HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE, by Dusti Bowling, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, Oct. 7, 2025, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)
A boy struggles to keep his family together while facing the side effects of bull riding in Holding on For Dear Life, by Dusti Bowling.
Thirteen-year-old Canyon loves bull riding, but the sport doesn’t exactly love him back. His body is in constant pain and doctors have warned him about the dangers of his repeated concussions, but bull riding is the only thing he and his dad connect on ever since Canyon’s mom died. Canyon is convinced winning the Junior World Bull Riding championship will be the thing to bring them together again, that once he has that shiny belt buckle all the pain will be worth it. Besides, Canyon has a secret way to help his hurt: playing the fiddle.
When Canyon is unexpectedly chosen for a music competition show, a new dream begins to form. But Dad is getting worse, and Canyon feels more pressure than ever to hold his family together–even if it means choosing to hurt himself bull riding over healing through music. Soon Canyon begins to wonder if he’s holding on to all the right things, or if there are some he needs to let go of. —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
At first glance, Holding on for Dear Life is a book about bull riding. But once you start turning the pages, you realize the title refers to so much more.
Most readers will be new to the sport of bull riding, finding it a compelling topic they’ll want to know more about. And author Dusti Bowling makes sure readers understand what’s going on, not only the actual act of riding a bull, but the sights, sounds and smell of the arena. You feel as if you’re in the chute or the stands, and the imagery is perfect.
As a parent, I’d never want my kid to ride bulls — it’s super dangerous. And Bowling makes sure readers know that. What seems like a glamorous sport can be deadly.
While bull riding is probably what will draw readers in, it’s Bowling’s compelling story of family, friendship and grief.
In addition to Canyon, there’s a strong cast of supporting characters in Holding on For Dear Life. Canyon’s sister, Josie, their grandmother, extended family and well-placed adults help set the tone for what becomes a positive book about choice and finding who you are.
What will resonate the most with kids is that the adults allow Canyon to make decisions for himself. And parents will appreciate the role of especially the grandma, who balances that fine line of when to interfere with great care.
It should be noted that Holding on for Dear Life does touch on neglect and abuse, though it’s not graphic.
Holding on for Dear Life is an empowering read that challenges the notion of what it means to “cowboy up.”
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