Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Aven and her parents move to take over a rundown Western-style theme park in Arizona and meeting new schoolmates is difficult as she was born without arms and is stared at and called a "freak". She befriends Connor, who withdraws from most social activities due to his Tourette’s syndrome, and her and her parents’ easy acceptance of Connor helps him greatly, together they befriend Zion, and the three find their place in school and in their community. The novel deals with diversity, self-confidence, family structures, love, and encouragement, and can be used for independent reading, small group instruction, guided reading groups, and class read-aloud.