Canyon Cress dreams of being a champion bull rider like his father, but his dad gave up riding the night before the world championship when a drunk driver killed Canyon’s mom. His mom was a concert violinist so he knows he gets his love of fiddling from his mom, but he feels he must leave that aside to continue chasing dreams of a bull riding championship so his dad will finally climb out of his whiskey bottle and see him again. Thankfully Canyon has a supportive grandma and a little sister who adores him, but watching his father’s actions is pretty difficult. Readers who like dead/tragic parent stories will like this one, but I hope more pick it up for the bull riding vs fiddling dilemma.

Canyon is hoping to make it to the Junior World Championship for bull riding. He thinks that winning the championship will heal his father, who is struggling to cope with the death of his wife, Canyon’s father. While Canyon thinks this is the only way to help his father, bull riding may break him.

I LOVED THIS BOOK. For so many reasons. 1 I love to read about things I don’t know a lot about, and this was my first introduction to bull riding. 2 I think stories that help young men recognize that there are many ways to “be a man” are so important right now. 3 Because this story touches on friendship, family, grief, alcoholism, poverty, and identify, this book will resonate with so many readers.

Educators need to preorder this one!

Dusti has done it again with this heartfelt book about finding out what really matters, courage, and taking risks. Canyon is a bull rider and wants to win the Bull Riding World Championship for the money so his family can move into a house. At home he and his sister watch American Superstar, and his teacher wants Canyon to send in a video for his fiddle playing. When Canyon finds out he needs his dad’s signature he throws the permission slip away. Even after his third concussion, Canyon still wants to compete even though his dad says I don’t want you to die.When Canyon’s friend gets hurt, he tells Canyon you have to compete and win. What will Canton end up doing? And, why does American Superstar expect him to show up for an audition?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Thirteen-year-old Canyon is caught between two worlds: the dangerous thrill of bull riding, which keeps him connected to his distant father, and his secret passion for playing the fiddle. Ever since his mom died, bull riding has been the only way Canyon and his dad relate, even though it's taking a serious toll on his body. Canyon believes that winning the Junior World Bull Riding championship will finally earn his dad’s approval and bring them closer. But when he's unexpectedly chosen for a music competition show, Canyon begins to see a different path—one that offers healing and hope. As his father's health declines and the pressure to hold the family together grows, Canyon is forced to make a difficult choice between pleasing others and protecting himself. Ultimately, he must decide what truly matters and what he's willing to let go of to move forward.

Dusti Bowling is one of my go-to authors because I can always count on her to deliver heartfelt stories with relatable, likable characters. Canyon’s story is no exception—it’s emotional, powerful, and sure to tug at your heartstrings. The only hesitation I have with recommending this to students is that Canyon's family knew what was going on, but they didn't step in to help sooner.

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

I’ve never read a bad Dusti Bowling book. In this story, a preteen is struggling with his father’s alcoholism, his mother’s death, and symptoms associated with multiple concussions from his rodeo stunts. This is an important book about families, the dangers of concussions, dealing with alcoholism, and exploring your passions.

Canyon is determined to become the Junior World Bull Riding champion. Bull riding is in his blood. His dad was great at it, many of his heroes are champions, and it's how he and his best friend bond. He loves it, right? Unfortunately, every time he rides he has to see the looks of fear on the faces of his sister, his grandmother, and his other best friend. He hasn't exactly mastered the 'get off' and often lands on his head, suffering many concussions along the way. But it will all be worth it when he claims the title, and finally earns his dad's respect.

Facing the bulls isn't Canyon's only obstacle. He is also dealing with grief from his mother's death, and trying to survive and take care of his sister while his father is spiraling out of control. His one solace is his nightly playing of his fiddle which he uses to get his sister to sleep and calm his own rising anger and fear. Canyon's music is the one place at school he feels content, the thing that brings peace at home, and his final connection to his mother.

This story is beautifully told. Bowling's descriptions of the injuries from bull riding had me physically cringing and wanting to put the book down. The topics of grief and family alcoholism are heavy and may not be for all middle school readers. But the characters and mentors that circle around Canyon both in the bull riding arena and at school are to be admired. I will happily recommend this book to some of my mature readers.

This is by far my favorite book of Dusti Bowling. I’ve loved many of her books, but this one is really special. I truly enjoyed getting to meet our main character Canyon Cress and reading his story. I highly recommend reading this book once it comes out.