The kids loved this book! They are eager to get the sequel. I found it enjoyable.

What a delight! This reminds me of some of the best books from my own middle school days, like Holes and Stargirl (which was referenced in this novel, and made me smile). This is the first book I’ve read in one sitting in a very long time. It kept my attention and kept me turning pages until the very end, without my mind wandering to “Oh, let me just quickly check my texts and email.” It’s been awhile since I’ve felt that way while reading a novel. An absolute joy to read. Engaging characters, some laugh-out-loud funny moments (Aven’s hilarious!), and even a few places that made me tear up a bit. Aven is resilient and real, and I loved Connor and Zion, too. This novel dealt with some really intense subjects —including birth defects, Tourette’s syndrome, divorce, and adoption— and handled these topics deftly, with appropriate humor and grace. This should be a must-read for middle-schoolers everywhere.

4.50 / 5
RTC

* seemingly wonderful representation for multiple disabilities, fun, gentle handling of real & difficult topics, fell short on the actual plot which was interesting enough that it deserved more attention than it got.

Very much will be recommending this one, a sleeper hit!

Don't let the crazy title deter you! Much in the same way that students love [b:Out of My Mind|6609765|Out of My Mind|Sharon M. Draper|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1347602096l/6609765._SX50_.jpg|6803732], they will adore this one! Aven was born without arms but doesn't let anything get in her way...until her family moves across the country and disrupts her entire equilibrium. At her old school she knew everyone and everyone just accepted her. Now everyone stares and asks question after question. In an attempt to avoid eating in the cafeteria and inviting more staring, Aven sits outside and meets to other cafeteria-escapees, Connor and Zion. Each boys is dealing with his own physical and emotional issues and the three forge a friendship. This story is a mystery but primarily is one about acceptance and family. Great heart!

Grades 6 and up.

Aven is all-around awesome! Such a fun book with insights not only about life with no arms but also friendship, that a lot of people feel like weirdos, and deciding all the things we want to do with our lives. Aven shows us we've all got light to shine. So let us shine!

What a great middle grades book about acceptance and learning to love who you are! Highly recommend this one if you haven’t read it yet! I

This is what is like to child. This is the worries and fears and hopes. And the setting makes it all the better. A book that can stretch all ages, I recommend this book to anyone who is ready to feel just a little more understood.

I was so skeptical of this book because I tend to get frustrated when authors depict disabilities that they have no direct connection to. I was expecting a lot of stereotypes and some surface level feel-good platitudes. But I was completely wrong. After reading some interviews, it seems like this author did her due diligence to make sure that she was representing these communities well and that they welcomed this story and these characters.
I loved this story. There was so much humor, but there were also deep heartfelt moments that had me in my feels. It covered a lot of heavy topics with grace and humor and authenticity. This is an excellent book for kids and parents to read, and to use as a way to dialogue about ways to treat friends - and to make friends with people who look different from us and to appreciate different abilities. I wasn’t expecting to love this book, but now I can’t wait for my son to read this, and I’m already looking forward to reading the sequel.

Wow. Are you a fan of Wonder? What about Hour of the Bees or Out of My Mind? Are you always on the hunt for books that speak to middle grade readers about being kinder than necessary, or how to teach kids to be a problem solver in an age where being seen as a good parent equates to do doing everything for the child? Do you want to teach kids to put themselves out there, and that being different means you are unique and that that's a GOOD thing? What about perspective? Do you want kids to know that though the troubles they encounter seem insurmountable, that they are, in fact, "insignificant events in the life of a cactus?" Well, partner, you're in for a treat with this book! INSIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF A CACTUS comes out in September. You will want to read it so you can know what everyone will be talking about. Yeah, it's that good. Middle grade readers won't find fault with the convenient way some events tumbled into place like an adult reader would, and the lessons learned after putting the book down will no doubt stay with the reader long after. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Edelweiss Above the Treeline and Sterling Children's Books for the sneak peak! ❤

Thank you to #bookodyssey for a review copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

Aven, a perfectly snarky and silver-lining focussed middle school girl born without arms, rocks in this middle grade novel. Aven has a knack for helping others see the best in themselves and learns to open herself up to allow others the chance to not suck and to see how abled she is! An incredible premise and wonderful voice with a fun mystery to boot - the world needs more Avens indeed!