Sale price
$1597
Book #3 · Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2025
The Beat I Drum
A teen battles Tourette's, bullies, and family chaos, seeking solace in music.
272 pages· 48,306 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Book Series · 3 Books
Life of a Cactus Books
In order from The Beat I Drum to The Beat I Drum.
The Life of a Cactus series is a set of 3 chapter books by Dusti Bowling, published between 2017 and 2025. Written for ages 8–14, most books run about 270 pages. Subjects across the series include moving, disabilities, and amusement parks.
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
In reading order
Life of a Cactus Series
3 books · Published 2017–2025
#3
Sale price
$1597
The Beat I Drum
Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2025
A teen battles Tourette's, bullies, and family chaos, seeking solace in music.
Sale price
$1697
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017
A girl without arms uncovers secrets in a mysterious theme park while facing new challenges and friendships.
Sale price
$1695
Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019
Facing high school, Aven must navigate new challenges and stay true to herself amidst 3,000 curious peers.
Good to know
Common Questions
How many books are in the Life of a Cactus series?
There are 3 books in the Life of a Cactus series. It began with The Beat I Drum in 2025, and the newest book, The Beat I Drum, was published in 2025.
What order should you read the Life of a Cactus books in?
Start with The Beat I Drum and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #3.
What ages are the Life of a Cactus books best for?
The series is best for ages 8–14, based on the age ranges of the individual books.
Which Life of a Cactus book is the longest?
Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus is the longest book in the series at 56,295 words (310 pages).
Which Life of a Cactus book is the shortest?
The Beat I Drum (Book #3) is the shortest at 48,306 words (272 pages).
The people
The Creative Behind the Books
The people who bring Life of a Cactus to life.
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