Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus: 2

I first met Aven Green in Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus. This time she’s 14 and starting high school. So many new kids who don’t know that she doesn’t have any arms, new faces to stare at her and new situations to get used to. Her life is one giant stressful situation. As she struggles with so many new situations, Aven pushes everyone who cares about her away. However, she eventually realises that she needs her friends and family if she is going to truly be herself.

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling is an empowering sequel that continues the story of Aven Green as she navigates the challenges of high school. Full of humor, heart, and relatable teen struggles, Aven’s voice remains authentic and inspiring as she deals with issues of self-doubt, friendship, and independence—all while living without arms. Bowling crafts a compelling narrative that deepens the reader's connection to Aven, offering an insightful exploration of resilience and the courage to embrace life’s difficulties. It's a heartfelt and uplifting read that resonates long after the final page.

It was a gift for my Granddaughter, and it was requested after reading the first of the series. She loved it.

Awesome book in the series. Great price, fast shipping, packaging wasn't good and book came a bit bashed up.

Dusti Bowling's "Life of a Cactus" book series is so well written and immersive that truly, you can't put the books down once you've begun them. I read one afternoon, evening, and into the night to finish MOMENTOUS EVENTS. It was so worth it. Her characters are very believable, and although I have all my limbs and am several decades older than her protagonist Aven Green, and many of her readers, I loved it. I laughed, held my breath, cheered, and cried as I read. You will too.Aven Green born without arms, was adopted and raised in a spectacular family. Her adoptive parents love her beyond measure but do not pamper her. She learned all she had to do to get along, with their little initial assistance, then a lot of loving, positive attitude. As a reader, I believe she can do anything. I loved her positive, even sassy, "can-do" attitude.In the first book, the family moved to hot Arizona to operate Stagecoach Pass, a Western theme park. It's where she learned who her family was and also where she acquired two fast friends, Connor and Zion, both needy in other ways.Now entering High School, only Zion is with her. Together, they experience bullying, although I didn't recognize it until the end of the book.  I thought, "meanness".  And it was that, too.  Zion warned her, but Aven always thinks the best of people. So when the most humiliating event of her life happens, she is knocked off kilter. Her whole life and attitude are affected. She, as well as Zion, spiral down and close themselves off.Then, a series of amazing events happen and she gets the courage to act. WOW!  And then double WOW, as Aven gets her life back (and a few more friends as well).  It is very uplifting! I cried for joy!This book is perfect for new teens and those entering high school or other scary venues. But, as with all of Bowling's books, adults can read, be challenged, and enjoy them too.   These are truly books that should get Scholastic Awards.

Very funny!