The details about bull riding are fantastic; Ms. Bowling has clearly been to a few rodeos, and probably gotten on a bull herself, since there are vivid descriptions of little things like exactly how to hold onto a rope while on the back of a bull! The dangers of concussions are made very clear, but the hard-to-kick ideas about what constitutes "manly" behavior are clearly laid out with pros and cons.
Weaknesses: While I love seeing books about children who DO things, I can't say I've ever had a student ask for a book about bull riding, and it sounds so dangerous that it's not something I would want to encourage. A story about showing horses Western style IS something I desperately need, though! The number of dead parents in middle grade literatute, and the astonishing number of parents who can't deal with grief to the detriment of their children, continues to wear on me personally.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like the mix of problematic family life and a bit of adventure found in Hautman's Answers to Dog or Wallace's Nowhere Special, or fans of Bowling's other work. If you still have students who read Wojciechowska's 1965 Newbery winner Shadow of a Bull, there are some interesting parallels with following a father's footsteps and making ones own choices.
Canyon Cress is a bull rider. It's been a huge part of his identity ever since his father Austin first put him on a bull. His two best friends, Dakota and Tate, whose father figure, Uncle Ty, works with Canyon at the Rodeo, understand this. Dakota (on whom Canyon may have a crush!) is a barrel racer isn't thrilled that her sport isn't given the attention it deserves, and Tate is in direct competition with Canyon. The two boys hope to qualify for the Junior World Bull Riding Championship that will be held in Las Vegas. It's especially important to Canyon, because he thinks the prize money might help his family get out of the trailer in which they are living. Austin was a bull rider who did very well until he and Canyon's mother were in a car accident. They were hit by a drunk driver, and the mother was killed. While her mother is very supportive of both Canyon and his younger sister Josie, the accident has completely knocked Austin for a loop. He is finally back at work, leaving for construction jobs at 3 a.m., but is back to drinking, not buying groceries, and relying on Canyon to get Josie off to school. Grandma helps by being at the bull Riding competitions and feeding the children, but Canyon doesn't want to let on how bad things have gotten at home. Canyon is also a talented fiddle player like his mother, who was a violinist with the Phoenix Symphony. Bull riding is a tough sport, and its toll on Canyon's body is harsh. He's had at least three concussions, and now even the slightest fall or jostle causes him to have horrible headaches. Again, he keeps this to himself. His music teacher encourages him to pay more attention to his music, and Canyon even uploads a video of his playing for the American Superstar competition, and fills out the application, although in a fit of despair, throws it away. When a bull named Wonderstruck head butts him in competition, Canyon ends up in the hospital. The doctor warns him that any other head trauma could be very serious, but Canyon feels he needs to "cowboy up" because injuries are all part of the sport. Thanksgiving doesn't go well, with Austin behaving erratically. Drunk, he fights with Canyon and forces both Canyon and Josie into the truck to go to the mother's grave. Josie manages to get out of the car to call Grandma, but at the cemetery, Austin hits Canyon, who runs away. Grandma has said that if Austin drove drunk or hit the children, she would not let him near them, and Austin ends up in jail. Canyon still hopes to compete in the bull Riding championship, but after Tate is assigned Wonderstruck and is "hung up" during his ride and has his arm shattered by the bull, it's harder than ever to continue. Tate, however, begs Canyon to go in his place. Grandma takes the children to Las Vegas for the bull riding championship, and Canyon gets a taste of the American Superstar scene as well. When it turns out that his application was sent in with a touching letter of recommendation from Ray, Canyon's long time spotter (and friend of Grandma's), Canyon has a choice: will he continue the dangerous life of a bull rider, or turn to the safer passion of music?
Strengths: Bowling can certainly tell an interesting tale, and I can't think of a single other book that involves bull riding. This is exactly the type of sad book my students gravitate toward-- the neglect and abuse that causes the character to step up and care for himself and a sibling. It was good that the children had a support network that included family friends like Dakota (who was living with Tate's family because her mother was also an alcoholic) and Tate, Uncle Ty, and Ray. The grandmother is fantastic. She's trying not to overstep and intervene with Austin (who is not her son), but has a firm line when the children are in danger, and steps in immediately to care for them. The details about bull riding are fantastic; Ms. Bowling has clearly been to a few rodeos, and probably gotten on a bull herself, since there are vivid descriptions of little things like exactly how to hold onto a rope while on the back of a bull! The dangers of concussions are made very clear, but the hard-to-kick ideas about what constitutes "manly" behavior are clearly laid out with pros and cons.
Weaknesses: While I love seeing books about children who DO things, I can't say I've ever had a student ask for a book about bull riding, and it sounds so dangerous that it's not something I would want to encourage. A story about showing horses Western style IS something I desperately need, though! The number of dead parents in middle grade literatute, and the astonishing number of parents who can't deal with grief to the detriment of their children, continues to wear on me personally.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who like the mix of problematic family life and a bit of adventure found in Hautman's Answers to Dog or Wallace's Nowhere Special, or fans of Bowling's other work. If you still have students who read Wojciechowska's 1965 Newbery winner Shadow of a Bull, there are some interesting parallels with following a father's footsteps and making ones own choices.
December 3, 2025
What worked:
Bull riding is the backdrop for the plot. Readers will know something about the sport, but a whole book dedicated to it should pique their interest. Readers will learn that riders can only use one hand to stay on the 1,000-pound bucky bulls, and there’s a science to holding the rope. Riders falling off before eight seconds have elapsed do not receive scores. For those who stay on for the full time, judges score them based on their performances and the activity of their bulls. It is almost impossible to earn a high score riding a bull that won’t buck or twist. Readers learn about different bulls, and Canyon shares a brief story about his choice for the greatest bull of all time. The book tries to describe the whole bull riding culture.
