Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
Posted: 20 Aug 2023, 07:29
[Following is a volunteer review of "Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures" by Catherine A. Pepe.]
Catherine A. Pepe presents Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure, an enthralling narrative following the journey of a young girl and her brother who relocate from Kansas to California. The story delves into their compelling experiences as they navigate this significant change in their lives. The siblings are compelled to make the move due to their parents' overseas assignment in Africa, leaving them in the care of their grandparents.
Mary Grace, the central character, initially grapples with feelings of abandonment as her parents depart for their African mission, uprooting her and her younger brother Donny to California. Over time, Mary Grace manages to overcome her initial challenges of acclimating to her new surroundings, eventually thriving and even playing a pivotal role in solving a noteworthy case at her new school.
I have a strong appreciation for the book and how the author has illuminated individuals with Down syndrome from a fresh vantage point, underscoring that they are equal members of humanity, despite society's preconceptions. Mary Grace's persona captivated me throughout, as her intellect, intuition, and curiosity compelled her to confront challenges head-on rather than retreat. Her adeptness in resolving the issue of bullying that targeted her brother and herself at the new school, along with the threat posed to her friend, using the support of her resourceful "grandma gang," showcased her skilful approach to defusing the situation without exacerbating it.
Disliking this book is a challenging feat due to its enthralling storyline. However, I couldn't help but notice that the author didn't extensively delve into the difficulties Donny faced. It would have been beneficial to gain a deeper understanding of the hurdles children with Down syndrome encounter, enhancing our ability to empathize with them in our community. Nonetheless, beyond this, I found immense satisfaction in the portrayal of Mary Grace's character. Despite her youth, she exudes responsibility not only for herself but also for her younger brother. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to both children and parents, as it imparts valuable lessons on relating to others within society and adeptly managing various challenges.
I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars because of its invaluable lessons on embracing others irrespective of their physical attributes and adeptly managing challenges without unnecessary drama. Moreover, the book's exceptional editing and absence of errors significantly contribute to my top rating.
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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Catherine A. Pepe presents Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure, an enthralling narrative following the journey of a young girl and her brother who relocate from Kansas to California. The story delves into their compelling experiences as they navigate this significant change in their lives. The siblings are compelled to make the move due to their parents' overseas assignment in Africa, leaving them in the care of their grandparents.
Mary Grace, the central character, initially grapples with feelings of abandonment as her parents depart for their African mission, uprooting her and her younger brother Donny to California. Over time, Mary Grace manages to overcome her initial challenges of acclimating to her new surroundings, eventually thriving and even playing a pivotal role in solving a noteworthy case at her new school.
I have a strong appreciation for the book and how the author has illuminated individuals with Down syndrome from a fresh vantage point, underscoring that they are equal members of humanity, despite society's preconceptions. Mary Grace's persona captivated me throughout, as her intellect, intuition, and curiosity compelled her to confront challenges head-on rather than retreat. Her adeptness in resolving the issue of bullying that targeted her brother and herself at the new school, along with the threat posed to her friend, using the support of her resourceful "grandma gang," showcased her skilful approach to defusing the situation without exacerbating it.
Disliking this book is a challenging feat due to its enthralling storyline. However, I couldn't help but notice that the author didn't extensively delve into the difficulties Donny faced. It would have been beneficial to gain a deeper understanding of the hurdles children with Down syndrome encounter, enhancing our ability to empathize with them in our community. Nonetheless, beyond this, I found immense satisfaction in the portrayal of Mary Grace's character. Despite her youth, she exudes responsibility not only for herself but also for her younger brother. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to both children and parents, as it imparts valuable lessons on relating to others within society and adeptly managing various challenges.
I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars because of its invaluable lessons on embracing others irrespective of their physical attributes and adeptly managing challenges without unnecessary drama. Moreover, the book's exceptional editing and absence of errors significantly contribute to my top rating.
******
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon