About the Author
About the Author
DUSTI BOWLING is the award-winning, bestselling author of Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus, 24 Hours in Nowhere, The Canyon's Edge, Across the Desert, Dust, and the Aven Green chapter book series. Dusti's books have won the Reading the West award, the Sakura Medal, a Golden Kite Honor, the William Allen White Children's Book Award, and have been nominated for fifty state awards. Her books are Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections and have been named best books of the year by the Chicago Public Library, Kirkus, Bank Street College of Education, A Mighty Girl, Shelf Awareness, and many more. Dusti currently lives in Arizona with her husband, three daughters, and a bunch of farm animals. You can find her online at dustibowling.com.
Critical Reviews
Critical Reviews
"This novel is truly a door to empathy, understanding, and self-reflection. Highly recommended as a great choice to any public or school library collection."
--School Library Journal, STARRED Review "This story was everything I wanted it to be. Heartfelt, thoughtful, and most of all . . . full of hope. I loved it!" --Lindsay Currie, New York Times bestselling author of The Mystery of Locked Rooms "As a fan of Conner from the Life of a Cactus books, I was delighted to see him star in his own story! While trying to build a new life after the old one blew up, Connor's compassion, empathy, and determination shine through even when his anger reaches a boiling point. Though Connor's condition-Tourette Syndrome-is a unique one, readers will connect to the universal need for connection and his feelings of isolation and frustration. With a balance of heartbreak and humor, The Beat I Drum is a captivating story about forgiveness, belonging, and playing to your own unique rhythm." - Lynne Kelly, USA Today bestselling author of Song For a Whale and The Secret Language of Birds
--School Library Journal, STARRED Review "This story was everything I wanted it to be. Heartfelt, thoughtful, and most of all . . . full of hope. I loved it!" --Lindsay Currie, New York Times bestselling author of The Mystery of Locked Rooms "As a fan of Conner from the Life of a Cactus books, I was delighted to see him star in his own story! While trying to build a new life after the old one blew up, Connor's compassion, empathy, and determination shine through even when his anger reaches a boiling point. Though Connor's condition-Tourette Syndrome-is a unique one, readers will connect to the universal need for connection and his feelings of isolation and frustration. With a balance of heartbreak and humor, The Beat I Drum is a captivating story about forgiveness, belonging, and playing to your own unique rhythm." - Lynne Kelly, USA Today bestselling author of Song For a Whale and The Secret Language of Birds
"One of the best companion books that I have ever read. . . An absolute must read."
--@colbysharp
Publishing Information
Publishing Information
Publisher:
Bound to Stay Bound Books
Pub date:
2025-04-01
Length:
263 pages
The Allstora Membership
Membership Perks:
- Save 30% on all online store purchases
- Exclusive access to author's content
- You pay less, but authors still earn double
Membership Terms:
First Month:
$0.00
Monthly price:
$5.00
- To access membership discount simply log in and add to cart, discount applied automatically.
- One month free trial, cancel anytime. Membership renews on the 15th of each month.