Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2019

89%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

A girl born without arms, a western theme park, a mystery, and the kind of friendship that makes middle school survivable.

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

book

2019

89%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

A girl born without arms, a western theme park, a mystery, and the kind of friendship that makes middle school survivable.

4.7

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4.7

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the kind of book that does everything right. Dusti Bowling created a protagonist who happens to have a disability but isn't defined by it—Aven is funny, resourceful, and completely believable as a middle schooler trying to figure out her place in a new town.

The mystery element keeps pages turning (even if it's not exactly Nancy Drew-level intrigue), and the friendship between Aven and Connor feels earned and authentic. What really works is that the book doesn't shy away from the hard parts—people stare, kids are jerks, life with a disability has real challenges—but it also doesn't wallow in misery.

The 4.7 Amazon rating and multiple awards speak to how well this resonates with both kids and adults. It's the rare book that can educate about disability while also being genuinely entertaining. If your kid is in the 9-13 range and ready for realistic fiction with heart, this is a solid pick.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 9-13, right in that middle-grade sweet spot where kids are navigating their own social challenges and developing empathy. The reading level and themes align beautifully with 4th-7th graders who are ready for more complex emotional content.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A deeply empathetic story about friendship, disability, and finding your place. Aven's humor and resilience model healthy coping mechanisms without being preachy. The friendship between Aven (born without arms) and Connor (who has Tourette syndrome) is authentic and supportive, showing kids how to navigate differences with grace. The tone is upbeat and age-appropriate, balancing real challenges with warmth and humor.

Imaginative

The mystery element set in a rundown western theme park adds intrigue and adventure to what could have been a straightforward disability narrative. The setting is creative and the secret room discovery invites curiosity. However, this is ultimately a realistic contemporary fiction story rather than a fantasy or world-building exercise, so the imaginative score reflects solid creativity within a grounded framework.

Safe

Extremely safe middle-grade content. While it deals with disability and the social challenges of middle school, there's no graphic content, violence, or inappropriate themes. The book handles sensitive topics (adoption, disability, social isolation) with care and age-appropriateness. No trigger warnings needed for the target age group.

Enriching

Exceptional representation of disability that builds empathy and understanding. Kids learn about limb differences and Tourette syndrome through authentic characters rather than lectures. The book tackles real issues—bullying, isolation, self-acceptance, friendship—in ways that give readers tools for their own lives. Aven's humor and problem-solving skills offer a model for resilience. The mystery plot keeps it entertaining while delivering meaningful messages about not judging by appearances.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Aven is hilarious and real—she tells people she lost her arms wrestling alligators, which is exactly the kind of humor that makes this book sing
Authentic disability representation that doesn't treat characters as inspiration porn or tragedy cases
The mystery plot gives reluctant readers a hook while sneaking in important messages about acceptance and friendship
Shows kids how to navigate social challenges, bullying, and feeling different without being preachy
Connor's Tourette syndrome is portrayed with nuance and respect, giving kids insight into conditions they might not understand

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What to Watch For

Some kids might find the disability themes heavy if they're not ready to think about physical differences
Middle school social dynamics include some bullying and exclusion (handled appropriately but still present)
The mystery element is engaging but not super complex—kids expecting a thriller might find it tame

Conversation Starters

"Aven uses humor when people ask about her arms. How do you handle questions about things that make you different or uncomfortable?"
"What did you learn about Tourette syndrome from Connor's character? Had you heard of it before?"
"Why do you think Aven and Connor became such good friends? What makes a friendship work when you both feel like outsiders?"
"If you worked at Stagecoach Pass, what would be the coolest job to have at a western theme park?"

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