Overall rating and opinion of "Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures" by Catherine A. Pepe

[John Owen]

I've just recently completed reading and reviewing this book. It's a really nice book that I would highly recommend. Most things about it were just awesome. Definitely deserves a perfect score.

[John Owen]

Oooh, and on the cover, I think it's okay, but not perfect. The title definitely suits the book. I'd only included some illustrations to spice things up though.

[John Owen]

Finally, about what I learned, we need to have empathy towards those with special needs. I also took a thing from Donny's positive outlook on life.

[Abu_Aisha1]

Everything about this book fascinated me. From the adventure at the Zoo, getting to know about the Grandma gang and their mystery unraveling experience, and how Mary Grace stood for and took care of her brother, Donny. It was an exciting experience generally. Lest I forget, the editing of the book was also top-notch.

[Mbali Qalinge]

I found the book to be quite enjoyable and heartwarming. The book beautifully portrays themes of love, family, and inclusiveness, with Donny's character being a positive representation of a child with Down Syndrome. The inclusiveness was my favorite aspect, as it was portrayed with Donny, the friendship between Mary Grace and Penelope, who's from China, and also with the little slip of a gay couple Father Randall and his husband, Bill. I definitely recommend the book to anyone looking to read a children's book with worthwhile lessons.

[MsH2k]

This children’s book addressed several life circumstances well in a tone and setting that would benefit both children and adults. I found the cover a bit dated and initially passed on this book, but I read a great OBC review that convinced me to give it a try. I’m glad I did. I did not necessarily learn a lesson from this read, but it did reinforce the power of love and compassion to change a person’s outlook on life. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to those who enjoy feel-good stories like those on the Hallmark Channel.

[Tosin Le]

It was an inspiring read. Donny's character will motivate people living with Down syndrome out there that they can still live a life of happiness despite all setbacks. The writer's writing style was great. I disliked nothing in the book.

[Tosin Le]

It was a motivating read. People with Down syndrome will be inspired by Donny's persona to believe that despite all obstacles, they may still lead happy lives. Great writing was done by the author. Nothing in the book I found repulsive.

[Tosin Le]

It was inspiring to read. Donny's persona will encourage people with Down syndrome to think that they can still live joyful lives in spite of all their challenges. The author produced some excellent writing. I did not find anything offensive in the book.

[Rowan The-First]

I give this book a 4-star out of 5 rating. What I liked most are the lessons that the intended audience gets from reading it. Characters like Mary are good role models for how to behave maturally like how she handled the case of being bullied.

[Davy Ifedigbo]

I thoroughly enjoyed the valuable teachings presented in this children's book. It sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with Down syndrome, illustrating the difficulties they may encounter. This particular book possesses the potential to foster greater comprehension among readers, emphasizing that individuals with disabilities also possess emotions and desires. Furthermore, the book's cover is visually appealing. It is my sincere wish that more books with similar themes become available in the market, as I intend to share this one with my grandchildren for a meaningful reading experience.

[Omneya Shakeep]

 
It is a light read, packed with many subtle moral lessons. From Mary Grace's care for Donny to everyone's way of handling the bullying incident, Grandma Cathey, the school, the parents, and Mary Grace herself dealt amazingly with it. My favourite aspect is Mary Grace's care for Donny and Donny's unending optimism. The author did an amazing job with her flawless writing style of implementing important morals subtly within the storyline for the children. I liked the cover and title, although I think it would have been better if it was shorter. I would definitely recommend this book to children for its amazing messages that they could learn a lot from. I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars.

[Brian Ruguru]

The book had so many lessons and topics addressed: Down syndrome, bullying, change of behavior, etc. Hard to believe this was all in a children's book.

[Brian Ruguru]

The character development was exceptional! Diversity and inclusion was well explored, and the book lacked grammatical flaws. The message was driven home! Without a thing to dislike, it deserved a 5 out of 5 rating.

[Brian Ruguru]

It was inspiring to read. Donny's persona will encourage people with Down syndrome to think that they can still live joyful lives in spite of all their challenges. The author produced some excellent writing. I did not find anything offensive in the book.

It was pretty surprising the happy life Donny lived with his condition. He was jovial and managed to changed the bully's heart at the end. Very, very gratifying!