Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure

[Chinazo Anozie]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine Anna Pepe is a children’s book about the adventures of the Miller children. Mary Grace Miller is a 10-year-old who lives in Kansas with her parents and her 5-year-old brother, Donny, who has Down syndrome. The Millers are a wholesome, happy family, and they have good relationships with each other. However, things change when Mary Grace’s parents decide to go to Kenya, Africa, as missionaries for two years. As a result, Mary Grace will have to go to California with her brother to stay with their grandparents until her parents return. Mary Grace takes this news badly and believes this is the worst thing to happen to them. With no other option and for her brother’s sake, she puts on a brave face and begrudgingly goes to California. However, California is vastly different from Kansas, and she finds herself making friends with unlikely people and even ends up trying to solve a mystery. Find out more about her adventures in this book.

This book was a good read, and it had a pleasant presentation. The language was written in simple English, while the font was adequately large enough and easy for children to read. I loved the relationship the Millers had, especially Mary Grace and Donny’s relationship. I thought it was nice the way she always looked out for Donny. Mary Grace is also very assertive and grown up for her age. I even thought she sounded about 13 or 14.

However, the book had a very slow start, and I kept waiting for the main plot to begin. I felt the author spent too much time showing how great the Millers were as a family and how the children reacted to the news of their parents’ trip. Although the title connotes the children’s adventures in California, they don’t leave for California until about half of the book, while their adventures begin at almost the end.

All in all, it was an enjoyable read. The author tackled some social issues, such as bullying and its effects. She also taught that actions have consequences and the importance of taking responsibility for your actions. I think these are great lessons for kids to learn in an entertaining way. This book was also excellently edited as I found no errors. Even the issues I mentioned above didn’t affect my overall enjoyment because when I finally got to the part about their adventures, I felt it was worth the wait. As a result, I’m pleased to rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.

This book will be a perfect fit for pre-teens of about 8 to 12 years old. Fans of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five series will also enjoy this book.

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure
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[Francis Aderogbin]

I just selected this book, and I believe I will enjoy it, going by your review. I like adventurous books and look forward to the mystery the children solve.

[sayoniwrites]

I agree that the adventures began slowly. Nevertheless, the book tackled difficult topics like disability and bullying, which I found quite interesting. Maybe we will see more adventures in the next book. Great review. Well done.

[Francis Omotayo Aderogbin]

This is a good book to read for kids and even their parents. It treats issues on bullying and how to handle it. Bullying has been an issue in schools over the years. I salute the author for the insight.

[Laney K]

This seems like a good book, but I usually am not one that can get behind a slow start.

[Amy Luman]

I’m not a fan of children’s books, but this one seems to explore some great topics, bullying being one. Anything that will get kids interested in reading is certainly worth the time.

[Ellylion]

Seems to be a wonderful book for kids and adults alike Bullying is a horrible thing, and I'm glad the author speaks about it too. A little bit too long for a children's book, but should be captivating. Thanks for a great review!

[Chinazo Anozie]

I just selected this book, and I believe I will enjoy it, going by your review. I like adventurous books and look forward to the mystery the children solve.

I hope you enjoy it. Happy reading!

[Nemanja Jankovic]

I like that the book also found a place for a child with Down syndrome. Somehow, it seems to me that books mostly ignore the fate of disabled people. I like that the book is written in simple English and that it is an enjoyable read. Thanks for pointing that out.

[Maysa Bansalao]

I just selected this book because I like the title of the book and no wonder it is a good story, and how Mary Grace handle the situation.

[Daryl Jenkins]

This would be an excellent book for children I think they could learn a lot out of it. That's author did a good job as far as children go.

[Faith Ejai]

I loved the way you wrote the review. I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for providing this useful information. I'm sure kids below the age of 15 will love it.

[sunny janjua1234]

I chose this book for the kids and surely they must have enjoyed ,they could have learnt alot from this .thankyou for providing

[Towfiq Juma]

The author beautifully portrays Donny's exuberant personality through his endearing habit of embracing and high-fiving not only his family but also strangers. One particular heartwarming moment nearly brought tears of joy to my eyes. It was when Donny, engrossed in reading his favorite book on the plane, inspired others to join him in the literary adventure. As they disembarked, they couldn't resist sharing a celebratory high-five with him.Great review

[JuliusOnyango]

I recently read this book and I love how the author tackled the topic of bullying in school. Thanks for a great review