Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus Lib/E

Life of a Cactus #2

by Dusti Bowling

“High School. Two words that struck fear into the heart of every armless middle schooler I knew. Which was me. And like two people online.”
 
The sequel to Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus follows Aven Green as she confronts yet another challenge: high school.
Just as Aven starts to feel comfortable in Stagecoach Pass, with her friends and schoolmates accustomed to her lack of “armage,” everything changes once again. She’s about to begin high school . . . with 2,300 new kids to stare at her. And no matter how much Aven tries to play it cool, nothing prepares her for the reality. In a year filled with confusion, humiliation, fears, loss, and just maybe love, can Aven manage to stay true to herself?

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Young Adult, Audiobook, Fiction, Disability, Friendship

Audio CD

First published September 17, 2019

About the author

DUSTI 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.

Reviews

[Dusti Bowling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so excited to share more of Aven's adventures with you all! I hope you enjoy them!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aven is BACK!! ❤️ I loved loved loved the first book and had my doubts that the sequel would be as good. But boy, it was. I LOVE Aven. 🤗 She is such a courageous and bright character. I also loved that this book was realistic with the high school experience. 😉

[Katy O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

(free review copy via @kidlitexchange ) I LOVED getting to go back into Aven's world and see how all of her friendships and other relationships evolved over time! Bowling expertly transitioned from a book ABOUT Aven's being differently abled (Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus) to a book about a teen girl's (who happens to have no arms) trials and tribulations. Mind you, this is a very important distinction as it takes us from and "issue" book to a "non-issue" book. I loved that evolution of Aven's story. Overall, I raced through the story and loved the depth and breadth of the characters and setting. I'll definitely be buying this for my elementary and middle school libraries.
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PK-12 Librarian note: Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus is set during Aven's first year of high school, and while this makes sense given Aven's age in Insignificant, I personally and professionally think the entire series could have been set much younger, given how young it reads. If Insignificant were set in 5th or 6th grade, then Momentous could have been set in Aven's first year of middle school, which would have read more age-appropriate. Does the age really make a difference in the quality of the novel? Nope, not really, and elementary and early middle school readers won't care. However, my recommended age for this series is grades 3-6 - don't be misguided by the age of the characters into thinking this is anywhere close to mature middle grade or YA.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aven continues to be a captivating leading lady. Bowling deftly communicates just how adept Aven has become at living life without arms in a world built for such appendages. Spaghetti, the llama, shares Aven's affections with Chili, the horse, and Fathead, the tarantula rescue. Connor has relocated to spend more time with his dad and is not as strongly featured as in the first book. I missed his friendship with Aven being such a prominent theme. Connor's geographical distance, however, does allow Zion to grow as a character since he and Aven start high school together. Their growing friendship allows the upcoming Comic Con to take prominence and we find Zion's family playing a strong role in "Momentous." The strongest story line centers around Aven's "Great Humiliation" and her decision to take action and move one -- definitely a highlight for me. If you like Bowling's other titles you will find this one is a strong addition to her list of accomplishments.

Thank you to Sterling Children's and Edelweiss for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel takes Aven to her first year of high school. 3,000 students, but only 700 from her middle school. Her best friend, Connor, has moved across town and now attends a different school. Now, Aven and Zion have to tackle this new chapter on their own. And it's starting off worse than transferring middle schools ever was. Will Aven stay true to herself with so much confusion, hurt, and loss swarming around her?

Pre-order this one now! You will want it in hand when it drops on September 17, 2019! I laughed, I cried, I didn't want it to end.

[Rachel {bibliopals} · Rating 5 out of 5]

Character named Lando (nickname for my son) who ends up being a hero AND a homeschooler who isn't portrayed in a negative light! 👍🏻👍🏻

[Laura Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy to get an early copy. Loved it! More soon...

