Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling (English) Hardcove

Description: Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling Aven Green was born without arms - and by age 13 has learned how to do almost everything without them. Hiding out in the library, she meets Connor, a boy with Tourettes syndrome. Together, they begin exploring the park, where they find themselves wrapped up in the mysterious disappearance of the owner - and the parks tarantula population. FORMAT Hardcover LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description Age range 8 to 12Aven Green was born without arms-so when her dad takes a job running a dying western theme park in Arizona, she knows shell become the center of unwanted attention at her new school. But she bonds with Connor, a classmate with his own disability to conquer. Then they discover a room at the park that holds bigger secrets than Aven ever could have imagined. Can Aven face her fears, solve a mystery, and help her friend, too? Author Biography Dusti Bowling grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, where, as her family will tell you, she always had her nose in a book. Dusti holds a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Education, but she eventually realized that her true passion was writing. The Day We Met, her self-published YA novel, has sold over 20,000 copies. She currently lives in Carefree, Arizona, with her husband, three daughters, one bobcat, a pack of coyotes, a couple of chuckwallas, several rattlesnakes, and a few herds of javelina. Review Awards include: Autumn 2017 Indie Next Pick Junior Library Guild Selection Reading the West Award Winner Library of Congresss 52 Great Reads List 2018 Youth One Book, One Denver 2018 Chicago Public Library "Best of the Best" 2017 Evanston Public Library Best of 2017 Austin Public Library Best Tween Fiction 2017 Multnomah County Library Best Books of 2017 Southwest Books of the Year "Best of the Best" 2017 The Childrens Book Review Best Kids Books of 2017 for Tweens and Preteens Booksource Top 40 Classroom Library Titles of 2017 "Aven Green has always loved her life in Kansas—hanging out with Emily and Kayla, her best friends since kindergarten; planning pranks; and playing on the school soccer team. Though Aven was born without arms, she has never let her lack of armage, as she calls it, deter her from doing anything she sets her mind to. But when her father gets a job as the manager of Stagecoach Pass, a rundown Western theme park out in Arizona, the familys move, right after Aven has started eighth grade, presents her toughest challenge yet. Having to deal with the many stares and questions of new schoolmates, Aven sorely misses her old life back in Kansas. However, her unflinchingly optimistic spirit, accompanied by her infectious and indomitable sense of humor, keeps her looking for the silver linings in her new life in Arizona, such as making friends with the cute but prickly Connor (who has Tourettes syndrome) or enjoying the ability to wear flats all year-round. But the most fascinating thing is the unusual mystery at the heart of Stagecoach Pass: the disappearing tarantulas, a missing photograph, and a secret necklace. Aven is determined to get to the bottom of the secret. She is a perky, hilarious, and inspiring protagonist whose attitude and humor will linger even after the last page has turned. The tale of Stagecoach Pass is just as compelling as the story of Aven, and the setting, like the many colorful characters who people this novel, is so vivid and quirky that its practically cinematic. VERDICT Charming and memorable. An excellent choice for middle grade collections and classrooms." —School Library Journal (starred review) "A move to dusty, distant Arizona forces 13-year-old Aven to leave her familiar life and friends behind. Dont yawn: Bowling takes this overworked trope and spins it into gold with a skein of terrific twists. For one thing, Aven was born without arms, so the new environment—a decrepit Wild West theme park—poses special challenges. For another, thanks to loving, funny adoptive parents who have raised her to be a "problem-solving ninja" ("Im so flexible, it would blow your mind," she boasts), readers may repeatedly forget, despite reminders enough, that Aven is (as she puts it) "unarmed." Moreover, when the dreary prospect of having to cope with the looks and questions at her new middle school sends her in search of an isolated place to eat her lunch she finds and bonds with Conner, who is struggling with Tourettes syndrome and has not been so lucky with his parents. Not only does she firmly enlist him and another new friend in investigating a mystery about the theme parks past but, taking Conners involuntary vocalizations in stride (literally) Aven drags him (figuratively) into an information-rich Tourettes support group. Following poignant revelations about Avens birth family, the author lets warm but not gooey sentiment wash over the close to a tale that is not about having differences, but accepting them in oneself and others." —Booklist (starred review) "Dusti Bowlings story of a regular, hugely likable kid who deals with her unusual challenges with grace and humor is pitch-perfect." —Shelf Awareness (starred review) "Connors Tourettes support-group meetings and Avens witty, increasingly honest discussions of the pros and cons of "lack of armage" give the book excellent educational potential. . . . its portrayal of characters with rarely depicted disabilities is informative, funny, and supportive." —Kirkus "Bowlings sensitive and funny novel . . . demonstrates how negotiating others discomfort can be one of the most challenging aspects of having a physical difference and how friendship can mitigate that discomfort. . . . [an] openhearted, empathic book. —Publishers Weekly "Aven Green didnt really lose her arms in a wrestling match, but