Dusti Bowling's books are an instant must-read for me. This book follows Aven's friend, Connor, but she does appear in this book. Lots of heart, humanity, & humor, this book packs a punch. The characters feel real and relatable.

-- 3.5 stars rounded up

Bear in mind this is a middle-grade novel and I am not the target audience, even though I love the genre.

I am a big fan of Dusti's Across the Desert and Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus. This book branches off to follow one of the characters, Connor, from the Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus.

In the other books by Dusti, the plot focus a lot on overcoming adversity and the unique challenges the main character faces. This book was no different, but I found myself not pulled into it as much as her others.

I found myself disappointed that the main plot of this book was focused around Connor's crush with a girl. There were other plot elements at play, and some that I wish were not left in the background of the book. But this could very well be my perception as an adult reader coming into play compared to the middle grade audience.

I still look forward to reading more of Dusti's past and future books. She has a great way of capturing the voice of middle grade students.

Thanks to NetGallery and Sterling Publishing for my free advanced copy to read in exchange for my honest feedback.

Five stars, exactly what I was expecting. I fell in love with Aven Green and her friends with Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, and so I was sure that Connor’s story would be no different. I was right.

Connor has moved. New home, new school, and new (maybe?) relationship with his absent father. As a child with Tourette’s, new schools and friends can be difficult, but Connor meets an amazingly supportive group of kids. I love how every person in his circle of friends is accepted for who they are. It’s not all rainbows though. There is a bully and Connor faces his dad, who is trying (a little too late, in Connor’s opinion) to get close to his son. Add to that the usual teen angst and coming-of-age stuff, and you’ve got the makings of a great book!

Thanks to NetGalley, Dusti Bowling and Union Square Kids for the advanced reading copy. I appreciate it!

4 1/2 ⭐️
I am so glad that Dusti Bowling saw fit to continue Connor’s story. It’s so refreshing to read a story with so many heroes worth celebrating. Kudos for presenting true friendship right from the start and parents who both work hard to be good parents and good people in general.
I wish that a little more time had been spent on resolution for Aven and Connor. I still feel like there are some unanswered questions there.
Overall, a great addition to a middle grade library!

I received an electronic ARC from Union Square Kids - A subsidiary of Sterling Publishing through NetGalley.
I'm delighted to see Connor get his own story. Readers see him struggle with all of the transitions in his life - new school, house to an apartment, new friends. Bowling's portrayal is realistic as he also has Tourette Syndrome. His symptoms include tics and a bark when he is stressed. His emotions come through clearly as he struggles to contain his thoughts, words and symptoms. Sadly, he does erupt and the young man who bullied him bears the consequences. So does Connor. I appreciate how his relationship with his dad is portrayed. Both of them have things in their pasts to work through but Connor is resistant to trusting his dad again after he hurt him so deeply. His dad is committed to changing and to being back in his life. Connor learns to trust again and to ask for forgiveness from friends he has hurt. By the end, all of the characters are moving toward healthier relationships and acceptance of themselves. It's good to see Aven and Zion still be included.

This is an excellent addition to Dusti Bowling’s other novels. It isn’t middle grade, it feels a bit too mature for that but it is also not YA. I really need there to be a third category that is truly for middle school and early high school, like 12-15.

The novel follows Connor as he goes to a new school for high school. Separated from Aven and Zion, moved to be closer to his recently absent father, Connor must navigate being in a new school. Along the way he makes new friends, develops a crush, starts becoming passionate about music, and avoids the taunts of a new bully. His relationship with his father causes further strain.

The reader is transported right into the world of a teen boy. It is also nice to read a book from a boy’s perspective at this age, it may increase readership.

This is a must add to middle school and high school libraries, as well as public libraries. I don’t think I will add it to my elementary school, as my students are just a bit young for this one and the first two in the series have limited interest in my school.

Thank you to Union Square Kids, Sterling Publishing, and Net Galley for the DRC! All opinions are my own.

I was thrilled to hear Connor’s story from where it left off in the last books. With new friends, Connor struggles with fitting in, maintaining his relationship with Aven, navigating a crush, and his mom pushing him to give his father a second chance. This book was emotional, but hopeful.

For fans of Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, this book is for you! Connor, one of Aven’s best friends, now has divorced parents and is living in a new town. As a boy with Tourette’s, he is especially nervous to start his first year of high school without his new friends and not knowing anyone. In a heartfelt and sensitive manner, Dusti Bowling portrays what Connor’s life is like with Tourette’s as he navigates his new friends, new school, and his complicated relationship with his dad. Meeting Ms. Chen, his music teacher, and taking drum lessons with her is a games changer for him. Learning how to play the drums helps Connor to find the beat within himself. Sometimes this helps him navigate his tics and his life and sometimes it does not…

Dusti Bowling explores topics including complex family dynamics, peer relationships, bullying, and self- worth in an impressive way.

The Beat I Drum is about a teenage boy who is starting over in a new school. Connor and his mother have moved in an effort to facilitate his reconciliation with his father. It’s hard for any teenager to start over, but it’s especially hard for Connor who is navigating high school with Tourette’s. After having met Connor in ‘Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus,’ it was nice to be reunited with him.

This book is a sweet story about family, friends, and forgiveness. Perfect for fans of Wonder and Out of My Mind.

The Beat I Drum delves into the life of Connor, a character introduced in Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus. When Connor and his mom relocate to be closer to her job and his dad, he faces the daunting task of starting high school in a new environment. Initially nervous, Connor finds solace in befriending fellow students who share his unique qualities. As he navigates the challenges of his Tourette's syndrome, the pressures of a new school, and the complexities of his relationship with his dad, Connor discovers a profound connection to the drums. This heartwarming tale celebrates resilience and the power of self-expression through music. A delightful cameo by Aven Green adds an extra layer of charm to this wonderful story.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

What another fantastic book by Dusti Bowling! Connor is going through so many changes after his parents have divorced, moving to a new school, trying to make friends, and dealing with someone who makes fun of his barking because he has Tourette Syndrome. As Connor begins to make friends, he finds the music teacher telling him music can be therapeutic. After advice from Rory, he decides drums might be the best instrument for him because hitting things relieves pressure and the urge to tic. Connor’s dad is trying to make amends, and he tells Connor he wants to do better even though Connor is still very angry with him. When something happens all of Connor’s friends ignore him until his music teacher tells him you can show people you’re sorry and that you want to do better. Will Connor stop being angry at his dad? Will Connor tell his friends he’s sorry?

The Beat I Drum by Dusti Bowling
ARC provided by Net Galley
This might be my new favorite Dusti Bowling book, even topping The Canyon’s Edge! The Beat I Drum tells the story of Connor, who is adjusting to big changes after moving away from his best friend Aven and their favorite place, Stagecoach Pass. Now a freshman in Chandler, Arizona, Connor faces tough challenges. He’s dealing with his parents’ divorce, his dad trying to rebuild their relationship after a difficult moment caused by Connor’s tics, daily bullying at school because of his Tourette’s syndrome, and the struggle to make new friends in a new town.
Things start to look up for Connor when his music teacher, Ms. Chen, helps him find a way to manage his emotions and tics. He also finds support from three new friends—Amanda, Rory, and Keanu (not that Keanu)—who are talented performers at Amanda’s family’s restaurant.
This book is a great way to teach kids about Tourette’s syndrome and the importance of accepting others as they are. Plus, it has some great lessons: breaking a drumstick is better than lashing out in anger, and making yogurt in the kitchen might not be the best plan!
The story is heartfelt, beautifully written, and perfect for fans of Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus. Highly recommended!