[Nicole M. Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction

I actually liked this second installment in the series even more than the first! This second book has Aven headed off to high school and facing even more changes (and some bullying). This book fills a void in that it bridges MG and YA quite nicely. Throughout the book, Aven struggles with confidence and has to find her way in a new school and in the new world of crushes and floundering friendships. Still, Aven’s voice is full of humor and heart so the book never feels too heavy. The story is sweet and inspiring and sure to help kids realize that our differences don’t define us.

NARRATION: Another fabulous job at narration, this time by Karissa Vacker. I thought she captured Aven’s young voice incredibly well.

[Robin Tobin (On the back porch reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this author and this precious series she has created...

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat to be back in the world of the fabulous and courageous Aven Green and her family and friends. When last we left her in Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus all was well in her world. She had two best friends in Connor and Zion, had solved the mystery of her birth and adoption, found her grandmother, and had made some important changes to the running of her family's theme park, Stagecoach Pass. But then everything changes when she enters high school in September as one of 3,000 students, and only 700 of them are from her middle school. Unfortunately Connor isn't one of those 700 students. He's now at a school on the other side of town to be closer to his dad. It's a whole new world and a whole new set of rules. Students there aren't just curious and uninformed, or ask silly questions like they did in middle school. Now there are way too many unfriendly stares, and Aven finds herself on the receiving end of some nasty and hurtful bullying for the first time in her life. Yeah, school can really suck sometimes. Especially when you're surrounded by people who don't take the time to get to know you or believe that different equals weird or freakish. Luckily Aven has a wonderful support system of terrific parents and friends who don't let her forget how awesome she is or how much she's achieved or just how truly brave she is. I loved this sequel just as much as the first book and read it all in one sitting. Is it too much to hope for a third book?

[Emilia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really like the cover and Aven was depressed for most of the book, so I didn't like it as much as the first book.

[Diana Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good follow up to Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus 🌵

Aven is navigating high school, missing Connor, and dealing with all sorts of drama at Stagecoach Pass. 🐎

Although Aven is in high school, she's written a bit younger, and certainly more naive, than typical Teen Fiction characters, so I'd recommend this to middle school readers.

Fun to read novels set in the place where I live. Will look for more by author Dusti Bowling. 📚

[Lexi (Chess' version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Landon and Aven so much ahhhh 💕

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dusti Bowling gives readers more of the unsinkable Aven, her family, friends, and life at Stagecoach Pass in the follow-up to 2017's Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus (which also happens to be one of my favorite middle grade books ever). Aven, a middle grader born with no arms; her best friends, Connor, a boy with Tourette's and Zion, a boy with weight problems, formed a tight-knit group of kids who could lean on each other, strengthen one another, and - because what are friends for? - drive one another nuts. Insignificant Events is a brilliant novel with characters that become part of you the first time you meet them, so to learn that Dusti Bowling was giving us another book about Aven and Company was just the news myself, and so many other readers, needed.

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus changes the game on Aven and her friends once more. Just in time to start high school, Connor's moved away and makes a new friend. A new female friend. Trying not to let jealousy get to her, she works on affecting indifference, but a cruel prank by some of of the Mean Boys (yep, they exist, and you know exactly who they are) in school devastates Aven, sending her into a PTSD-like spiral of anxiety and depression. Lando, Zion's older brother, seems interested in Aven, but she can't imagine - especially while continuing to be bullied by the creep that pranked her - that he'd be interested in her, which makes her more miserable. There's a subplot where Aven wonders about her father while trying to find Henri's - the ice cream man at Stagecoach Pass - family as his dementia gets worse, that put my emotions through the ringer.

There's so much taking place in Momentous Events. Aven and her friends are struggling with adolescence and the things that come with it; namely, shifting friendships, crushes, and first relationships. Aging, death, and family - especially when you know there are family members "out there" somewhere - take up huge parts of Aven's thinking and feelings here. A new friend on the scene introduces Aven to fictional punk rock band Screaming Ferret, which gives her a new outlet for her feelings and makes me very happy; each chapter begins with a Screaming Ferret lyric, giving readers a heads-up as to what Aven's mood may be for that chapter.

