13 yr old Aven can’t believe she is going to have to start again. Dad has been out of work for a while, so when he gets a job as a restaurant manager in Arizona, they start packing. Like any student, Aven knows she will have to meet and make new friends in a new school and that’s when the questions will begin.

‘Why do you have no arms?’

Aven has grown up with the same kids and had the same teachers throughout her life, so nobody comments on it any more. Arizona for sure, is going to be different. Different it surely is. It’s hot – really hot, and Stagecoach Pass (the western theme park Mum and Dad will be managing, and their new home) backs onto the Arizona desert.

School is predictably difficult. Aven’s parents adopted her when she was 2 years old and ever since have insisted (with much love) that she learn to do things for herself. Hence, Aven is very independent and capable, using her feet, shoulders and chin for most tasks during the day. At school she instantly feels the predictable stares of everyone but wishes someone would just talk to her about it, and get it over with. The longer they don’t, the longer she feels uncomfortable.

Then there’s Connor, a boy who has Tourette’s syndrome. He is fascinated with Aven’s skills, but disparaging about his own. Getting through each day without people laughing or calling him names is almost impossible. They soon bond over their differences to their peers, and Connor spends more and more time at Stagecoach Pass after school.

There are some interesting staff at the theme park. One who seems to hate children, one who can’t remember what ice cream you just ordered a minute ago, and one who has worked there 60 years. It’s a long time for a tourist attraction, and Aven and Connor soon discover, that’s plenty of time for a mystery to develop. Why is there a picture missing off the wall of the museum? Why haven’t they met the elusive owner yet? Why does a staff member think Aven is someone else?

Having no arms is a big deal, but character Aven deals with it with much humour and courage. School can be tricky for any student, but having such a difference to begin with is huge. Aven is not only brave, but kind and thoughtful, as are her parents who have raised her to be as independent as possible. This kindness stretches out to her new friends who don’t have the same support system from home.

All is not smooth though. As in life, even friendships can falter. Aven tries to help her friend Connor, but he has a lot of self respect to find after years of self-deprecating and blame. This is a gradual and believable process throughout the story.

A mystery slowly builds along the way and has a satisfying reveal within the interesting setting of a dying theme park.

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus is about growing up, school, different family dynamics and a mystery to solve. Being different from your peers brings resilience, self confidence and empathy into the tale.

Looking forward to the sequel – Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus.

Author – Dusti Bowling

Age – 8+

Go back to when Aven Green is in elementary / primary school (Click on the Cover)

(2017, New South Books, Desert, Arizona, No arms, Amelia, Western Theme Park, Friendship, Tourette Syndrome, Support Group, Misfits, School, Self confidence, Making friends, Mystery, Adopted, Tarantula, Series, Soccer, Growing up, Secret, Courage)