Age Group
9+
Genre
Realistic Fiction/ Mystery
Summary
Aven Green loves telling people that she lost her arms in an alligator wrestling match, or a wildfire in Tanzania, but the truth is she was born without them. After her parents take a job running Stagecoach Pass, a rundown western theme park in Arizona, Aven moves with them across the country knowing that she’ll have to answer the question over and over again.
Her new life takes an unexpected turn when she befriends Connor, a fellow disabled classmate, and they discover a room at Stagecoach Pass that holds bigger secrets than Aven ever could have imagined.
Things I did not like
Honestly, I love this book. I read it a few years ago with a book club and really enjoyed it. However, the book glossed over some of the harder parts of the adoption process, but it is a middle grade book so I expected as much. I do wish it was touched on more though as it borders on inaccurate. That’s really it though and it’s a pretty minor thing.
Things I did like
I loved the accurate representation of disability. I should preface with, I myself am not disabled, but I’m glad to see disabilities like Tourettes portrayed in a positive light. While I am not familiar with the genetic disorder that causes lack of limbs, it’s refreshing to see diverse characters in a middle grade novel. More books should take from Dusty Bowling and include more disabled and realistic characters.
I also like the mystery behind Stage Coach Pass and its inhabitants. The book has an interesting plot while also detailing the difficulties with navigating a world designed for able bodied people.
Overall Rating
8/10
I wanted to thank you for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoyed every bit of it. I have got you book-marked to check out new things you postÖ