There are no downsides to Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus. Dusti Bowling gives readers - yet again - incredible characters with messy lives; lives that we recognize, challenges we can understand, sympathize with, and appreciate; and she does it with humor, care, and feeling.

[Laura Koehler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the #kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own. — I couldn’t have been more excited to read this sequel, and I loved this book just as much as the first. Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus finds our quirky and fun loving protagonist Aven on a brand new adventure: high school. The premise of this story was one of the main reasons why I loved it so much. As a teacher, I find that middle grade and middle school readers tend to want to read about characters that are older than them. This book did that in a way that was genuine but also age appropriate. I also enjoyed this novel because of the genuine characters. Aven still has her wonderful sense of humor, and so does her band of friends, making the humor light and effortless. The big change in this novel is in the demeanor of Aven. We find her facing authentic high school experiences, and as a result, her self confidence falters. The way Bowling writes about these experiences had my heart breaking right along with Aven’s. Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus did a phenomenal job portraying many important lessons for young people. 1) It is impossible for everyone to like you, and 2) People notice when you are not yourself, and the best people are the ones who love you for exactly who you are meant to be.The reader journeys with Aven as she comes to these personal realizations, and there are many laughs and tears along the way. If your readers loved Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, they are going to be dying to get their hands on this sequel!

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel to Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus is a must read! Aven is back, and though she is starting high school, this is very much a middle grade book. Family, friends, life changes... this book has everything a middle grade reader would want, all wrapped up in Aven's amazing sense of humor and viewpoint! To know her is to love her!

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so grateful Dusti wrote this story. I hope middle school and high school students read this book. More to be said on the blog soon...

[(Katie) Paperbacks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in awhile there is a contemporary book that hits me hard and want to give it a big squeeze, yep this duology definitely did that for me.

[Trudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The voice of the main character, Aven, is so vivid and charming. She’s spunky, kind, and true to herself. There are a lot of life lessons here, done with delicate humor and wit. I love this series, and have already pre-ordered the third book coming out next month. A delightful read, and an even more delightful listen!

[Gary Anderson]

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus iss Dusti Bowling’s follow-up to Significant Events in the Life of a Cactus. This time, Aven and company are beginning high school, which means a larger student body, more emotional drama, and dances. Aven is up for almost anything, but she doesn’t want anything to do with those dances because they always play “YMCA,” and Aven was born without arms. Armlessness does’t stop her from playing guitar or even jumping horses, but she doesn’t want the social awkwardness of that “YMCA” ritual. Although Momentous Events takes place in high school, it still reads like a middle-grade book with nothing too edgy, although the bullying is more intense than it was in middle school. Aven is still an appealing narrator, and her friends group is still endearing, so Insignificant Events fans will also enjoy this one. The life lessons in Momentous Events involve the many ways that family can be created, and how to face obstacles with courage and a mindset that turns them into opportunities.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I did not read the first book in this series, although I have heard quite a bit about it. While reading the first book would have helped to know who the characters were, at times, and their backgrounds, I had absolutely no trouble sinking into this book. I recommend reading the first book but can't say there's a problem with picking up the second instead.

Aven is entering high school, and after just getting settled into middle school, she's more than nervous at the idea of having to adjust again. Especially since her best friend, Connor, is now on the other side of town, and the high school is over four times as big as middle school was. But she is 'blasé'. And ready to take it on...even though everyone stares at her...even though a cute guy suddenly seems interested in her...even though it might be tougher than she expected.

There are several things I enjoyed about this book. Firstly, it's written with Aven going into high school, but still reads like a middle grade novel. While her age and the setting would normally throw this into the young adult category, it's exactly the kind of book older middle graders will appreciate. After all, they're nervous about high school and what awaits them...and this book hits exactly that. Secondly, Aven was born without arms, and while this obviously drives many aspects of the plot, the story itself doesn't really harbor on it. Of course, there are mentions of how she uses her toes to dial a phone and such, but it's not shoved in the reader's face. It makes this into a novel great for any kid who is uncomfortable about starting high school because they believe they'll stick-out or not fit in for some reason or another. And thirdly, the plot surrounds several aspects of Aven's life and gives her a very natural, rounded atmosphere. She has friends, she has family, and she has things outside of school which help balance her even when drama hits. She's a strong girl, who tackles insecurities and bullies in a realistic, healthy way.