Canyon is the main character, and his life presents several conflicts. He loves bull riding, but he’s been seriously hurt many times. Other characters joke that he falls on his head more times than he lands on his feet. However, Canyon doesn’t reveal the truth to anyone; he constantly suffers excruciating headaches and has recurring dizzy spells. His love for bull riding is a means to impress his father and perhaps help the man find a way to fix his life. The father is an alcoholic, and he often neglects the care and supervision of Canyon and his little sister, Josie. Canyon is left to fill the void of his father’s emotional absence, and Canyon’s anger and frustration are building inside of him. He loves playing his fiddle, and it’s the only thing that brings him peace. Canyon is so good with the fiddle that his music teacher suggests he send an audition video to a television talent show. Readers will be able to predict the scheduling conflict that ensues.
Female characters have important roles in this book. Canyon’s grandmother keeps a watchful eye on the children’s welfare and expresses anger when she feels the father is falling short. She takes Canyon and Josie to her home when she sees they’re being neglected or if they’re in danger. Josie appears to be an innocent little sister, but her spunk blossoms as the plot progresses. She loves to have Canyon play his fiddle at bedtime, and these moments offer him solace, too. Finally, Dakota is a close friend, and she shares caring, kind, and playful comments with Canyon. She provides a balance to the bull riding obsession of characters, and Canyon slowly comes to appreciate her company more and more.
What didn’t work as well:
Bull riding and rodeos may not appeal to urban and suburban middle-graders in general. It’s a foreign culture to their lives, so will they want to read a whole book about it? However, Canyon’s issues with his father and the loss of his mother are universal problems, and Josie is an adorable character.
The final verdict:
Canyon’s complicated life creates an emotional, heartfelt story. Bull riding may not be familiar to most middle-school readers, but his family issues and desire to please his father are relatable. I recommend you check this book out for yourself.
Bull riding is the backdrop for the plot. Readers will know something about the sport, but a whole book dedicated to it should pique their interest. Readers will learn that riders can only use one hand to stay on the 1,000-pound bucky bulls, and there’s a science to holding the rope. Riders falling off before eight seconds have elapsed do not receive scores. For those who stay on for the full time, judges score them based on their performances and the activity of their bulls. It is almost impossible to earn a high score riding a bull that won’t buck or twist. Readers learn about different bulls, and Canyon shares a brief story about his choice for the greatest bull of all time. The book tries to describe the whole bull riding culture.
Canyon is the main character, and his life presents several conflicts. He loves bull riding, but he’s been seriously hurt many times. Other characters joke that he falls on his head more times than he lands on his feet. However, Canyon doesn’t reveal the truth to anyone; he constantly suffers excruciating headaches and has recurring dizzy spells. His love for bull riding is a means to impress his father and perhaps help the man find a way to fix his life. The father is an alcoholic, and he often neglects the care and supervision of Canyon and his little sister, Josie. Canyon is left to fill the void of his father’s emotional absence, and Canyon’s anger and frustration are building inside of him. He loves playing his fiddle, and it’s the only thing that brings him peace. Canyon is so good with the fiddle that his music teacher suggests he send an audition video to a television talent show. Readers will be able to predict the scheduling conflict that ensues.
Female characters have important roles in this book. Canyon’s grandmother keeps a watchful eye on the children’s welfare and expresses anger when she feels the father is falling short. She takes Canyon and Josie to her home when she sees they’re being neglected or if they’re in danger. Josie appears to be an innocent little sister, but her spunk blossoms as the plot progresses. She loves to have Canyon play his fiddle at bedtime, and these moments offer him solace, too. Finally, Dakota is a close friend, and she shares caring, kind, and playful comments with Canyon. She provides a balance to the bull riding obsession of characters, and Canyon slowly comes to appreciate her company more and more.
What didn’t work as well:
Bull riding and rodeos may not appeal to urban and suburban middle-graders in general. It’s a foreign culture to their lives, so will they want to read a whole book about it? However, Canyon’s issues with his father and the loss of his mother are universal problems, and Josie is an adorable character.
The final verdict:
Canyon’s complicated life creates an emotional, heartfelt story. Bull riding may not be familiar to most middle-school readers, but his family issues and desire to please his father are relatable. I recommend you check this book out for yourself.
June 5, 2025
Canyon Cress is determined to ride bulls all the way to the Jr World Championships competition 8 seconds at a time. Trouble is, sometimes he doesn’t make it to the 8 second horn and sometimes he lands on his head instead of his feet when he dismounts. Regardless of mounting headaches, dizziness and queasy stomach, Canyon keeps getting on those bulls because if he does earn that buckle calling him “champion,” maybe his dad will finally start paying attention and find a reason to start acting like a dad where he and his younger sister Josie are concerned.
Bowling’s latest family-focused, middle grade novel is full of tension, family, despair and hope in hefty doses just like her Canyon’s Edge, Dust, Across the Desert, and her MG Aven Green “Cactus” books. In Holding On For Dear Life, readers in grades 5-8 will be draw in to Canyon’s determination to succeed, his devoted care of his younger sister and may become a bit angry as they watch his dad continue to disappear into a whiskey bottle, miss work, skip grocery-shopping and show himself to be incapable of being a father to his kids. Even knowing that his behavior stems from the grief over losing his wife and his children’s mother won’t be enough to garner much sympathy. Thank goodness for a grandmother who never gets too far away and steps in often, an informally adopted aunt and uncle, a dear family friend and bullfighter and two loyal friends. All these characters display strongly developed personalities and all help Canyon, in some way, to find his dream. But will that dream be the World Championship?
Bull-riding is central to Bowling’s book and readers will learn a great deal about the sport, its excitement, its risk and some of the history and history-makers behind it. But if, like me, you don’t have much interest in the event, no worries. There is so much depth to the book with many intertwined conflicts and more to Canyon than just riding bucking bulls that those who do not see themselves in a cowboy/cowgirl role will be drawn in and hoping for Canyon to see the bright future that is possible for him and for Josie.
Highly recommended for library collections serving grades 5-8, whether those be home, school, or public libraries. Text is free of profanity and sexual content altho’ there is a possible future romance brewing. The violence of the sport is clear but injuries are not overly graphic. Given those facts, Holding On For Dear Life is also appropriate for strong 4th graders.
