OnlineBookClub.org

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

The presence of children with special needs changes the perspective and mindset of their family members, for they are truly unique. Despite the hardships their families face every day, their presence is a blessing that changes many people's lives.

When Mary Grace discovers that her parents will be missionaries for the Episcopal Church in Africa for two years, leaving her and Donny, her five-year-old Down syndrome brother, in the care of their grandparents in California, she feels devastated. Not only will she be apart from her parents, but she will also have to move from Wichita, Kansas, to California, leaving her school and friends behind. On the other hand, Donny is very excited to move to his grandparents' ranch, where he can play with the animals and ride horses. Also, when he visits his great-grandma, Gigi, he will be able to meet his friend, Ed, who loves to collect and play with marbles as much as he does.

After Jen Miller's persuasion, Mary Grace finally accepts her parents' decision and starts to feel proud of it, despite missing them. When Grandma Cathy tells Mary Grace how the Grandma Gang solved the 7-Eleven store robbery crime, she asks her grandmother if she can join them in solving mysteries, as it is her favorite hobby. After Mary Grace and Donny settle in California with the help of their grandparents, they start school. Donny quickly integrates into his class, and just when Mary Grace starts to make new friends and feels comfortable at school, things start to go downhill.

Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine Anna Pepe is an excellently written children's book. I liked the moral lessons delivered smoothly, subtly, and skillfully for the young minds to comprehend. Her explanation of the types of bullying is that it is not limited to physical abuse; a hateful note or name-calling is also considered bullying. She gave a remarkable example of how schools should consider every aspect of their decision when administering punishments and how to benefit the student from that decision.

I admired the relationship the Millers have, how close John and Jen Miller are to their children, and the love they have for each other. Mary Grace was my favorite character; she received my respect and fondness the most for her care for Donny. She looked after him, shared her toys and played with him, was patient with his questions, more concerned about his comfort, and considerate of his feelings, even if it meant hiding her own, which made her very mature for her age. Also, I loved how Donny was the sunshine for his family; they considered his well-being in every decision they made, and he filled their lives with his optimism and positive energy.

For all the positive aspects mentioned above, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Since there was nothing to dislike about this professionally edited book, I didn't find a reason to deduct any stars.

I recommend Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine Anna Pepe to children from the age of 8 and older for its long length. It is also suitable as a bedtime story.

******
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

The smart personality of Mary Grace in this book is what I like. She investigates well who the bullied is, and she handles it properly. Likewise, I appreciate how the school resolved the issue of bullying for the students; it makes them renew after. I enjoyed your incredibly written and well-analyzed review, Omneya!

Hazel Mae Bagarinao wrote: ↑16 May 2023, 01:55 The smart personality of Mary Grace in this book is what I like. She investigates well who the bullied is, and she handles it properly. Likewise, I appreciate how the school resolved the issue of bullying for the students; it makes them renew after. I enjoyed your incredibly written and well-analyzed review, Omneya!

I agree with you; the school handled the bullying incident very well. It is actually very rare for it to be handled this way in reality, which I think is very sad. Mary Grace is incredibly smart and mature for her age, and I think this is why she takes her responsibility for Donny very seriously.

Thank you, Hazel, for your unending support and valuable friendship.

I am currently reading this book, and I admire how Mary Grace looks after Donny. It is also sweet to see how Donny's exuberance lifts Mary Grace's spirits. I haven't reached the bullying part yet, and I'm dreading it, but it sounds like Mary Grace will survive this ordeal well.
Thank you for your thorough review!

Thank you for a pleasant review Omneya! Donny was the sunshine for his family, that's a great way to put it. I really like how well you've written the review, it feels coherent and great.

I read the sample of this book and I enjoyed what I read. It is a beautiful story and I'm impressed that the author discussed the topic of bullying in this book. Young readers need role models like Mary Grace who show what caring for a sibling means. Thank you for this amazing review, Omneya!

MsH2k wrote: ↑16 May 2023, 18:56 I am currently reading this book, and I admire how Mary Grace looks after Donny. It is also sweet to see how Donny's exuberance lifts Mary Grace's spirits. I haven't reached the bullying part yet, and I'm dreading it, but it sounds like Mary Grace will survive this ordeal well.
Thank you for your thorough review!

Mary Grace is indeed the perfect sister for Donny, and he is a bouncing ball of optimism. It was refreshing to read about their relationship. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, MsH2K. Thanks for your nice comment and for stopping by.

Parents' expression of their love and appreciation for their children can make a big difference in their personalities, and family cohesion and understanding is a blessing. If you have it, you must keep it. Your review gives a beautiful feeling, and the book seems really fun to read.

Kavita Shah wrote: ↑17 May 2023, 00:19 Thank you for a pleasant review Omneya! Donny was the sunshine for his family, that's a great way to put it. I really like how well you've written the review, it feels coherent and great.

Thank you so much, Kavita, for your continuous support and lovely comments.

Omneya, your summary is so good! You give a proper insight into what's this book about. I found it incredible their care for Donny. Your review is beautiful!

Nisha DSouza wrote: ↑17 May 2023, 03:05 I read the sample of this book and I enjoyed what I read. It is a beautiful story and I'm impressed that the author discussed the topic of bullying in this book. Young readers need role models like Mary Grace who show what caring for a sibling means. Thank you for this amazing review, Omneya!

Thank you for taking the time to leave this lovely comment, Nisha. It is a beautiful story with a lot of valuable lessons.

What I like about this story is Mary Grace's selflessness toward her disabled brother and Donny's optimistic nature. The Grandma Gang also make this book a better read. Thank you Omneya for this amazing review.

Sarah Zain wrote: ↑18 May 2023, 16:56 Parents' expression of their love and appreciation for their children can make a big difference in their personalities, and family cohesion and understanding is a blessing. If you have it, you must keep it. Your review gives a beautiful feeling, and the book seems really fun to read.

It is a very delightful read. Thank you so much, Sarah, for your wonderful comment, sharing your thoughts, and your constant support.

Sara Nóbrega Bartolomeu wrote: ↑21 May 2023, 16:01 Omneya, your summary is so good! You give a proper insight into what's this book about. I found it incredible their care for Donny. Your review is beautiful!

Their care for him was heartwarming. Thank you, Sara, for your support and nice comment.

Blackstenius wrote: ↑22 May 2023, 11:47 What I like about this story is Mary Grace's selflessness toward her disabled brother and Donny's optimistic nature. The Grandma Gang also make this book a better read. Thank you Omneya for this amazing review.

Mary Grace and Donny's characters were indeed a breath of fresh air. Thank you, Blackstenius, for sharing your thoughts and for your lovely comment.