Aven Green Sleuthing Machine

Aven Green is the remarkable heroine of Dusti Bowling's Life of a Cactus series. Now younger readers can also get to know Aven through her everyday adventures

Age range 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.

“Praise for Aven Green Sleuthing Machine "A fun series opener with a feisty protagonist who'll keep readers on their toes."-- Kirkus Aven Green "is an irrepressible and irresistible narrator, whether reflecting on life as someone born without arms or amicably interacting with her funny friends and family. Unapologetically smart and refreshingly confident in her abilities, this super-sleuth extraordinaire is a joy to tag along with."-- Booklist "Aven's candid voice ensures that this chapter book series starter will draw a young audience."-- Publishers Weekly " 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”

Praise for Aven Green Sleuthing Machine

"A fun series opener with a feisty protagonist who’ll keep readers on their toes."—Kirkus

Aven Green "is an irrepressible and irresistible narrator, whether reflecting on life as someone born without arms or amicably interacting with her funny friends and family. Unapologetically smart and refreshingly confident in her abilities, this super-sleuth extraordinaire is a joy to tag along with."—Booklist

“Aven’s candid voice ensures that this chapter book series starter will draw a young audience.”​—Publishers Weekly

“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)


Praise for the hardcover edition of Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
 
"She is a perky, hilarious, and inspiring protagonist whose attitude and humor will linger even after the last page has turned. . . . Charming and memorable. An excellent choice." —School Library Journal (Starred review)

"Dusti Bowling's story of a regular, hugely likable kid who deals with her unusual challenges with grace and humor is pitch-perfect.” —Shelf Awareness (Starred review)

“[The book’s] portrayal of characters with rarely depicted disabilities is informative, funny, and supportive.” —Kirkus

“[A] sensitive and funny novel . . . an openhearted, empathic book." —Publishers Weekly

“Really funny, fun read.” —Slate

"A remarkable, original story with true heart, a fresh voice, and an absolutely unforgettable hero. . . . It's a book that doesn't just open your eyes, it opens your heart." —Dan Gemeinhart, author of The Honest Truth
 
Awards include:
Autumn 2017 Indie Next Pick
Junior Library Guild Selection 
Reading the West Award Winner
Library of Congress's 52 Great Reads List 2018
Youth One Book, One Denver 2018
Chicago Public Library “Best of the Best” 2017
Evanston Public Library Best of 2017
Austin Public Library Best Tween Fiction 2017
Multnomah County Library Best Books of 2017
Southwest Books of the Year “Best of the Best” 2017
The Children's Book Review Best Kids Books of 2017 for Tweens and Preteens
Booksource Top 40 Classroom Library Titles of 2017
 
Praise for Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus
 
“Bowling keenly depicts the universal awkwardness of adolescence and the particular self-consciousness of navigating a disability. . . . . Aven's honest, witty voice shines—whether out-of-reach vending-machine snacks are ‘taunting’ her or she's nursing heartaches.” —Kirkus (Starred review)

 “Readers will welcome back this most able of protagonists.” —Booklist
 

Dusti Bowling grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, 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 Arizona, with her husband, three daughters, one bobcat, a pack of coyotes, a couple of chuckwallas, several rattlesnakes, and a few herds of javelina. Dusti can be found on Twitter (@Dusti_Bowling) and Instagram (@dustibowling).

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 New Hampshire.

Age range 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.

This item is eligible for simple returns within 30 days of delivery. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. See our returns policy for further details.