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss.
Bowling’s latest family-focused, middle grade novel is full of tension, family, despair and hope in hefty doses just like her Canyon’s Edge, Dust, Across the Desert, and her MG Aven Green “Cactus” books. In Holding On For Dear Life, readers in grades 5-8 will be draw in to Canyon’s determination to succeed, his devoted care of his younger sister and may become a bit angry as they watch his dad continue to disappear into a whiskey bottle, miss work, skip grocery-shopping and show himself to be incapable of being a father to his kids. Even knowing that his behavior stems from the grief over losing his wife and his children’s mother won’t be enough to garner much sympathy. Thank goodness for a grandmother who never gets too far away and steps in often, an informally adopted aunt and uncle, a dear family friend and bullfighter and two loyal friends. All these characters display strongly developed personalities and all help Canyon, in some way, to find his dream. But will that dream be the World Championship?
Bull-riding is central to Bowling’s book and readers will learn a great deal about the sport, its excitement, its risk and some of the history and history-makers behind it. But if, like me, you don’t have much interest in the event, no worries. There is so much depth to the book with many intertwined conflicts and more to Canyon than just riding bucking bulls that those who do not see themselves in a cowboy/cowgirl role will be drawn in and hoping for Canyon to see the bright future that is possible for him and for Josie.
Highly recommended for library collections serving grades 5-8, whether those be home, school, or public libraries. Text is free of profanity and sexual content altho’ there is a possible future romance brewing. The violence of the sport is clear but injuries are not overly graphic. Given those facts, Holding On For Dear Life is also appropriate for strong 4th graders.
Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss.
October 7, 2025
✨Book Review✨
🎻🐂Holding on for Dear Life 🐂🎻
My Thoughts:
🤔Young Canyon’s mom died in a car accident, and he is still processing his grief and learning how to move on with life without his mom. On top of that, Canyon is dealing with his father’s struggles to find healthy ways to cope with the loss of Canyon’s mother. Canyon’s family doesn’t have much money, he spends a lot of time caring for his younger sister, he keeps landing on his head when he gets bucked off of the bulls, and he just has an incredible amount of pressure put on him, especially for someone his age. He experiences a lot of extreme highs and lows of life.
🤔Despite all he has been through and is currently enduring, Canyon has an incredibly positive attitude, and he is a great role model for perseverance, grit, and staying loyal. I think it is safe to say he can attribute many of his admirable qualities to his grandma. I hope that everyone’s life is blessed with a human like Canyon’s grandma.
🤔I think lots of young readers will benefit from and enjoy this novel. It is my guess that lots of young readers will enjoy Canyon’s hobbies of bull riding and fiddle playing. I think others will admire his perseverance and grit. I’m sure most readers will build empathy for others after reading this one. You just really never know what someone else might be going through.
🤔The characters are well-developed, the plot is straightforward and moves along at a great pace. Dusti Bowling told Canyon’s story beautifully. This book is emotional, suspenseful, and certainly memorable.
Who is going to love it? Middle grade readers who love…
❤️…bull riding. 🐂
❤️…fiddle playing. 🎻
❤️…adventure and friendships. 🤝
❤️…reading about tough family situations. 🏡(There are certainly some heavy topics in this book, and this one might not be for all middle grade readers. Not every book is for every reader, and that is okay!)
😊Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books @bloomsburychildrens and @NetGalley for the gifted ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🎻🐂Holding on for Dear Life 🐂🎻
My Thoughts:
🤔Young Canyon’s mom died in a car accident, and he is still processing his grief and learning how to move on with life without his mom. On top of that, Canyon is dealing with his father’s struggles to find healthy ways to cope with the loss of Canyon’s mother. Canyon’s family doesn’t have much money, he spends a lot of time caring for his younger sister, he keeps landing on his head when he gets bucked off of the bulls, and he just has an incredible amount of pressure put on him, especially for someone his age. He experiences a lot of extreme highs and lows of life.
🤔Despite all he has been through and is currently enduring, Canyon has an incredibly positive attitude, and he is a great role model for perseverance, grit, and staying loyal. I think it is safe to say he can attribute many of his admirable qualities to his grandma. I hope that everyone’s life is blessed with a human like Canyon’s grandma.
🤔I think lots of young readers will benefit from and enjoy this novel. It is my guess that lots of young readers will enjoy Canyon’s hobbies of bull riding and fiddle playing. I think others will admire his perseverance and grit. I’m sure most readers will build empathy for others after reading this one. You just really never know what someone else might be going through.
🤔The characters are well-developed, the plot is straightforward and moves along at a great pace. Dusti Bowling told Canyon’s story beautifully. This book is emotional, suspenseful, and certainly memorable.
Who is going to love it? Middle grade readers who love…
❤️…bull riding. 🐂
❤️…fiddle playing. 🎻
❤️…adventure and friendships. 🤝
❤️…reading about tough family situations. 🏡(There are certainly some heavy topics in this book, and this one might not be for all middle grade readers. Not every book is for every reader, and that is okay!)
😊Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books @bloomsburychildrens and @NetGalley for the gifted ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2025
Dusti Bowling could write about an outdated encyclopedia and I would read and love it. She has a way of pulling you in and not letting go until the last page. And then, hoping there will be another book because you want more. Rodeo's and bull riding are not something I know much about or search to read about. However, when I saw the author, I was immediately convinced to read it.
13 yr old Canyon lost his mom in a tragic accident, and his dad is basically non-existent due to depression and self-medication to ease the pain. His mom was a beautiful violinist, his dad a champion bull rider. Canyon has developed both of those skills enough to be top tier. He tries to please his father by continuing his bull riding, even though he has been warned that the damage it has done to his brain could be permanent. He uses the fiddle to ease the physical pain as well as the stress of trying to hold his family together and help his little sister sleep.
His orchestra teacher is a great mentor and encourages him to enter a musical competition, but he and his best friend are going after the National Jr. Bull Riding competition together. He also knows that the prize winnings would keep his family eating for a long time, and is sure his dad would then see him. Really see him.
