Holding on for Dear Life by Dusti Bowling

What worked:

Bull riding is the backdrop for the plot. Readers will know something about the sport, but a whole book dedicated to it should pique their interest. Readers will learn that riders can only use one hand to stay on the 1,000-pound bucky bulls, and there’s a science to holding the rope. Riders falling off before eight seconds have elapsed do not receive scores. For those who stay on for the full time, judges score them based on their performances and the activity of their bulls. It is almost impossible to earn a high score riding a bull that won’t buck or twist. Readers learn about different bulls, and Canyon shares a brief story about his choice for the greatest bull of all time. The book tries to describe the whole bull riding culture.

Canyon is the main character, and his life presents several conflicts. He loves bull riding, but he’s been seriously hurt many times. Other characters joke that he falls on his head more times than he lands on his feet. However, Canyon doesn’t reveal the truth to anyone; he constantly suffers excruciating headaches and has recurring dizzy spells. His love for bull riding is a means to impress his father and perhaps help the man find a way to fix his life. The father is an alcoholic, and he often neglects the care and supervision of Canyon and his little sister, Josie. Canyon is left to fill the void of his father’s emotional absence, and Canyon’s anger and frustration are building inside of him. He loves playing his fiddle, and it’s the only thing that brings him peace. Canyon is so good with the fiddle that his music teacher suggests he send an audition video to a television talent show. Readers will be able to predict the scheduling conflict that ensues.

Female characters have important roles in this book. Canyon’s grandmother keeps a watchful eye on the children’s welfare and expresses anger when she feels the father is falling short. She takes Canyon and Josie to her home when she sees they’re being neglected or if they’re in danger. Josie appears to be an innocent little sister, but her spunk blossoms as the plot progresses. She loves to have Canyon play his fiddle at bedtime, and these moments offer him solace, too. Finally, Dakota is a close friend, and she shares caring, kind, and playful comments with Canyon. She provides a balance to the bull riding obsession of characters, and Canyon slowly comes to appreciate her company more and more.

What didn’t work as well:

Bull riding and rodeos may not appeal to urban and suburban middle-graders in general. It’s a foreign culture to their lives, so will they want to read a whole book about it? However, Canyon’s issues with his father and the loss of his mother are universal problems, and Josie is an adorable character.

The final verdict:

Canyon’s complicated life creates an emotional, heartfelt story. Bull riding may not be familiar to most middle-school readers, but his family issues and desire to please his father are relatable. I recommend you check this book out for yourself.