Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
bella Smith
Directions: After you complete each box activity, highlight or color the entire box. (5 points per box)
Name:
Pick 2
from this
row
Ch. 11-12
Pick 2
from this
row
Ch. 13-14
Pick 2
from this
row
Ch. 15-16
Pick 2
from this
row
Ch. 17-18
Pick 2
from this
row
Ch. 19-20
Ch. 11
How does Aven relate to the
character in the book she is
reading? How do you think
that book relates to this
one?
Ch. 13
What does Aven notice about
Connor's eating habits? What
do you think this means for
his character?
Ch. 15
How does Zion and
Connor's first introduction
to each other go? Why do
you think that is?
Ch. 17
What event does Aven want
Connor to attend? How does
she think it will help? How
does she convince him to go?
Ch. 19
What details about the
necklace lead Aven, Connor
and Zion to believe it's the
same necklace someone
sketched in the old
sketchbook? Why do you
Ch. 11
Describe a prank that Aven
played in this chapter. Why do
you think Aven does this?
Ch. 13
Why does Aven think there
might have been a murder at
Stagecoach Pass? Does she
have any proof?
Ch. 15
What word does someone hide
in a cough as Aven, Zion and
Connor walk by? How do you
think each of the characters will
react to this?
Ch. 17
On page 131, Dexter cries out,
"Barbecue chicken
sandwiches" and everyone
laughs. How does Aven know
that it's okay to laugh too?
How can we tell if we're
laughing with someone
versus at someone?
Ch. 19
Aven stands up for Connor
and confronts the group of
kids who are making fun of
him by barking. What do you
think this says about her
character and her relationship
Date: 1/19/22
Ch. 12
Why does Aven decide to stop and talk
to Zion? How does her interaction
with Zion differ from her interactions
with the other students?
Ch. 14
What does Aven notice about what
makes Connor's tics worse? What
seems to make them better?
Ch. 18
How does Aven's dad try to
motivate her to get up in the
morning to play soccer? Why do
you think he wants Aven to play
on the school soccer team so
much?
Ch. 12
In what ways does Aven make
Zion feel more secure? What
does she say and do?
Ch. 16
List your 3 favorite things from Aven's
"20 Fantastic Things About Not Having
Arms" list. Why do you think she made
the list?
Ch. 20
What play is Zion considering
auditioning for? What do you
think has led to this character
development?
Ch. 14
Do you think Aven is a good
friend? What examples can you
give to support your opinion?
Ch. 16
Who do we meet in this
chapter? What details can you
find in the text about this
person?
Ch. 18
Compare the way the kids at
Desert Ridge Middle School
treated Aven when she first
started school with how they treat
her now.
Ch. 20
What do you know about Connor's
mom's work life? Based on the
text, how do you think this has
effected Connor?