This book is ALL GRIT- NO QUIT, full of COWBOY UP, yet also tenderness and love from a grandma and other unexpected places. The knowledge of the inner workings of riding, then it turns to the beautiful violin/fiddle- talk that you can't just fake. She knows her stuff and it feels so genuine and real. I was literally holding my breath a couple of times in concern for the poor kid. I cheered, I gasped, and I actually put my hands to my heart at one point. (I laughed at myself!) It's that engaging, that good.
In my eyes, Dusti is '10 feet Tall and Bulletproof' as an author. This one holds true and solidifies her as a top MG author in my book. Perfect for older MG or YA readers- or anyone who enjoys a good book.
13 yr old Canyon lost his mom in a tragic accident, and his dad is basically non-existent due to depression and self-medication to ease the pain. His mom was a beautiful violinist, his dad a champion bull rider. Canyon has developed both of those skills enough to be top tier. He tries to please his father by continuing his bull riding, even though he has been warned that the damage it has done to his brain could be permanent. He uses the fiddle to ease the physical pain as well as the stress of trying to hold his family together and help his little sister sleep.
His orchestra teacher is a great mentor and encourages him to enter a musical competition, but he and his best friend are going after the National Jr. Bull Riding competition together. He also knows that the prize winnings would keep his family eating for a long time, and is sure his dad would then see him. Really see him.
This book is ALL GRIT- NO QUIT, full of COWBOY UP, yet also tenderness and love from a grandma and other unexpected places. The knowledge of the inner workings of riding, then it turns to the beautiful violin/fiddle- talk that you can't just fake. She knows her stuff and it feels so genuine and real. I was literally holding my breath a couple of times in concern for the poor kid. I cheered, I gasped, and I actually put my hands to my heart at one point. (I laughed at myself!) It's that engaging, that good.
In my eyes, Dusti is '10 feet Tall and Bulletproof' as an author. This one holds true and solidifies her as a top MG author in my book. Perfect for older MG or YA readers- or anyone who enjoys a good book.
November 8, 2025
It was predestined for Canyon to be a bull rider; his father was a superlative one, until a car crash took away not only his chance to continue bull riding, but also took his wife--Canyon and his younger sister Josie's mother. Since then, Canyon's father has been adrift, more interested in drink than in his kids, as Canyon struggles to keep the family together, with help from his maternal grandmother. Canyon is convinced if he keeps bull riding and doing well, even winning the Junior World Championship, his father will finally see him and be proud of him. But bull riding is absolute hell on the body--Canyon has been hospitalized several times, and has had more concussions than he can count. He's been warned what could happen if he continues--but he feels he has no choice. Cowboy up. What he really loves, though, is playing his fiddle--his mother was a concert violinist and Canyon inherited her talent. When he has the chance to audition for a popular television competition, Canyon starts to wonder if that could ever be a possibility for him.
Oh, this was so hard to read! Canyon and his father are so alike in so many ways, doing everything 100% even if it's horribly bad for them. For Canyon, he thinks he has no other options; he's a bull rider, and that's the end of it. He'll ride bulls until his father finally notices him, even if kills him--which is a definite possibility. In other ways, Canyon is not like his father at all. He takes scrupulous care of Josie, being a surrogate dad even while desperately wishing his mother were there. Canyon's a good friend, and an excellent fiddler who loves music. The other characters are all distinct and interesting, so many of them desperate for Canyon to give the bull riding up but letting him make his own decisions. How he comes to those decisions is agonizing and believable, and I hope that kids reading this will follow his lead, in the end. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
Oh, this was so hard to read! Canyon and his father are so alike in so many ways, doing everything 100% even if it's horribly bad for them. For Canyon, he thinks he has no other options; he's a bull rider, and that's the end of it. He'll ride bulls until his father finally notices him, even if kills him--which is a definite possibility. In other ways, Canyon is not like his father at all. He takes scrupulous care of Josie, being a surrogate dad even while desperately wishing his mother were there. Canyon's a good friend, and an excellent fiddler who loves music. The other characters are all distinct and interesting, so many of them desperate for Canyon to give the bull riding up but letting him make his own decisions. How he comes to those decisions is agonizing and believable, and I hope that kids reading this will follow his lead, in the end. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
December 16, 2025
Canyon Cress wants to be seen and recognized by his dad. Canyon is sure that his dad will finally focus on him if he can just qualify for and win the Junior Bull Riding World Championship.
Canyon spends almost every waking moment practicing and preparing for the competition in Las Vegas. He has to stay in third place to qualify. Being up against his best friend Tate makes it difficult, but they have always planned to qualify and head to the championship together.
His grandmother and his little sister Josie are worried about Canyon who seems to keep getting hurt. He ends up in the hospital after his ride on Wonderstruck. A serious concussion threatens to sideline him permanently. He knows having had previous concussions means just one more bad knock on the head could end his riding career, and maybe even his life.
Bull riding is in his blood from his dad who was one of the best until the car accident that ended his riding and killed Shy, his wife and Canyon's mom. Since then, Canyon has watched his father struggle with alcohol abuse and frequent unemployment.
When he's not bull riding, Canyon plays the fiddle. This he inherited from his mother who played violin in the symphony. He would also like to make her, his grandmother, and little sister proud by competing on American Superstar. Playing fiddle on TV and maybe winning that competition might mean even more to Canyon and make his father just as proud as being a winning bull rider, but doing both seems impossible.
Author Dusti Bowling introduces readers to Canyon Cress who lives on the dangerous side of bull riding at the same time as he lives to create beautiful music in honor of his mother. Making choices in life is never easy, and Canyon must decide which direction is best for him.
Canyon spends almost every waking moment practicing and preparing for the competition in Las Vegas. He has to stay in third place to qualify. Being up against his best friend Tate makes it difficult, but they have always planned to qualify and head to the championship together.
His grandmother and his little sister Josie are worried about Canyon who seems to keep getting hurt. He ends up in the hospital after his ride on Wonderstruck. A serious concussion threatens to sideline him permanently. He knows having had previous concussions means just one more bad knock on the head could end his riding career, and maybe even his life.
