Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

Samuel Songs · Post by **Samuel Songs** » 30 Dec 2022, 17:46

[Following is a volunteer review of "Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures" by Catherine A. Pepe.]

5 out of 5 stars

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This book, Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures, is about two siblings who were made to stay in California while their parents left for an African mission. Donny needed special attention because he had congenital disabilities. As the story began, Donny went missing while visiting the zoo with Mary Grace and their parents. Donny's parents and his sister looked for him, although they struggled to control their emotions as they did so. Thankfully, others decided to assist in the search for him. Everyone was relieved when Donny was located, and his family vowed to exercise greater caution. However, they will leave for Africa and be there for a long time, leaving their kids in California. Will Donny and Mary Grace be able to adapt to their new environment in California?

I had a great time reading this book. Its discussion of Down syndrome was, in my opinion, an unquestionable high point. Rarely, if ever, are people with special needs depicted in children's books or fiction. However, Cathrine A. Pepe did it superbly. Her depiction of Donny is sympathetic and instructive. Donny is a lovable character who has both virtues and shortcomings. He is satisfyingly whole, and not just his Down syndrome defines him. The other characters are also interesting. Mary Grace's character was also beautifully developed. She has close relationships with the people she loves, and despite her early difficulties, she gradually overcomes them and finds her true self. Her relatability will appeal to young readers. Another notable aspect of this book is the friendships and pleasant interactions the characters have.

Even though this is a fictional story, Catherine Anna Pepe informs us that Donny exists. A sibling of hers has Down syndrome. The hospital urged her parents to keep their child in an institution so that he could receive care. But Donny's parents chose to raise him on their own. As a result, he has received their affection. Children with Down syndrome and Donny served as inspiration for this book.

The book's wording was fluid and straightforward for me to read. The logical progression of the plot, in my opinion, was the best option for a children's novel. It wasn't overly complicated. The writing style was straightforward and contained the perfect number of big words to assist young readers' vocabularies. The book's primary mood is upbeat and lighthearted, with sporadic injections of darker subjects like despair and bullying.

I give Catherine A. Pepe's Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures 5 out of 5 stars. There were no errors in the book, which shows that it was exceptionally well-edited. The perfect rating is based on the fact that it has many positive qualities and no negative qualities at all. I would recommend this book to teachers for use with their pupils. There are enough lessons to be learned from this book. Furthermore, they would benefit from it since the book teaches kids how to maintain empathy for one another, which is especially important for kids with special needs. Additionally, the book's simplicity makes the topic suitable for kids.

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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Oyedeji Funmilayo · Post by **Oyedeji Funmilayo** » 07 Jan 2023, 05:26

I appreciate the parents of these lovely kids or training them in the way of the lord from an early stage. I enjoyed reading your review. Welldone

Grace Lee Rose · Post by **Grace Lee Rose** » 07 Jan 2023, 05:47

Reading your reviews is always a pleasing experience. I love the kids in this narrative are brought up in the right and acceptable way. Well done.

Kenneth Onyenwe · Post by **Kenneth Onyenwe** » 07 Jan 2023, 23:31

"Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures" by Catherine A. Pepe tell the story of serving God while managing our life challenges. Donny's parents have to manage to live with their children who is diagnosed with congenital, while serving God at the same time.

Elmien Sinclair 1 · Post by **Elmien Sinclair 1** » 08 Jan 2023, 08:00

I enjoyed the story of Donny and Mary Grace's adventures in Califo. I think both adults and children cam learni

Elmien Sinclair 1 · Post by **Elmien Sinclair 1** » 08 Jan 2023, 08:01

I enjoyed the story of Donny and Mary Grace's adventures in Califo. I think both adults and children can learn valuable lessons from this book.

Nicholas Bush · Post by **Nicholas Bush** » 08 Jan 2023, 09:57

Nothing beats family love. I love how detailed your review is easy to read and understand. Keep it up.

Temi Book · Post by **Temi Book** » 08 Jan 2023, 12:26

I love the care Mart Grace show her brother here. A lot would have been ashamed of Him, to the extent of hiding from him in school, but she was ready to defend him at any time. Nice review!

Judy O · Post by **Judy O** » 08 Jan 2023, 18:49

Donny and his sister must have felt sad to be left alone in California. I look forward to reading all about their adventures. Beautiful review.

Azuka Jessica · Post by **Azuka Jessica** » 08 Jan 2023, 21:25

I really felt for Donny and Mary Grace, but I think they did very well where they went to eventually. The characters were well-developed and beautifully played their roles.

Success Azuka · Post by **Success Azuka** » 09 Jan 2023, 12:40

This book is a children's book with lots of lessons to learn. It is great to read another review on this. Mary Grace is a young girl with a nice attitude. Her behaviour is truly emulating. She also showed care to her brother which was so nice. Thanks for this review.

Post by **Victoria Ukamaka** » 09 Jan 2023, 19:37

This book was truly remarkable! I absolutely loved how Catherine Anna Pepe was able to create such a wonderful story for Donny and Mary Grace. The character development was fantastic and I felt so connected to the characters. I also really admired the lessons that were present throughout the book, like not judging a book by its cover.

Tony T · Post by **Tony T** » 11 Jan 2023, 12:43

I am impressed with the author's portrayal of her characters, especially Mary Grace. She seems to act and react like other kids her age would, and I loved that. And of course, I can't forget to mention the lessons this book teaches. It will be valuable for children to learn those lessons.

Shazyclaire Mark · Post by **Shazyclaire Mark** » 11 Jan 2023, 16:17

I'm glad that it includes a character with Down syndrome and that it's written in a way that is accessible to young readers. I love how the book teaches empathy and I'm sure it will be a great resource for teachers. I can't wait to read it.

Amy Toria · Post by **Amy Toria** » 12 Jan 2023, 05:50

This book sounds amazing! Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures sounds like a great story with a meaningful message about empathy and acceptance. I'm so glad that books like this exist, because it's so important to show kids with special needs in a positive light. I'm definitely going to check this book out.