Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
#1 of 3 in Life of a Cactus Series
on Goodreads (33,930)
What’s inside...
This book tells the story of Aven, a thirteen-year-old girl born without arms, who moves to a wild west theme park in Arizona with her parents. She befriends a boy, Connor, with his own disability and together they solve a mystery and develop a strong bond of friendship. Aven is a perky, hilarious, and inspiring protagonist whose attitude and humor will linger even after the last page has turned. The paperback edition of the bestselling middle grade novel about a spunky girl born without arms and a boy with Tourette syndrome navigating the challenges of middle school, disability, and friendship—all while solving a mystery in a western theme park. Aven Green loves to tell people that she lost her arms in an alligator wrestling match, or a wildfire in Tanzania, but the truth is she was born without them. And when her parents take a job running Stagecoach Pass, a rundown western theme park in Arizona, Aven moves with them across the country knowing that she’ll have to answer the question over and over again. Her new life takes an unexpected turn when she bonds with Connor, a classmate who also feels isolated because of his own disability, and they discover a room at Stagecoach Pass that holds bigger secrets than Aven ever could have imagined. It’s hard to solve a mystery, help a friend, and face your worst fears. But Aven’s about to discover she can do it all . . . even without arms.
Character compass
Aven Green
Zion
Connor
Mom
Dad
Discussion points
How do you think Aven felt when she moved to a new place and had to make new friends? Have you ever felt similar?
Aven faces challenges because of her disability. How does she show courage and strength throughout the story?
What does this story teach us about friendship and accepting others who are different from us?
How do the characters in the book show kindness to one another, and why is that important?
If you could ask Aven one question, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about overcoming a challenge, to create a connection with the themes in the book.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events and characters, rather than just recounting the plot.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the friendships in the book and their own friendships, discussing what makes a good friend.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of empathy and understanding towards everyone’s unique challenges.
Discuss the different emotions Aven experiences in the book and ask your child to share times when they have felt the same.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: The protagonist, Aven, is a young girl born without arms who demonstrates resilience and confidence despite her physical differences. Her journey inspires acceptance and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect individual differences among their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, Aven faces various challenges which she overcomes through creativity and critical thinking. This illustrates the importance of tackling problems head-on.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to develop and utilize their problem-solving skills in academics and everyday scenarios, enhancing their ability to navigate challenges.
Example Lesson: Building Friendships
Explanation: Aven's interactions and the friendships she forms highlight the importance of social connections and support systems.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of building and maintaining relationships, teaching them the values of empathy, cooperation, and support.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: Aven's journey also focuses on self-acceptance. Despite initial struggles, she learns to accept and love herself as she is.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital for children in developing healthy self-esteem and body image, crucial for their mental and emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: The character consistently demonstrates courage in facing social stigma and physical barriers, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: This inspires children to be brave in face of their own difficulties and to not let setbacks discourage them from pursuing their goals.