Today's read... Aven Green Soccer Machine by Dusti Bowling

Today's read hit the shelves around two weeks ago and is the third in a series of chapter books, which I've actually read up to this point. We're now at book four of this fun character from the original series, Life of a Cactus, and her energy is always a treat. Let's see what this girl is up to this time!

AVEN GREEN SOCCER MACHINE

Aven Green #3

by Dusti Bowling

Illustrated by Gina Perry

Union Square Kids

Chapter Book

112 pages

ages 6 to 8

Aven Green, the remarkable heroine of Dusti Bowling’s Life of a Cactus series, marches to her own beat in this hilarious, upbeat, and unforgettable chapter book. 

Third-grader Aven Green is an expert soccer player. She even has her own top secret moves! But when her friend Sujata joins the team, Aven has a hard time learning to help the new player shine. When the time comes to choose a new team captain, will Aven learn to share the spotlight and understand what it means to be a team player?

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MY TIDBITS

Aven Green has found her sport and brings enthusiasm while weaving the world of sportsmanship and friendship.

Aven is very good at soccer, and with her dad as the team's coach, is ready to take on the next seasons...if they had enough players. With a few new openings, she's thrilled when her more quiet friend decides to join the team. Soon, they're practicing and having tons of fun, but when it's announced that, this year, a team captain is going to be chosen, the competition goes up a notch and might bring problems with it.

I have read the first books in this series and enjoy Aven's spunk and energy. She's always a force to be reckoned with and carries a positive attitude as well. This book heads into her favorite sport, which was a nice following to the instrumental theme of book two...a wide variety! The plot changes up a bit as she's not diving into this activity for the first time, but rather already excels as her lack of arms doesn't pose a direct challenge (an aspect which is always woven in with amazing, natural finesse). So it's not a rehash of a similar situation time and again, which is great.

The book is set for those readers, who have a pretty good handle on their words but could use a little more practice before heading into lower middle grade novels. The font is a bit larger and the multitude of illustrations keeps everything more than enjoyable. The characters are fun and act as any kids would. This tale rotates around sportsmanship and knowing to recognize others' talents. I would have liked to have seen more soccer in this one and did find that Aven's dad heads a bit too preachy into some themes, but nothing that would hurt this read. 

It's an enjoyable read, and I can't wait to see what Aven has up her sleeve next.

Today's read... Aven Green Music Machine by Dusti Bowling

Today's read is the third in a chapter book series, which I've actually been enjoying since book one. This main character came from the best-seller, Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling. So, fans of that book will recognize Aven Green. It's always fun to see what she's up to next, so I'm just going to head on in and take a peek.

AVEN GREEN MUSIC MACHINE

Aven Green #3

by Dusti Bowling

Illustrated by Gina Perry

Union Square Kids

Chapter Book Contemporary

128 pages

ages 6 to 10

Aven Green, the remarkable heroine of Dusti Bowling’s Life of a Cactus series, marches to her own beat in this hilarious, upbeat, and unforgettable chapter book. 
 
“Bowling’s beloved “Life of a Cactus” protagonist returns in a new series of chapter books that capture her life as third grader. . . . Young readers will laugh aloud at Aven’s funny reactions . . . [and] they will be intrigued by the practical skills she has perfected. . . . This chapter book companion to Bowling’s well-loved middle-grade series is a recommended purchase.”—School Library Journal (Starred review)
 
Third-grader Aven Green is a real professional musician! She just needs to choose what instrument to play. When she decides to try the piano, Aven is disappointed when she can’t master Mozart in one whole day. To pick up Aven’s beat, her parents take her for a four-hour drive to see someone just like her play the guitar. With new inspiration and a special gift from her great-grandma, Aven is ready to take on the school talent show. Will she be ready in time? Or will she blow her big chance?

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MY TIDBITS

Aven Green is as spunky and determined as ever as she decides it's time to become a professional musician and perform in the talent show.

When the teacher announces the up-coming talent show, Aven is thrilled. She just had the idea to become a professional musician a few days before, and now, she's getting her chance. So, she announces her musical talent to the class. Now, she'll need to figure out which instrument she enjoys, learn to play one of Mozart's songs on it, and impress everyone with her amazing skills...and all of that in one week. But things might not be quite as easy as she hopes.

This is written from Aven's point of view and that as if she's telling her story directly to the reader. Since Aven is such an energetic girl with tons of personality, this makes it no problem to connect with her and be drawn in. The classroom comes across with a slightly humorous, positive, and natural flow. That doesn't mean everything is perfect, though. Her friends and classmates have their own quirks and rough edges, which make that end much more interesting. Readers will also identify with the various situations she finds herself.

One of my favorite aspects of this series is how the author presents Aven. While she faces obvious challenges due to her lack of arms, this is never dwelled upon. It's stated and explored in so far that it affects her life, but the stories go beyond that and aren't built on this aspect. Aven faces the same challenges as every child does and has to deal with many of the same issues. In this book, she learns what really sticks behind mastering a skill such as playing a musical instrument. She holds the same dreams as many kids her age, goes through frustration and disappointment, and has to learn how to face what she's told others when it doesn't portray the truth. In other words, this is a book all readers of that age group can identify with to some point.

The illustrations sprinkled in the pages make this a fun chapter book, which doesn't bog down. The font is easy to read, the chapters clearly marked, and the vocabulary introduces new words but doesn't expect too much from readers, either. 

I can't wait to see what Aven Green is up to next. 

Happy Book Birthday, Aven Green Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling!