Bull riding is in his blood from his dad who was one of the best until the car accident that ended his riding and killed Shy, his wife and Canyon's mom. Since then, Canyon has watched his father struggle with alcohol abuse and frequent unemployment.
When he's not bull riding, Canyon plays the fiddle. This he inherited from his mother who played violin in the symphony. He would also like to make her, his grandmother, and little sister proud by competing on American Superstar. Playing fiddle on TV and maybe winning that competition might mean even more to Canyon and make his father just as proud as being a winning bull rider, but doing both seems impossible.
Author Dusti Bowling introduces readers to Canyon Cress who lives on the dangerous side of bull riding at the same time as he lives to create beautiful music in honor of his mother. Making choices in life is never easy, and Canyon must decide which direction is best for him.
October 5, 2025
Raw, tender, and deeply human — Dusti Bowling once again delivers a story that grabs your heart and refuses to let go.
Thirteen-year-old Canyon Cress is a bull rider with more grit than most grown men—but the cost of holding on is starting to show. Bruised, battered, and burdened with taking care of his little sister while his father spirals into grief and addiction, Canyon believes that winning the Junior World Bull Riding Championship is the only way to make his family whole again. Yet when music—his late mother’s legacy—opens an unexpected door, he’s forced to ask the hardest question of all: what’s worth holding onto, and what’s worth letting go?
Bowling writes with her signature blend of realism and compassion, capturing the ache of loss, the weight of expectation, and the small, shining hope that keeps us moving forward. Canyon’s voice is unforgettable—resilient, selfless, and achingly real—and the supporting cast feels just as authentic, from his fierce little sister to the grandmother who refuses to give up on them.
Perfectly balancing heartache and hope, Holding On for Dear Life explores the dangerous myth of toughness, the quiet power of music, and the courage it takes to choose healing over hurt.
Perfect for readers who love:
🐂 Realistic, emotionally charged middle grade fiction
🎻 Gritty family stories with heart and hope
💔 Honest depictions of grief, resilience, and growth
Verdict: A powerful, compassionate story about chasing dreams, facing pain, and learning that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is let go.
Thirteen-year-old Canyon Cress is a bull rider with more grit than most grown men—but the cost of holding on is starting to show. Bruised, battered, and burdened with taking care of his little sister while his father spirals into grief and addiction, Canyon believes that winning the Junior World Bull Riding Championship is the only way to make his family whole again. Yet when music—his late mother’s legacy—opens an unexpected door, he’s forced to ask the hardest question of all: what’s worth holding onto, and what’s worth letting go?
Bowling writes with her signature blend of realism and compassion, capturing the ache of loss, the weight of expectation, and the small, shining hope that keeps us moving forward. Canyon’s voice is unforgettable—resilient, selfless, and achingly real—and the supporting cast feels just as authentic, from his fierce little sister to the grandmother who refuses to give up on them.
Perfectly balancing heartache and hope, Holding On for Dear Life explores the dangerous myth of toughness, the quiet power of music, and the courage it takes to choose healing over hurt.
Perfect for readers who love:
🐂 Realistic, emotionally charged middle grade fiction
🎻 Gritty family stories with heart and hope
💔 Honest depictions of grief, resilience, and growth
Verdict: A powerful, compassionate story about chasing dreams, facing pain, and learning that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is let go.
November 26, 2025
4.5 ⭐ Dusti Bowling is one of my favorite middle grade authors. Her characters are well developed and I get invested in their stories and lives each time I read one of her books. Holding on for Dear Life started out a little different than I expected, but by the end, I was all in.
Bull riding is in Canyon's and he needs to prove how devoted he is to show his dad he can do it. The problem is, his dad has been lost to drinking since his mom died and he just wishes he could get his old dad back. Canyon also loves to play the violin, but he doesn't think of it as an option really. Bull riding is the only option.
Canyon has had multiple concussions and has been hurt Bull riding before, but nothing like this last time. The doctors tell him if he wants a future, he needs to consider that bull riding isn't a good choice. His brain has taken a beating and his body has been broken.
Canyon struggles with his duty to bull riding and the passion he feels when playing violin. His mom used to play and he feels closer to her when he plays but isn't sure he could ever walk away from riding.
This book will take you on a journey of grief, loss, and family bonds while Canyon navigates a lot of heavy stuff. Dusti Bowling makes it engaging for young readers and she knows how to make you feel all the feels while you read.
I listened to this on audio with my 4th grade son and we both really liked it. I do think I enjoyed The Beat I Drum more but by the end, I was equally in love with the story.
Bull riding is in Canyon's and he needs to prove how devoted he is to show his dad he can do it. The problem is, his dad has been lost to drinking since his mom died and he just wishes he could get his old dad back. Canyon also loves to play the violin, but he doesn't think of it as an option really. Bull riding is the only option.
Canyon has had multiple concussions and has been hurt Bull riding before, but nothing like this last time. The doctors tell him if he wants a future, he needs to consider that bull riding isn't a good choice. His brain has taken a beating and his body has been broken.
Canyon struggles with his duty to bull riding and the passion he feels when playing violin. His mom used to play and he feels closer to her when he plays but isn't sure he could ever walk away from riding.
This book will take you on a journey of grief, loss, and family bonds while Canyon navigates a lot of heavy stuff. Dusti Bowling makes it engaging for young readers and she knows how to make you feel all the feels while you read.
I listened to this on audio with my 4th grade son and we both really liked it. I do think I enjoyed The Beat I Drum more but by the end, I was equally in love with the story.
October 1, 2025
4 stars
Dusti Bowling does not shy away from The Issues, and that's apparent in this most recent effort about young Canyon, who is really experiencing the highs and lows of early teen life.
