Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus (Volume 2) Hardcover – September 17, 2019

I think this book was even better than the first one, and I loved the first one! It definitely gives you a lot to think about and is inspiring. We aren't all missing arms, but we all have challenges, and Aven shows us how to face them.

My daughter and I read the first book, Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, as part of her 5th grade literature program with Build Your Library (we homeschool). She liked it so much she wanted to read this book on her own. Our library system has it in their Overdrive system, so that was an easy choice. I wasn’t prepared for how much more emotional this book is then the first. I suspect it’s because Bowling has built great characters that are growing throughout the books, not remaining in flat tropes. The first book deals mostly with the kids’ disabilities and their ability to form a social group despite feeling like outcasts in the middle school. That’s still there in the second book, but the struggles are different. Bullying takes center stage, along with the anger and shame the main character feels as a result. There are also great relationships with elderly characters, each developed uniquely and with sensitivity. It’s definitely a good read, and I think it’s still an appropriate tween book—there’s no language, the romantic relationships don’t go beyond simple kisses, and there’s no physical or sexual abuse. Most importantly, my daughter loved it, reading it in just a few days.

This novel is the rare sequel that is as good as the original. Aven and her friends are just as entertaining and engaging as they were in the first book. It's great to see a protagonist with a disability, but this isn't a book about disabilities; it's a book about character. Aven was born without arms, but the book isn't about what she can't do; it's about her resourcefulness, creativity, humor, and compassion, and the lessons she learns along the way. Her voice is fresh and real, and her friends are just as well drawn. I've enjoyed following their journey, and I hope there are more books coming.

It was a great birthday gift for my nephew. Prequel to it read at school.

Ok, so now I have read both books. They are both AMAZING. I really really liked this one the best because it was a good sequel. Most books I read I like the first book I like better bc the second one doesn’t have as good as a rhythm. So this second book was AMAZING and if you haven’t read the first one, it’s called Insignificant Events In The Life Of A Cactus.

This book is amazing and the first one is too i love this book i love it so much that its one of my favorite books

Thank you for letting me read more about Aven and her life in Arizona. I loved this book as much as the first! Sorry it took me so long to read it.

This book is absolutely amazing! The Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus is heartwarming and sad, but I would recommend it to anyone! I would rate this more than five stars if I could!

It was a gift for my Granddaughter, and it was requested after reading the first of the series. She loved it.

Very funny!