when her parents move the family halfway across the country to manage a run-down theme park, shed rather tell them tall tales than the truth—she was born without them. Its not until she meets a new friend with another kind of disability that she learns to accept peoples differences, including her own. Really funny, fun read." —Slate "A remarkable, original story with true heart, a fresh voice, and an absolutely unforgettable hero. Its a book sure to give any reader goosebumps, teary eyes, and out-loud laughs. Its a book that doesnt just open your eyes, it opens your heart." —Dan Gemeinhart, author of The Honest TruthAwards include: Autumn 2017 Indie Next Pick Junior Library Guild Selection Reading the West Award Winner Library of Congresss 52 Great Reads List 2018 Youth One Book, One Denver 2018 Chicago Public Library "Best of the Best" 2017 Evanston Public Library Best of 2017 Austin Public Library Best Tween Fiction 2017 Multnomah County Library Best Books of 2017 Southwest Books of the Year "Best of the Best" 2017 The Childrens Book Review Best Kids Books of 2017 for Tweens and Preteens Booksource Top 40 Classroom Library Titles of 2017 "Aven Green has always loved her life in Kansas—hanging out with Emily and Kayla, her best friends since kindergarten; planning pranks; and playing on the school soccer team. Though Aven was born without arms, she has never let her lack of armage, as she calls it, deter her from doing anything she sets her mind to. But when her father gets a job as the manager of Stagecoach Pass, a rundown Western theme park out in Arizona, the familys move, right after Aven has started eighth grade, presents her toughest challenge yet. Having to deal with the many stares and questions of new schoolmates, Aven sorely misses her old life back in Kansas. However, her unflinchingly optimistic spirit, accompanied by her infectious and indomitable sense of humor, keeps her looking for the silver linings in her new life in Arizona, such as making friends with the cute but prickly Connor (who has Tourettes syndrome) or enjoying the ability to wear flats all year-round. But the most fascinating thing is the unusual mystery at the heart of Stagecoach Pass: the disappearing tarantulas, a missing photograph, and a secret necklace. Aven is determined to get to the bottom of the secret. She is a perky, hilarious, and inspiring protagonist whose attitude and humor will linger even after the last page has turned. The tale of Stagecoach Pass is just as compelling as the story of Aven, and the setting, like the many colorful characters who people this novel, is so vivid and quirky that its practically cinematic. VERDICT Charming and memorable. An excellent choice for middle grade collections and classrooms." —School Library Journal (starred review) "A move to dusty, distant Arizona forces 13-year-old Aven to leave her familiar life and friends behind. Dont yawn: Bowling takes this overworked trope and spins it into gold with a skein of terrific twists. For one thing, Aven was born without arms, so the new environment—a decrepit Wild West theme park—poses special challenges. For another, thanks to loving, funny adoptive parents who have raised her to be a "problem-solving ninja" ("Im so flexible, it would blow your mind," she boasts), readers may repeatedly forget, despite reminders enough, that Aven is (as she puts it) "unarmed." Moreover, when the dreary prospect of having to cope with the looks and questions at her new middle school sends her in search of an isolated place to eat her lunch she finds and bonds with Conner, who is struggling with Tourettes syndrome and has not been so lucky with his parents. Not only does she firmly enlist him and another new friend in investigating a mystery about the theme parks past but, taking Conners involuntary vocalizations in stride (literally) Aven drags him (figuratively) into an information-rich Tourettes support group. Following poignant revelations about Avens birth family, the author lets warm but not gooey sentiment wash over the close to a tale that is not about having differences, but accepting them in oneself and others." —Booklist (starred review) "Dusti Bowlings story of a regular, hugely likable kid who deals with her unusual challenges with grace and humor is pitch-perfect." —Shelf Awareness (starred review) "Connors Tourettes support-group meetings and Avens witty, increasingly honest discussions of the pros and cons of "lack of armage" give the book excellent educational potential. . . . its portrayal of characters with rarely depicted disabilities is informative, funny, and supportive." —Kirkus "Bowlings sensitive and funny novel . . . demonstrates how negotiating others discomfort can be one of the most challenging aspects of having a physical difference and how friendship can mitigate that discomfort. . . . [an] openhearted, empathic book. —Publishers Weekly "Aven Green didnt really lose her arms in a wrestling match, but when her parents move the family halfway across the country to manage a run-down theme park, shed rather tell them tall tales than the truth—she was born without them. Its not until she meets a new friend with another kind of disability that she learns to accept peoples differences, including her own. Really funny, fun read." —Slate "A remarkable, original story with true heart, a fresh voice, and an absolutely unforgettable hero. Its a book sure to give any reader goosebumps, teary eyes, and out-loud laughs. Its a book that doesnt just open your eyes, it opens your heart." —Dan Gemeinhart, author of The Honest Truth Promotional Full of ideas for slumber-party themes, as well as icebreakers, game ideas, recipes and crafts. Includes punch-out invitations and pages of stickers. For ages 8 to 12. Long Description Age range 8 to 12 Aven Green was born without arms--so when her dad takes a job running a dying western theme park in Arizona, she knows