Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[Shally Z]

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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5-year-old Donny and 10-year-old Mary Grace face a big change in their lives when their parents decide to serve as missionaries in Africa. The two children must move across the country to live with their grandparents in Santa Barbara, California, for the next two years. Donny is a happy child with Down’s syndrome and looks forward to living with his grandparents. However, Mary Grace is more reluctant to relocate to California and has a harder time settling in at the start.

Donny and Mary Grace’s California Adventures: A Grandma Gang Mystery is the first book of the Grandma Gang Mysteries series by Catherine A. Pepe. In this book, readers meet a cast of interesting characters, including all three members of the Grandma Gang who helped the police solve the 7-Eleven mystery. One of these members happens to be Grandma Cathy. The Grandma Gang works with Mary Grace to solve a pressing mystery that’s affecting her personally at school.

I enjoyed reading this book and seeing how the children handled the changes and challenges that came with such a major change in their lives. I liked how the author covered some important issues, such as bullying, and presented the experiences of someone with special needs.

I can’t think of anything negative about this children’s book. I thought it was a heart-warming story with an interesting mystery that celebrated children with Down’s syndrome and special needs. It was interesting how the book is dedicated to the author’s younger brother, the “real” Donny, who had a daily mantra that “today is the best day of my life!” and a very positive personality. The author notes that the book is fiction, but some events and characters were inspired by real people and incidents. It’s also lovely to know that 10% of the net proceeds from the book are donated to the Special Olympics.

I am very pleased to rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. It is a wonderful children’s book that celebrates our individual differences and teaches important life lessons about being kind to others. I thought this book was a great introduction to the characters and the series. The book was also professionally edited, as I only noticed one error.

I recommend this book to all children, as it has an interesting mystery and discusses important issues such as bullying and including people with special needs.

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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[Kavita Shah]

Thank you for the positive review Shally! That Mantra is the best. I also liked the story+the real life inspired characters.

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

I love this book. Like Donny, I always energize myself with my everyday mantras. That's how I motivate myself. I wish I possess the optimistic side of Donny every time. I have a heart for those who have special needs as I can relate to them. Thank you for your beautifully written review, Shally!

[Sarah Zain]

Your review is refreshing and detailed. I loved reading that book .

[Shally Z]

Thank you for the positive review Shally! That Mantra is the best. I also liked the story+the real life inspired characters.

Thanks Kavita - I have to agree. It's such a positive way to see the world and reminds me to be grateful for what I have

[Shally Z]

I love this book. Like Donny, I always energize myself with my everyday mantras. That's how I motivate myself. I wish I possess the optimistic side of Donny every time. I have a heart for those who have special needs as I can relate to them. Thank you for your beautifully written review, Shally!

Me too - I wish I could be as optimistic as Donny! I think this book was wonderfully written and love that it supports people with special needs. Thanks for your kind and encouraging words.

[Shally Z]

Your review is refreshing and detailed. I loved reading that book .

Thanks for your support Sarah! I loved reading and reviewing the book too

[Smrithi Arun]

I'm glad you enjoyed reading the book, too! Donny and Mary Grace are such sweet children. I'm happy Mary Grace had the Grandma Gang by her side.

[Shally Z]

I'm glad you enjoyed reading the book, too! Donny and Mary Grace are such sweet children. I'm happy Mary Grace had the Grandma Gang by her side.

I agree with you there. The Grandma Gang are such a bunch of interesting characters, I'd love to have my own Grandma Gang in real life! Thanks for stopping by

[MsH2k]

This was such a refreshing book! The author addressed several social issues thoughtfully and in a way that children would understand. I also appreciated the multi-generational friendships that formed as they solved the case. Thank you for your excellent review!

[Omneya Shakeep]

This is an excellently detailed review, Shally. I enjoyed reading this book very much, I couldn't disagree with you. It was heartwarming to read about the real person behind the author's inspiration. Thank you for this amazing review!

[Shally Z]

This was such a refreshing book! The author addressed several social issues thoughtfully and in a way that children would understand. I also appreciated the multi-generational friendships that formed as they solved the case. Thank you for your excellent review!

Thanks for your comment! I feel the same way, I think it's a good book for children to read since it teaches us to be more accepting of all different types of people.

[Shally Z]

This is an excellently detailed review, Shally. I enjoyed reading this book very much, I couldn't disagree with you. It was heartwarming to read about the real person behind the author's inspiration. Thank you for this amazing review!

Thanks for your kind words and support Omneya!

[Fawmi FJumana]

This a beautifully detailed review of the book. I agree it is heartwarming to read the person behind the author's inspiration. And I loved Donny positive and energetic little self too. And I also like how the elders in the story handled their relationships with the kids and each other.

[Shally Z]

This a beautifully detailed review of the book. I agree it is heartwarming to read the person behind the author's inspiration. And I loved Donny positive and energetic little self too. And I also like how the elders in the story handled their relationships with the kids and each other.

Thanks for your comment Fawmi there were so many things to like about this book