Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling has been praised for its compelling and heartwarming exploration of disability, resilience, and adolescence. Readers appreciate the strong, relatable protagonist and engaging narrative. Criticisms focus on predictable plot elements, but overall the book is lauded for its positive messages and authentic voice.

Readers who enjoy heartwarming, character-driven stories about overcoming adversity, like R.J. Palacio’s Wonder or Holly Goldberg Sloan’s Counting by 7s, will find Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling uplifting and engaging, with its unique protagonist and themes of resilience and self-discovery.

In Dusti Bowling’s Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus, 14-year-old Aven Green, born without arms, navigates the challenges of high school, including stares, jokes, and a heartbreaking bullying incident, while juggling friendships, new relationships, and life at Stagecoach Pass. Sensitive topics include instances of bullying.

Inspirational / Emotional / Challenging / Heartwarming

**Aven Green**  
An armless high school freshman known for her humor and self-confidence, who faces unique challenges with determination while building friendships and finding her place in the world.

**Zion Hill**  
A gentle and shy friend of Aven, who struggles with self-confidence due to past bullying but gradually learns to take pride in himself and his passions.

**Connor**  
Aven’s best friend who has Tourette Syndrome; he supports and stands by Aven as they navigate their new high school experiences and maintain their strong friendship despite the distance.

**Lando Hill**  
Zion’s popular older brother and high school quarterback who enjoys art and dreams of creating a comic book, while supporting both Zion and Aven through their challenges.

**Trilby**  
A lively and talkative new friend of Aven, with a passion for punk culture and art, who encourages Aven to embrace her individuality and self-belief.

**Grandma Josephine**  
Aven’s birth grandmother and former owner of Stagecoach Pass, who helps Aven realize the importance of love and family beyond biological connections.

**Henry**  
An elderly ice cream shop owner with memory issues, whose experiences help Aven understand the value of time and the concept of chosen family.

**Joshua Baker**  
A popular and blue-eyed football player who poses as a friend but ultimately represents challenges and prejudice that Aven faces in high school.

Dusti Bowling

Middle grade

Novel

Life of a Cactus

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus Summary and Study Guide

Background

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-7

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-15

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus Chapters 8-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-21

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus Chapters 16-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-31

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus Chapters 22-31 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 32-42

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus Chapters 32-42 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus Character Analysis

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Themes

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus Essay Topics

Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus

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