This inspiring novel by Dusti Bowling is a must-read for upper elementary students. It seamlessly weaves themes of friendship, self-acceptance, and empathy while raising awareness about disabilities. It’s a fantastic book for classroom discussions on embracing differences and overcoming challenges. Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus is perfect for grades 4-6 and offers powerful lessons in kindness, perseverance, and seeing beyond the surface.
Fast Facts About the Book
Title: Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
Author: Dusti Bowling
Genre: Middle-Grade Fiction
Age Range: 8-12 years
Number of Pages: 262
Publication Year: 2017
Themes: Disability Awareness, Friendship, Self-Acceptance, Resilience
Listen to the first chapter of Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus read by the author, Dusti Bowling, herself!
Novel Overview
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus introduces readers to Aven Green, a witty and determined 13-year-old girl born without arms. When Aven’s family moves from Kansas to Arizona, she faces the challenge of starting over at a new school and managing her family’s new job running an old, run-down theme park. While adjusting to these changes, Aven meets two unlikely friends: Connor, who has Tourette syndrome, and Zion, a quiet boy struggling with self-confidence. Together, they solve a mystery tied to the theme park while learning important lessons about friendship, acceptance, and embracing what makes them different. #insignificanteventsinthelifeofacactus
Chasing Chapters: Plot Summary
Aven’s life changes drastically when her family relocates, forcing her to navigate a new school where kids aren’t used to seeing someone like her. At first, Aven struggles with stares and assumptions about her abilities, but she soon connects with Connor and Zion, two boys facing challenges of their own. As the three friends spend time together, they uncover secrets about the mysterious theme park. Their journey not only strengthens their bond but also teaches them to face challenges head-on and celebrate who they are. #dustibowlingbooks
Share Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus comprehension questions and 1-sentence summaries of every chapter with your class.
Educational Value
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus offers rich opportunities to explore topics like disability awareness, empathy, and overcoming personal obstacles. It encourages students to think about how they treat others and develop deeper compassion for those with differences. This novel also promotes resilience, as Aven’s sense of humor and determination show that challenges can be met with creativity and courage. It’s a great tool for promoting social-emotional learning (SEL) alongside literacy, helping students reflect on self-acceptance and the importance of friendship. #dustibowling
Classroom Activities to Try
Writing Prompt: Aven uses humor to navigate tough situations. Write about a time you used humor to deal with a challenge. How did it help?
Discussion Questions:
How does Aven’s perspective change throughout the book?
What challenges do Connor and Zion face? How do they overcome them?
What role does the theme park play in the story, both for Aven and her friends?
How do the friendships between Aven, Connor, and Zion evolve?
Project Idea: Have students design a new ride or attraction for the theme park. They can create a brochure or presentation explaining how their design would be accessible to all visitors.
Extension Activities
Consider hosting a class discussion or activity focused on empathy and accessibility. Challenge students to brainstorm ways they can make your classroom or school more inclusive. As an extension, students could research famous individuals who have overcome challenges, such as athletes or artists with disabilities, and create a presentation or poster to share with the class.
Engage early finishers with extension projects about the book Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus. Have students create their own timeline of historic and cultural events that took place in any 100 - 200 year period. Describe the events and draw pictures before displaying your final product. Find more extension activities in my Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus resource.
Page-Turning Puzzles: Novel Trivia
How closely have you read the text in Dusti Bowling's novel Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus? Can you remember tiny details to answer the trivia questions below? #noveltrivia
What is one of Aven’s favorite foods?
What is the name of Aven’s new school?
What is something Aven collects at Stagecoach Pass?
What is Aven’s middle name?
Where does Zion’s family go for Christmas?
How old is Josephine?
Find the answers to these trivia questions inside this Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus resource.
Keep the Adventure Going: The Sequels to Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
If you and your students loved Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling, you won’t want to miss the next book in the series! Aven Green’s journey of self-acceptance, friendship, and growth continues in Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus.
Book 2: Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus
In the sequel, Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus, Aven enters high school, where new experiences test her self-confidence like never before. While she navigated middle school with humor and determination, high school brings unexpected challenges, from finding new friends to learning to advocate for herself. Aven must deal with bullies, the complexities of teenage friendships, and her own insecurities.
Hear about this Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus Book Study from educators like you!
⭐️ “This resource is AMAZING! Differentiate in every way possible. I love the sample responses and my students love coloring the stickers to add to their collections.”
⭐️ “I love this novel and these worksheets were the perfect companion to the book. I can’t wait to purchase another novel study from MB Creations!”
⭐️ “I am blown away by this amazing resource! It is SO COMPLETE! I didn’t have to add anything extra. I printed the workbooks and assessments and we had an amazing book study.”
Use this Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus Novel Study in so many ways!
✅ Differentiate to meet the needs of all learners in your book club. Gifted students can complete projects about the novel as they read. Language learners can benefit from the character traits page with pictures and descriptions.
✅ Assign comprehension worksheets to students for homework. Have them take notes and come prepared to discuss this chapter book in class.
✅ Invite students to read Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus in small groups and complete these worksheets and discussion activities together.
Find answers to your questions about this Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus Book Study:
✋ What is Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus?
This realistic fictional chapter book, written by Dusti Bowling, tells of a courageous girl who never gives up - even though she was born without arms. It is written for grades 3-7 with a Lexile level of 700.
✋ What exactly is included?
Check out the preview! The detailed table of contents can help answer your questions about this book study.
✋ Why should I use this resource?
2-in-1 deal: This resource includes pages specific to the book, Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, as well as ALL the pages in my Novel Study for Any Book resource. Students will be able to write and discuss facts about the author, novel, plot, setting, characters, and theme. You can edit the projects and discussion pages on PowerPoint and assign all worksheets digitally if you choose. Students will have fun collecting stickers when they finish projects related to the book and you can grade all worksheets with the answer keys and sample responses! #novelstudyforanybook