shell become the center of unwanted attention at her new school. But she bonds with Connor, a classmate with his own disability to conquer. Then they discover a room at the park that holds bigger secrets than Aven ever could have imagined. Can Aven face her fears, solve a mystery, and help her friend, too? Review Quote Awards include: Autumn 2017 Indie Next Pick Junior Library Guild Selection Reading the West Award Winner Library of Congresss 52 Great Reads List 2018 Youth One Book, One Denver 2018 Chicago Public Library "Best of the Best" 2017 Evanston Public Library Best of 2017 Austin Public Library Best Tween Fiction 2017 Multnomah County Library Best Books of 2017 Southwest Books of the Year "Best of the Best" 2017 The Childrens Book Review Best Kids Books of 2017 for Tweens and Preteens Booksource Top 40 Classroom Library Titles of 2017 "Aven Green has always loved her life in Kansas--hanging out with Emily and Kayla, her best friends since kindergarten; planning pranks; and playing on the school soccer team. Though Aven was born without arms, she has never let her lack of armage, as she calls it, deter her from doing anything she sets her mind to. But when her father gets a job as the manager of Stagecoach Pass, a rundown Western theme park out in Arizona, the familys move, right after Aven has started eighth grade, presents her toughest challenge yet. Having to deal with the many stares and questions of new schoolmates, Aven sorely misses her old life back in Kansas. However, her unflinchingly optimistic spirit, accompanied by her infectious and indomitable sense of humor, keeps her looking for the silver linings in her new life in Arizona, such as making friends with the cute but prickly Connor (who has Tourettes syndrome) or enjoying the ability to wear flats all year-round. But the most fascinating thing is the unusual mystery at the heart of Stagecoach Pass: the disappearing tarantulas, a missing photograph, and a secret necklace. Aven is determined to get to the bottom of the secret. She is a perky, hilarious, and inspiring protagonist whose attitude and humor will linger even after the last page has turned . The tale of Stagecoach Pass is just as compelling as the story of Aven, and the setting, like the many colorful characters who people this novel, is so vivid and quirky that its practically cinematic. VERDICT Charming and memorable. An excellent choice for middle grade collections and classrooms ." -- School Library Journal (starred review) "A move to dusty, distant Arizona forces 13-year-old Aven to leave her familiar life and friends behind. Dont yawn: Bowling takes this overworked trope and spins it into gold with a skein of terrific twists . For one thing, Aven was born without arms, so the new environment--a decrepit Wild West theme park--poses special challenges. For another, thanks to loving, funny adoptive parents who have raised her to be a "problem-solving ninja" ("Im so flexible, it would blow your mind," she boasts), readers may repeatedly forget, despite reminders enough, that Aven is (as she puts it) "unarmed." Moreover, when the dreary prospect of having to cope with the looks and questions at her new middle school sends her in search of an isolated place to eat her lunch she finds and bonds with Conner, who is struggling with Tourettes syndrome and has not been so lucky with his parents. Not only does she firmly enlist him and another new friend in investigating a mystery about the theme parks past but, taking Conners involuntary vocalizations in stride (literally) Aven drags him (figuratively) into an information-rich Tourettes support group. Following poignant revelations about Avens birth family, the author lets warm but not gooey sentiment wash over the close to a tale that is not about having differences, but accepting them in oneself and others ." -- Booklist (starred review) "Dusti Bowlings story of a regular, hugely likable kid who deals with her unusual challenges with grace and humor is pitch-perfect." -- Shelf Awareness (starred review) "Connors Tourettes support-group meetings and Avens witty, increasingly honest discussions of the pros and cons of "lack of armage" give the book excellent educational potential. . . . its portrayal of characters with rarely depicted disabilities is informative, funny, and supportive." -- Kirkus "Bowlings sensitive and funny novel . . . demonstrates how negotiating others discomfort can be one of the most challenging aspects of having a physical difference and how friendship can mitigate that discomfort. . . . [an] openhearted, empathic book. -- Publishers Weekly "Aven Green didnt really lose her arms in a wrestling match, but when her parents move the family halfway across the country to manage a run-down theme park, shed rather tell them tall tales than the truth--she was born without them. Its not until she meets a new friend with another kind of disability that she learns to accept peoples differences, including her own. Really funny, fun read." -- Slate "A remarkable, original story with true heart, a fresh voice, and an absolutely unforgettable hero. Its a book sure to give any reader goosebumps, teary eyes, and out-loud laughs. Its a book that doesnt just open your eyes, it opens your heart." --Dan Gemeinhart, author of The Honest Truth Details ISBN1454923458 Author Dusti Bowling Year 2017 ISBN-10 1454923458 ISBN-13 9781454923459 Format Hardcover Imprint Sterling Place of Publication New York Country of Publication United States Pages 272 Media Book DEWEY FIC Audience Age 8-12 Series Life of a Cactus Language English Series Number 1 Publication Date 2017-09-05 NZ Release Date 2017-09-05 US Release Date 2017-09-05 UK Release Date 2017-09-05 AU Release Date 2017-11-12 Publisher Union Square & Co. Audience Childrens (6-12) We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:101787420;

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