 

AVEN GREEN SLEUTHING MACHINE

by Dusti Bowling

Illustrated by Gina Perry

Sterling's Children's Books

Chapter Book Mystery

128 pages

ages 6 to 9

Third-grader Aven Green has been solving mysteries for a whole month—cracking such cases as The Mystery of the Cranky Mom. But can this perceptive detective solve two cases at the same time? First her teacher’s lunch bag disappears. Then Aven’s great-grandma’s dog goes missing. Fortunately, since Aven was born without arms, all the “arm” cells went to her super-powered brain instead. (That’s her theory.) This hilarious chapter book showcases a new side to Dusti Bowling’s unforgettable protagonist.

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BOOK BLINK

                                     * Aven Green as present in Bowling's Cactus books

                                     * well done, easy going mystery

                                     * importance of family and friends

                                     * diverse characters

MY TIDBITS

With humor, determination, and a heart in the right place, this third grader is ready to solve any mystery thrown at her.

Third-grader, Aven Green, is a true sleuth, and that already for an entire month. She's solved several cases already and is ready to hit more, but she never expected to head-up two at once. But when her teacher's lunch bag disappears, and then, her great-grandma's dog is no where to be found...well, she has no choice but to double down and find out what's going on.

Aven Green comes from Dusti Bowling's Life of a Cactus books. Unlike these books, which are for upper middle grade/tween readers, this one slides into the chapter book direction and targets a younger audience. Aven Green herself fits the age group well and comes across as a very normal, third grader. She's got a wonderful attitude, deals with situations the best she can, and has an inspiring personality. But then, there's a lovely bunch of family and friends around her. Some of these even expand on the already diverse bunch.

The writing is for those who are very sure of their words but aren't quite ready for full-fledged middle grade novels. The mystery is very fitting to the age group and keeps the twists and turns interesting without leaving the wholesome range. There's a good amount of humor packed in as well. Add the fun illustrations, and this one makes for a fun mix.

And here they are...

The Author...

Dusti Bowling grew up in Scottsdale, AZ, where, as her family will tell you, she always had her nose in a book. Dusti holds a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Education, but she eventually realized that her true passion was writing. She lives in AZ with her husband and three daughters.

The Illustrator...

Gina Perry graduated from Syracuse University, worked as a compositor in animation, then an art director for a stationery manufacturer, before discovering her true passion—writing and illustrating children's books. She lives with her family in NH.

Review: Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

MOMENTOUS EVENTS IN

THE LIFE OF A CACTUS

Aven Green, #2

by Dusti Bowling

Sterling Children's Books

Upper Middle Grade/Tween Contemporary

320 pages

COMING...

SEPTEMBER 17th, 2019!!!

“High School. Two words that struck fear into the heart of every armless middle schooler I knew. Which was me. And like two people online.” 

The sequel to the critically acclaimed Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus follows Aven Green as she confronts yet another challenge: high school. 

Just as Aven starts to feel comfortable in Stagecoach Pass, with her friends and schoolmates accustomed to her lack of “armage,” everything changes once again. She’s about to begin high school . . . with 2,300 new kids to stare at her. And no matter how much Aven tries to play it cool, nothing prepares her for the reality. In a year filled with confusion, humiliation, fears, loss, and just maybe love, can Aven manage to stay true to herself?

MY TIDBITS

Firstly, I did not read the first book in this series, although I have heard quite a bit about it. While reading the first book would have helped to know who the characters were, at times, and their backgrounds, I had absolutely no trouble sinking into this book. I recommend reading the first book but can't say there's a problem with picking up the second instead.

Aven is entering high school, and after just getting settled into middle school, she's more than nervous at the idea of having to adjust again. Especially since her best friend, Connor, is now on the other side of town, and the high school is over four times as big as middle school was. But she is 'blasé'. And ready to take it on...even though everyone stares at her...even though a cute guy suddenly seems interested in her...even though it might be tougher than she expected.

There are several things I enjoyed about this book. Firstly, it's written with Aven going into high school, but still reads like a middle grade novel. While her age and the setting would normally throw this into the young adult category, it's exactly the kind of book older middle graders will appreciate. After all, they're nervous about high school and what awaits them...and this book hits exactly that. Secondly, Aven was born without arms, and while this obviously drives many aspects of the plot, the story itself doesn't really harbor on it. Of course, there are mentions of how she uses her toes to dial a phone and such, but it's not shoved in the reader's face. It makes this into a novel great for any kid who is uncomfortable about starting high school because they believe they'll stick-out or not fit in for some reason or another. And thirdly, the plot surrounds several aspects of Aven's life and gives her a very natural, rounded atmosphere. She has friends, she has family, and she has things outside of school which help balance her even when drama hits. She's a strong girl, who tackles insecurities and bullies in a realistic, healthy way.

The pacing is very well done. It's an easy read and holds attention until the very last page without weighing down with Aven's issues. It was a little interesting how many characters have issues, though. Plus, I was a little surprised by the supposed bullying event, which spiraled her into depression. While gentle, the event was exactly that—gentle. Considering everything she goes through and must go through (reality of how harsh kids can be), it was not believable that something like that could influence her so easily. Still, it will fit for more sensitive readers at the middle grade level, and her tale of finding herself again and fighting through still resonates with the reader. Add her lovely insights, friendship which never ends, and a dash of humor, and it's a read to recommend.

And here she is...
Dusti Bowling grew up in Scottsdale, AZ. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Education. She is the author of the critically acclaimed and award-winning middle grade novels Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus and 24 Hours in Nowhere (both Sterling). She lives in New River, AZ, and is available for interview. Follow her on Twitter at @Dusti_Bowling, and visit her online at DustiBowling.com.