Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure
Posted: 18 Jul 2022, 10:05
[Following is a volunteer review of "Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure" by Catherine A. Pepe.]
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine Anna Pepe is a children’s book about the adventures of the Miller children. Mary Grace Miller is a 10-year-old who lives in Kansas with her parents and her 5-year-old brother, Donny, who has Down syndrome. The Millers are a wholesome, happy family, and they have good relationships with each other. However, things change when Mary Grace’s parents decide to go to Kenya, Africa, as missionaries for two years. As a result, Mary Grace will have to go to California with her brother to stay with their grandparents until her parents return. Mary Grace takes this news badly and believes this is the worst thing to happen to them. With no other option and for her brother’s sake, she puts on a brave face and begrudgingly goes to California. However, California is vastly different from Kansas, and she finds herself making friends with unlikely people and even ends up trying to solve a mystery. Find out more about her adventures in this book.
This book was a good read, and it had a pleasant presentation. The language was written in simple English, while the font was adequately large enough and easy for children to read. I loved the relationship the Millers had, especially Mary Grace and Donny’s relationship. I thought it was nice the way she always looked out for Donny. Mary Grace is also very assertive and grown up for her age. I even thought she sounded about 13 or 14.
However, the book had a very slow start, and I kept waiting for the main plot to begin. I felt the author spent too much time showing how great the Millers were as a family and how the children reacted to the news of their parents’ trip. Although the title connotes the children’s adventures in California, they don’t leave for California until about half of the book, while their adventures begin at almost the end.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read. The author tackled some social issues, such as bullying and its effects. She also taught that actions have consequences and the importance of taking responsibility for your actions. I think these are great lessons for kids to learn in an entertaining way. This book was also excellently edited as I found no errors. Even the issues I mentioned above didn’t affect my overall enjoyment because when I finally got to the part about their adventures, I felt it was worth the wait. As a result, I’m pleased to rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
This book will be a perfect fit for pre-teens of about 8 to 12 years old. Fans of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five series will also enjoy this book.
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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine Anna Pepe is a children’s book about the adventures of the Miller children. Mary Grace Miller is a 10-year-old who lives in Kansas with her parents and her 5-year-old brother, Donny, who has Down syndrome. The Millers are a wholesome, happy family, and they have good relationships with each other. However, things change when Mary Grace’s parents decide to go to Kenya, Africa, as missionaries for two years. As a result, Mary Grace will have to go to California with her brother to stay with their grandparents until her parents return. Mary Grace takes this news badly and believes this is the worst thing to happen to them. With no other option and for her brother’s sake, she puts on a brave face and begrudgingly goes to California. However, California is vastly different from Kansas, and she finds herself making friends with unlikely people and even ends up trying to solve a mystery. Find out more about her adventures in this book.
This book was a good read, and it had a pleasant presentation. The language was written in simple English, while the font was adequately large enough and easy for children to read. I loved the relationship the Millers had, especially Mary Grace and Donny’s relationship. I thought it was nice the way she always looked out for Donny. Mary Grace is also very assertive and grown up for her age. I even thought she sounded about 13 or 14.
However, the book had a very slow start, and I kept waiting for the main plot to begin. I felt the author spent too much time showing how great the Millers were as a family and how the children reacted to the news of their parents’ trip. Although the title connotes the children’s adventures in California, they don’t leave for California until about half of the book, while their adventures begin at almost the end.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read. The author tackled some social issues, such as bullying and its effects. She also taught that actions have consequences and the importance of taking responsibility for your actions. I think these are great lessons for kids to learn in an entertaining way. This book was also excellently edited as I found no errors. Even the issues I mentioned above didn’t affect my overall enjoyment because when I finally got to the part about their adventures, I felt it was worth the wait. As a result, I’m pleased to rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
This book will be a perfect fit for pre-teens of about 8 to 12 years old. Fans of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five series will also enjoy this book.
******
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Bullying is a horrible thing, and I'm glad the author speaks about it too. A little bit too long for a children's book, but should be captivating. Thanks for a great review!