The pacing is very well done. It's an easy read and holds attention until the very last page without weighing down with Aven's issues. It was a little interesting how many characters have issues, though. Plus, I was a little surprised by the supposed bullying event, which spiraled her into depression. While gentle, the event was exactly that—gentle. Considering everything she goes through and must go through (reality of how harsh kids can be), it was not believable that something like that could influence her so easily. Still, it will fit for more sensitive readers at the middle grade level, and her tale of finding herself again and fighting through still resonates with the reader. Add her lovely insights, friendship which never ends, and a dash of humor, and it's a read to recommend.

I received an ARC copy and enjoyed the story very much. So, I'm happy to leave my honest thoughts!

[Shaye Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, then surely you've grown attached to Aven, Connor, and Zion. These characters shared the misfortune of being left out, bullied, and ignored for much of their lives before finding comfort in one another. Well in book #2, Zion is still fairly timid, struggling to make eye contact. Connor still has continual tics due to Tourette syndrome. And Aven is still armless, obviously. But things are pumped up a notch as the friends enter high school with Connor going to a different school across town AND Aven attracting the attention of one of the most popular high school athletes.

School aside, there are plenty of other happenings in Stagecoach Pass: their beloved llama, Spaghetti, appears to be very ill, Henry's memory seems to be worsening, Josephine is navigating her new life in an assisted living community, Aven is learning to jump a horse, and she suddenly has a desire to find her biological father. I LOVED THIS SECOND BOOK!!! I can't even express how happy I was to be reunited with these lovely characters. I adore Aven's quirky sense of humor and the way she faces and resolves conflict with her friends. I laughed and cried throughout the story, feeling all the feels. It's no surprise that book #1 still has a 4.34 Goodreads rating and book #2 already has a STARRED review from Kirkus. Do yourself a favor and pre-order it right now!

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!

[Katie Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fortunate to be part of this book's launch team and received an ARC to read and review.

Picking up shortly after the end of Insignificant Events, Aven is getting ready to begin a new chapter in her life...high school. With a new school comes change, of course. From 700 students to 3,000, and without Connor (who's moved across town and attends a different school), Aven and Zion work together to battle the beast known as high school.

When Aven is challenged in ways she's never experienced before, her voice and confidence become shaken. With the help of Zion, Connor, and a new cast of characters, Aven learns what it means to be true to who she is.

Other things to love: each chapter opens with lyrics from author-created punk songs. I can see these becoming mantras for some readers. Comic-con and comic book references throughout, as well as another Aven mystery to solve.

With themes of friendship, family, and truth to oneself, I highly recommend this sequel to all middle grade readers.

Release date is scheduled for September 17, 2019. Be sure to preorder!

[Jennifer Whitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fortunate to be part of this book's launch team and received an ARC to read and review.

The sequel of Insignificant Events brings Aven to high school. With a new school comes change and Aven's confidence is tested. After losing Connor (to a move), Aven and Zion, with Zion's older brother Lando, set out to make the most of this new school. Aven finds strength in people and places that she did not expect and works through the turmoil that high school and growing up can bring to anyone, even with arms. Your heart will cringe and break with hers as she moves through typical adolescent struggles and root for her at her every step of the way. Aven's voice is strong throughout this story and it makes readers love her even more, leaving us wondering what will be next for Aven? College?

