Aven is a middle-schooler who loves soccer and plays the guitar... and also happens to have been born without arms. Being armless has never held her back, and the kids she grew up with never look at her funny or ask weird questions anymore. That all changes when Aven's family decides to uproot and move to the desert. Now Aven must start at a new school, where everyone simply sees her as 'different'. An unfolding mystery, however, is a great distraction for Aven in this new chapter of her life - maybe it will even lead her to form bonds with new people.
AGE RANGE INTERMEDIATE
Interest Level: ages 10+
Reading Level: ages 10+
THEMES
Family
Mystery
Moving
Disability
Friendship
Desert
Adoption
Tourette's
OVERALL RATING 9/10
Fun story, representation of disabled communities, engaging
What a beautiful book! Bowling covers so many serious topics, from disability to adoption, all while managing to keep a light tone and a fun story. I learned a lot reading this book, yet it didn't feel preachy at all. I love the fact that this story is about a girl without arms, but it is not just about the fact that she doesn't have arms. I would highly recommend this book for children and adults alike.