Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

At 13 years old, Aven Green is a “problem-solving ninja” (38). Being born without arms does not hold her back from doing everything that people with arms can do. Even though things are harder for her, and take a little longer, Aven is up to the challenge thanks to her adoptive parents, who lovingly but insistently taught her to take care of herself. Before she was adopted at age two, Aven was completely dependent on her foster family and waited on like the Queen of Sheba. Even though her dad still affectionately calls her Sheebs, Aven is proudly self-sufficient now and refuses to let others tell her what she can or cannot do.

Aven accepts her disability with practicality and good humor. Because she cannot change it, she does not complain about her armlessness. Aven has many creative outlets: she blogs, plays guitar, and loves soccer. Perky, upbeat, and funny, Aven definitely sees the glass of life as half full. She is comfortable with herself, declaring, “I am who I am and its’s all I’ve known and all I’ll ever know. No big deal” (202). Aven believes that she can do anything.

Aven takes the initiative in befriending both Connor and Zion, creating a peer group where all three can be themselves.