Another endearing story from Dusti Bowling full of heart, hope, and an ending bursting with emotion.

Thirteen-year-old Canyon Cress is a bull rider, following the same path as his father. Canyon’s mom died in an accident and Dad’s life is now controlled by alcohol. He and his younger sister live with him in a trailer. Canyon becomes Josie’s caregiver, making sure she has something to eat and getting her to the school bus on time.

Canyon is heading toward being a contestant at the Junior World Bull Riding championship. Unfortunately, bull riding is not an easy sport as Canyon has had numerous concussions and doctors have warned him of the life threatening consequences. Despite those warnings Canyon pushes forth, believing a win will bring his dad back to being a real father.

His younger sister and Grandma are big supporters as are his two friends Dakota and Tate. As a reader I desperately hoped Canyon would quit bull riding with the continued danger surrounding him each time he mounts a bull. Either way, the back drop of bull riding was not something I’ve ever seen in a middle grade book. Each scene in the ring is a heart pounding moment.

Canyon does have another interest. His mom played the violin and Canyon has become quite the musician on the fiddle. He backs away from an opportunity to be a contestant on the American Superstar competition he has watched on TV. Bull riding success is more important.

Holding On For Dear Dear Life is a fantastic reading experience and one of my favorites this year. Perfect for girls and boys who enjoy contemporary stories with a memorable plot.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 7, 2025 PAGES: 240

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE by Dusti Bowling

1. The gripping balance of whether Canyon would hold onto his dream or let go had me hooked from the start.
2. Grandma is everything that the dad is not. She’s there to support her grandchildren in the most loving way. Willing to take the kids when their safety is threatened, she’s that wonderful relative everyone should have in their life.
3. Boys often face having to be manly and the positive and negative repercussions of such thinking are brought forth in a way that will connect with young readers. A great discussion topic.
4. You learn a lot about the ins and outs of bull riding, It’s dangerous for sure but is certain to be a favorite event at any rodeo event.
5. Each character in Canyon’s life is an important one and not used as a page filler. A good example is his orchestra teacher who is only in a few scenes but still impacts the decisions facing Canyon.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DUSTI BOWLING grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, where, as her family will tell you, she always had her nose in a book. She released her first middle grade novel in 2017 and hasn’t stopped writing since.

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 over 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 Eagar, Arizona with her husband, three daughters, and a bunch of farm animals.

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