The Beat I Drum

“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

“One of the best companion books that I have ever read… An absolute must read.”

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.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.