by Dusti Bowling (Author)

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.