Canyon has some memorable interests, including bull riding, fiddle playing, and managing his dad's drinking. All of these areas present their own very different dangers, and trying to make good decisions, navigate fading adults, and semi-care for his very young sibling causes Canyon to experience more challenges than the average bear. Despite his struggles, he has an incredibly positive attitude and a level of dedication that surpasses his notable youth. He's absolutely a model in persistence and grit, which we can all use these days, but sometimes it's to his detriment.
So many different kinds of readers will benefit from and enjoy this novel. Many young readers will appreciate the novelty of Canyon's hobbies. Others will find comfort in his challenging family situation and complex layers it presents. Most readers will easily enjoy the developed characters and the way the straightforward plot affords so much growth.
This is another winner from Bowling, who seems to only know how to make those. I'll look forward to the next one, too!
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Libro.fm, and Bloomsbury Children's Books for this arc and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Dusti Bowling does not shy away from The Issues, and that's apparent in this most recent effort about young Canyon, who is really experiencing the highs and lows of early teen life.
Canyon has some memorable interests, including bull riding, fiddle playing, and managing his dad's drinking. All of these areas present their own very different dangers, and trying to make good decisions, navigate fading adults, and semi-care for his very young sibling causes Canyon to experience more challenges than the average bear. Despite his struggles, he has an incredibly positive attitude and a level of dedication that surpasses his notable youth. He's absolutely a model in persistence and grit, which we can all use these days, but sometimes it's to his detriment.
So many different kinds of readers will benefit from and enjoy this novel. Many young readers will appreciate the novelty of Canyon's hobbies. Others will find comfort in his challenging family situation and complex layers it presents. Most readers will easily enjoy the developed characters and the way the straightforward plot affords so much growth.
This is another winner from Bowling, who seems to only know how to make those. I'll look forward to the next one, too!
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Libro.fm, and Bloomsbury Children's Books for this arc and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
June 28, 2025
Another hit by Dusti Bowling! Her books never disappoint!
I don't know much about bull riding and rodeos, but this book gave me a good look inside and what it is like to ride bulls.
Canyon is 13 years old and already has so many aches and pains throughout his body from riding bulls. Canyon is hoping his bull riding will help his relationship with his father. Thank goodness he has his grandmother around to help him get to the arena.
Canyon is a good big brother too. He helps get his younger sister to bed and plays his fiddle for her to help her fall asleep. His fiddle playing also helps his headaches.
Canyon's orchestra teacher encourages him to send in an audition video of his fiddle playing to his favorite show. Canyon knows it's a longshot but feels bull riding is what he needs to concentrate on in order to show his dad he has what it takes. No quitters here, gotta cowboy up!
Is all the aches and pains, and brokens bones worth maybe getting killed out in the arena riding bulls?
A must-have for all libraries. Add to your Dusti Bowling collection or start your Dusti Bowling Collection!
#SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #PublicLibraries #PublicLibrarians #ReadABook #Books #Read #MGReads MGBooks #MGLit #KidLit #ElementaryBooks #ElemReads #Edelweiss #SummerReading
I don't know much about bull riding and rodeos, but this book gave me a good look inside and what it is like to ride bulls.
Canyon is 13 years old and already has so many aches and pains throughout his body from riding bulls. Canyon is hoping his bull riding will help his relationship with his father. Thank goodness he has his grandmother around to help him get to the arena.
Canyon is a good big brother too. He helps get his younger sister to bed and plays his fiddle for her to help her fall asleep. His fiddle playing also helps his headaches.
Canyon's orchestra teacher encourages him to send in an audition video of his fiddle playing to his favorite show. Canyon knows it's a longshot but feels bull riding is what he needs to concentrate on in order to show his dad he has what it takes. No quitters here, gotta cowboy up!
Is all the aches and pains, and brokens bones worth maybe getting killed out in the arena riding bulls?
A must-have for all libraries. Add to your Dusti Bowling collection or start your Dusti Bowling Collection!
#SchoolLibrary #SchoolLibrarians #PublicLibraries #PublicLibrarians #ReadABook #Books #Read #MGReads MGBooks #MGLit #KidLit #ElementaryBooks #ElemReads #Edelweiss #SummerReading
October 13, 2025
Read this in anticipation of a school visit by the author. It is an excellent middle-grade book with thoughtful writing and some serious subjects, but still captures the joy of being a kid. 13-year-old Canyon Cress is a rodeo bullrider, following in the proud tradtion of his father, but his father is not following his progress toward the Junior World Bull Riding championship because he is an alcoholic and is periodically unable to function to take care of Canyon and his little sister, Josie. Their mother was killed in an accident 3 years ago and her legacy to Canyon is the ability to play the fiddle, something else he excels at and it brings him peace rather than pain. In the magical thinking of kids, Canyon believes that if he wins the championship, his father will stop drinking, their money troubles will be over, and they will feel like a whole family again. Luckily there are other adults looking out for Canyon - Grandma is solid and loving, Uncle Ty and Ray help Canyon with his rodeo rides. When Canyon also makes it to a music competition, he realizes he will have to choose between the thing he loves and the thing he believes will save him. It's a pretty mature decision and the author doesn't give in to easy answers. She is utterly delightful, by the way, and had a great message for our 6 graders about persistence, resilience, and kindness.
July 16, 2025
Thirteen-year-old Canyon loves bull riding, but the sport doesn’t love him back. His body is in constant pain and doctors have warned him about the dangers of his repeated concussions, but Canyon has to win the Junior Bull Riding World Championship- not just for himself, but for his family. But in bull riding, it’s all or nothing- it’s too dangerous to do for fun.
His dad hasn’t been the same since his mother died, but once Canyon has that shiny belt buckle, he’s sure it will bring his family together. The only thing that does bring him peace is fiddle playing. It is Canyon’s secret way to help the hurt in his head and his heart.
When Canyon is unexpectedly chosen for a music competition, a new dream begins to form. Canyon feels more pressure than ever to hold his family together. Even if it means choosing to hurt himself bull riding over healing through music. Soon Canyon begins to wonder if he’s holding on to all the right things, or if there are some he needs to let go.
I read this book in one sitting and I know it is going to be a popular book with both boys and girls in middle grades. It deserves the gold belt buckle of a champion for sure!