Release date is scheduled for September 17, 2019. Be sure to preorder, you don't want to miss this one!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as a follow up to the first book about Aven, Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus. The tone and style of this book changed dramatically compared with the first book the first is definitely middle grade fiction; this one is more YA, and rightfully so. Aven has entered high school and things can be pretty rough in high school, more so if you're an outsider, an easy target to be picked on and bullied. The tone is more angsty. Aven has lost the confidence she had in the first novel, in which she built up Connor who struggles with Tourette's Syndrome. Of course, by the end of this novel, all is well and righted as it should be. Confidence is restored. And readers learn that sometimes the worst thing that could happen does happen, and one is still able to keep going. That's an important lesson to learn.

I enjoyed the first book more, but it was nice to have a revisit with Aven.

[Katja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really sweet YA story about an armless girl facing high school life in a very quirky and uinque setting, namely an Arizona Wild West theme park.

I had a lot of problems with the first book in this series, mainly the squeaky clean characters, the (in my opinion) overly positive attitude of the main character and the "you can do anything you want" mantra. None of these problems existed in the second instalment, on the contrary, there was a lot of teen angst, low self esteem, crappy behavior towards friends and cruel bullying.

Sure, the ending was a bit Hollywood again, but hey, it's a YA novel and we all need some can-do-feeling in our life (and "fighting the man" is always good).

I loved the side characters, the geekiness of Zion's family, Henry, Spaghetti and Aven's grumpy grandma. Fully recommended!

[Clare Lund · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely ADORED this sequel to Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus! I received an ARC as a member of the book's launch team, but am not being compensated for my reviews.

As Aven starts high school, she is faced with a new level of bullying she has never experienced before, causing her to lose her confidence. Through the help of Connor, Zion, and a new cast of friends, Aven learns a lot about what it means to be true to herself. I loved the references to comic books and punk rock, and the subplot with Henry was so touching -- that last scene in the hospital caught me off guard and definitely choked me up.

I highly recommend this sequel for ages 10 and up!!

[Stacey DeCotis (Reading in the Middle Grades) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aven is back with her wit and humor! As she starts high school with 3,000 kids her strength and confidence is tested. Connor has moved and won’t be part of her new experience. Zion warns her about a boy who is giving her attention. Henry is starting to lose his memory and Aven has to deal this all and more.

Written in such a smart way with each chapter giving cool lyrics to punk bands, Dusti Bowling does it again to make this book unputdownable. Fans of Aven will laugh and cry as she navigates the ups and downs of the start of high school. Come out September 2019!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in love with Aven Green from the moment she gave her first crazy reason for not having arms. She is one of my favorite fictional characters and I couldn't wait for this sequel to arrive! Just as entertaining as "Insignificant Events," Aven is now navigating the pitfalls of high school. A safe read for any age - Dusti Bowling can tell a story that's entertaining at any age. Keep on writing!

[Mori K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I. Loved. This. BOOK!

Aven is such a fantastic character! She is so resilient and takes strife with all the grace. She is the perfect ratio of funny, sarcastic, witty, kind, and adventurous. Aven Green just might be the best character I have ever read. Apart from Aven's awesomeness, I really liked the settings in this book. Stagecoach Pass is a fantastic place that embodies the feel of a day out and rolls it together with a cool amusement park. Also, I liked that Aven's art festival from the previous book led to some serious revitalization of the park. The high school also had an appropriate feel. In addition, I loved the other characters, mainly Lando and Conner, and the plot was pretty good too. I only have a couple of criticisms.

1) First and foremost, WHY DID CONNER HAVE TO MOVE?! He was an integral part of the first book, and now he moved and we saw him about three times. I think, respectfully, that making Conner move was a mistake because he's supposed to be Aven's best friend, and his moving mostly removed him from the story arc.

2) I didn't really like this new obsession with finding and/or reconnecting with long lost family members. I thought it was weird, and I just felt like the characters, except for Henry, should have just been happy with their lives and moved on.

3) I thought the romance was a little overdone. Near the end, the author kind of creates a love triangle between Aven, Conner, and Lando, which overly complicated the plot, especially if there won't be a sequel to resolve it.

4) I thought the mentions of tattoos and piercings was unnecessary, and I don't really know why they were included.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book and the one before it, and I recommend the series to literally anyone who can read!