I really enjoyed this follow up to Aven's story and wasn't expecting for things to work out as they did. Really pleased to see that character living with limb differences can star in a fully realized story, not just one focused on their lack of limbs.

4.5
After finally feeling "home" in Arizona, Aven has to deal with more changes - starting high school at a large school, having one of her friend's attend a different school, and dealing with stares and questions from students. She fights to stay true to herself and tries to rely on her friends when she can, even when jealousy and humiliation start to enter.

I love Aven. Her spunk and tenacity are what make her so great. This book was no exception to this and I would say I love this one more than the first.

(4.5) In this sequel, Aven is now a freshman, and to me she feels more accessible as a character because of how the author constructs her feelings as an oscillating array—optimism, pessimism, crushes, confusion, heartbreak, anger, joy, withdrawal, determination. These sentiments all exist in the gray, and Aven is all the more real for it.

This year, Aven faces challenges that any teenager could, arms or not. She doesn’t know how to handle like liking someone, being bullied, unfairly taking her pain out on others, retreating into herself, finding her style & aesthetic, and valuing her inner strength and of those around her. On top of it all, she’s also becoming very curious about her birth father and, as a result, expanding her idea of family.

All in all, I’m so happy Bowling decided to write a second novel and encourage her to keep going with this world, and the half star I withheld was just for the heavy-handedness of The Man theme as introduced by Aven’s new friend Trilby. Regardless, Aven and her friends — particularly Zion in this one — are so enjoyable to follow, and I hope we’ll meet again someday

I think I like this book more than the first. I was always hooked by Aven’s decisions, but I think the author should have made this book a little relatable. I feel as if Aven never has any homework and activities accept horse riding which she always skips. 4 stars, recommend to 10+

Written about a high school character, but perfectly appropriate for middle school.

I absolutely ADORED this sequel to Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus! I received an ARC as a member of the book's launch team, but am not being compensated for my reviews.

As Aven starts high school, she is faced with a new level of bullying she has never experienced before, causing her to lose her confidence. Through the help of Connor, Zion, and a new cast of friends, Aven learns a lot about what it means to be true to herself. I loved the references to comic books and punk rock, and the subplot with Henry was so touching -- that last scene in the hospital caught me off guard and definitely choked me up.

I highly recommend this sequel for ages 10 and up!!

“Sometimes the friends you make aren’t the ones you expected. And sometimes the place you find yourself in isn’t the place you were hoping for. And sometimes, if you keep an open mind, you’ll find they’re so much better than what you imagined.”

In Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus Dusti Bowling continues the story of Aven Green, a young woman who was born without both of her arms. This novel’s story focuses on her newest adventure: high school. As many of us remember from our own journeys, it does not begin smoothly and Aven begins to doubt herself, her friends and her dreams. Will she be able to navigate her way through this new life and be comfortable in her own skin again?

Reading this novel brought me right back to the anxiety of those early high school days, where you are second-guessing everything you thought you knew about yourself and the world you’ve created. I think the author did a fantastic job of keeping Aven’s voice true throughout the novel, even through all the turmoil she encounters. The themes of friendship, loyalty and confidence are still present here. Her friend Connor does take a step back in this story, but Zion is still in Aven’s life, and new friends are introduced. I promise you will love them just as much. Highly recommend this story to students in grades 4 and up.

Aven Green's stories just get better and better. Middle school and high school are tough years, especially for kids with disabilities. Right from the start of freshman year, Aven is dealing with her best friend Connor moving away, the unwanted attention of a bully and the stress of trying to keep it all together. Things do get bleak for awhile but Aven has been such a good friend in the past that those that love her stick by her side. Eventually she is able to move through her pain. Humiliation, grief and confusion have done a number on her but she learns to shine again. This is an awesome sequel to [b:Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus|33986447|Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus|Dusti Bowling|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1520002885l/33986447._SX50_.jpg|54980101] but can be read on its own. Wonderful characters. This is a book that is realistic, honest and heartfelt. I read it in one sitting!

Grades 6 and up.

This may be better than the first book. Aven has a special place in my heart. What an amazing read.