His dad hasn’t been the same since his mother died, but once Canyon has that shiny belt buckle, he’s sure it will bring his family together. The only thing that does bring him peace is fiddle playing. It is Canyon’s secret way to help the hurt in his head and his heart.
When Canyon is unexpectedly chosen for a music competition, a new dream begins to form. Canyon feels more pressure than ever to hold his family together. Even if it means choosing to hurt himself bull riding over healing through music. Soon Canyon begins to wonder if he’s holding on to all the right things, or if there are some he needs to let go.
I read this book in one sitting and I know it is going to be a popular book with both boys and girls in middle grades. It deserves the gold belt buckle of a champion for sure!
September 25, 2025
I received an electronic ARC from Bloomsbury USA Children's Books through NetGalley.
Bowling knows how to craft a middle grade novel that takes hold of readers and wraps them into the story. Canyon Cress is a bull rider like his dad and a violinist like his mom. We meet him after his mom has been killed in a car accident and his dad has checked out in his grief. He and his sister rely on their grandma and friends close enough to be family for support. Readers will identify with Canyon as he is pulled in two directions. He believes he needs to be a bull rider to earn his dad's love and respect even when the rides cause severe injuries. I appreciate the tender way Bowling shares the struggle for this thirteen year old. Sadly, some readers will connect with losing parents to death and detachment. They will recognize the emotions both Canyon and his sister Josie experience. We also meet his two best friends and see their struggles as well. Middle grade readers will find themselves somewhere in the story and recognize friends as well.
This is a stand alone but I would love to see how their story unfolds from here.
Bowling knows how to craft a middle grade novel that takes hold of readers and wraps them into the story. Canyon Cress is a bull rider like his dad and a violinist like his mom. We meet him after his mom has been killed in a car accident and his dad has checked out in his grief. He and his sister rely on their grandma and friends close enough to be family for support. Readers will identify with Canyon as he is pulled in two directions. He believes he needs to be a bull rider to earn his dad's love and respect even when the rides cause severe injuries. I appreciate the tender way Bowling shares the struggle for this thirteen year old. Sadly, some readers will connect with losing parents to death and detachment. They will recognize the emotions both Canyon and his sister Josie experience. We also meet his two best friends and see their struggles as well. Middle grade readers will find themselves somewhere in the story and recognize friends as well.
This is a stand alone but I would love to see how their story unfolds from here.
May 4, 2025
13-year-old Canyon Cress wants to be a bull rider, just like his dad. He wants his dad to be proud of him, to see him. But, since the death of Canyon's mother, his dad has been broken. Canyon keeps the neglect and his dad's drinking from his grandmother. His grandmother takes Canyon to the rodeo to compete, and knows the extent of his injuries, several concussions. But Canyon is good, in fact, he's in the running to make it to the Junior National Championship in Las Vegas. Maybe winning the prize money will change their lives, but maybe bull riding will ruin his life forever.
Dusti Bowling writes middle grade so well - I love that Can is 13, and acts like a 13 year old. He's got a crush, he wants to be the man of the family, argues with his best friend and takes such good care of his little sister. The rodeo action was exciting and dangerous and the ending had me in legit tears. I hope kids love it as much as I did, I love the cover art. Canyon is white, and his culture is cowboy.
Dusti Bowling writes middle grade so well - I love that Can is 13, and acts like a 13 year old. He's got a crush, he wants to be the man of the family, argues with his best friend and takes such good care of his little sister. The rodeo action was exciting and dangerous and the ending had me in legit tears. I hope kids love it as much as I did, I love the cover art. Canyon is white, and his culture is cowboy.
July 23, 2025
My feelings about Holding On For Dear Life are complicated. I loved the end, but it felt a bit rushed and unearned. The writing, like Bowling’s other work, was captivating and vivid. But as an adult and a parent I cannot imagine letting my child or any child continue to participate in a sport when they are already injured. The amount of time that passes between Canyon’s severe concussion and him getting back on a bull is significantly less than any kid I’ve ever known going back to their sport post concussion. I was honestly appalled by the behavior of a lot of the adults here, and not just the times they’re supposed to be appalling.
I know I’m not the target audience for this book, so I’m curious to see how it’s received there. And although I’ve been to the rodeo a few times, rodeo culture is not my culture. I’m also curious to see if Bowling adds an author’s note to the finished copy to explain more about bull riding as a sport.
Overall, I wouldn’t hand this to any kid I know without being prepared to have a lot of intense conversations about many of the things that happen.
I know I’m not the target audience for this book, so I’m curious to see how it’s received there. And although I’ve been to the rodeo a few times, rodeo culture is not my culture. I’m also curious to see if Bowling adds an author’s note to the finished copy to explain more about bull riding as a sport.
Overall, I wouldn’t hand this to any kid I know without being prepared to have a lot of intense conversations about many of the things that happen.
September 20, 2025
Holding on for Dear Life is a heartfelt, authentic story about a boy caught between chasing dangerous goals, family legacies, and personal dreams. Canyon is determined to prove himself as a bull rider, hoping it will help his hurting father recover from grief and alcohol abuse, but a series of concussions and a doctor’s warning force him to reconsider. Canyon felt very real, and though he’s in a tough spot, he faces it with grace, kindness, and resilience. His relationships with his little sister and grandmother are especially moving, and his friendships add warmth. I think the book's focus on rodeos, bullfighting, and the possibility of joining a reality talent show has the possibility of hooking reluctant readers. Over I found this book to be quick, hopeful, and engaging. Thank you to the author and publisher for an Advanced Reader Copy.
Generally recommended online for ages 8+ and grades 3rd+.
Generally recommended online for ages 8+ and grades 3rd+.
October 22, 2025
Dusti Bowling's books have almost always been grand slams in my eyes, but both my 12 year old son and I weren't sure that a book about bull riding was going to be our cup of tea...WOW, were we wrong! We both LOVED the audiobook edition of Holding on for Dear Life and thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in cowboy and bull riding culture. More than the specifics of the main character's particular passion, however, we connected with universal challenges like yearning for a parent's attention and approbation, the complicated mix of parentification and abandonment that comes with being the child of an alcoholic parent, grief for a dead loved one, and figuring out one's identity beyond expectations of family, friends, teachers, and classmates.
Audiobook was engaging, with an excellent narrator.
Highly, enthusiastically recommended to elementary and middle school readers.
Thanks to Libro.FM for the Advanced Listener Copy (ALC) for Educators.
Audiobook was engaging, with an excellent narrator.
Highly, enthusiastically recommended to elementary and middle school readers.
Thanks to Libro.FM for the Advanced Listener Copy (ALC) for Educators.
November 17, 2025
This is an amazing novel! Packed with emotion, tension, and action, I loved every minute of my reading time with Canyon. I felt angry when Canyon's dad failed him. I felt joy when Canyon played his fiddle. I felt loved when Canyon's grandma, sister, and friends all supported him and showed their love for him.
The bull riding scenes were difficult to read, only because the writing was filled with Canyon's fears as well as the danger and unknown of being flung around and off an angry bull. Although these tense scenes made my own heart race and anxiety spike, they felt authentic and gave me a much better understanding of the dangers, sacrifices, and mental strength bull riders must take on for this sport.
This is one of my all time favorite authors and I will read everything she writes. The acknowledgements reveal personal hardships Dusti went through while writing this novel and they made the dedication even more meaningful. Bravo!
The bull riding scenes were difficult to read, only because the writing was filled with Canyon's fears as well as the danger and unknown of being flung around and off an angry bull. Although these tense scenes made my own heart race and anxiety spike, they felt authentic and gave me a much better understanding of the dangers, sacrifices, and mental strength bull riders must take on for this sport.
This is one of my all time favorite authors and I will read everything she writes. The acknowledgements reveal personal hardships Dusti went through while writing this novel and they made the dedication even more meaningful. Bravo!
July 21, 2025
Dusti has done it again with this heartfelt book about finding out what really matters, courage, and taking risks. Canyon is a bull rider and wants to win the Bull Riding World Championship for the money so his family can move into a house. At home he and his sister watch American Superstar, and his teacher wants Canyon to send in a video for his fiddle playing. When Canyon finds out he needs his dad’s signature he throws the permission slip away. Even after his third concussion, Canyon still wants to compete even though his dad says I don’t want you to die.When Canyon’s friend gets hurt, he tells Canyon you have to compete and win. What will Canton end up doing? And, why does American Superstar expect him to show up for an audition?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 23, 2025
Canyon Cress dreams of being a champion bull rider like his father, but his dad gave up riding the night before the world championship when a drunk driver killed Canyon’s mom. His mom was a concert violinist so he knows he gets his love of fiddling from his mom, but he feels he must leave that aside to continue chasing dreams of a bull riding championship so his dad will finally climb out of his whiskey bottle and see him again. Thankfully Canyon has a supportive grandma and a little sister who adores him, but watching his father’s actions is pretty difficult. Readers who like dead/tragic parent stories will like this one, but I hope more pick it up for the bull riding vs fiddling dilemma.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Children's for the digital ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Children's for the digital ARC.
September 28, 2025
Thirteen year old Canyon is a bull rider and a fiddler, one talent from each of his parents. He's also doing everything he can to hold on to what's left of his family. If that means he has to parent his little sister and shield her from their dad's alcohol abuse, then that's what he'll do. He's cowboy tough and knows how to dig in when the riding gets rough. But at what cost?
This book! Honestly I've never met a Bowling title I didn't love, but THIS BOOK! This is the middle grade I love. This is the middle grade that is head and shoulders more emotional, impactful, and memorable than the majority of adult books I read. This is the middle grade that turns a reluctant reader into a reader.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Children’s for the ARC!
This book! Honestly I've never met a Bowling title I didn't love, but THIS BOOK! This is the middle grade I love. This is the middle grade that is head and shoulders more emotional, impactful, and memorable than the majority of adult books I read. This is the middle grade that turns a reluctant reader into a reader.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Children’s for the ARC!
December 11, 2025
Dusti Bowling has done it again with yet another amazing book. About a kid who lost his mother and is living with his sister and father (who isn't too great a person). Canyon is a bull rider, but he keeps riding bulls in hopes his dad will see, but it isn't worth hurting himself over.
Dusti writes truly amazing stories about young teenagers who are going through some hard stuff and need to realize that it isn't always up to them to hide everything they are going through.
Canyon just needed to know that his dad did notice him, that he hears him and understands him and loves him. "Holding on for Dear Life" is a remarkable book. I love Dusti's books so much and this one has definitely made its way onto my favorites.
Dusti writes truly amazing stories about young teenagers who are going through some hard stuff and need to realize that it isn't always up to them to hide everything they are going through.
Canyon just needed to know that his dad did notice him, that he hears him and understands him and loves him. "Holding on for Dear Life" is a remarkable book. I love Dusti's books so much and this one has definitely made its way onto my favorites.
November 20, 2025
I’ve long loved Dusti Bowling’s books: I had the good fortune to meet her when she was at my youngest son’s elementary school (he’s now 18!).
I was lucky enough to win an ARC of this from Dusti herself and as a middle school librarian I was excited to read it. I’m always looking for good books to recommend and buy for my students.
I LOVE THIS BOOK!
Being in Arizona, I really love books set here. I love books about kids going through challenges and I love books about seeing the best in others and not letting our challenges define us. I won’t spoil this in any way but I’m so happy to have read this and I can’t wait to share it with all my school kids.
I was lucky enough to win an ARC of this from Dusti herself and as a middle school librarian I was excited to read it. I’m always looking for good books to recommend and buy for my students.
I LOVE THIS BOOK!
Being in Arizona, I really love books set here. I love books about kids going through challenges and I love books about seeing the best in others and not letting our challenges define us. I won’t spoil this in any way but I’m so happy to have read this and I can’t wait to share it with all my school kids.
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