Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure

[Paully_]

[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 (A Grandma Gand Mystery) by Catherine Anne Pepe tells the story of Mary Grace and Donny, who has Down syndrome in California. They stayed with their parents, John and Jen Miller, in a rectory in Wichita, Kansas. It was beautiful and all good until the news of their parents going to Africa on a missionary assignment came. This means that Mary Grace and Donny will leave their friends at Heartland Elementary School to stay with their grandparents in California for two years while their parents are away. Mary Grace didn't like any of it and struggled to accept that fact, but Donny, who is always happy, enthusiastic, and optimistic, looked forward to it. After some time, Mary Grace realized that staying with their grandparents was not all bad. Just when it seemed to be going smoothly, it got all worse at school, as she was bullied by an anonymous. The school, Grandma Gand and Mary Grace would seek the offenders. This could determine whether Mary Grace would enjoy her time in California.

Among the positive aspects of the book is the advantage of teamwork. Throughout the book, different events depict the advantages of teamwork. This was especially revealed when Donny went lost in the Sedgwick County Zoo. It took the Miller family's collective effort, some zoo staff, and the two teenage boys to find out where he might be.

Another thing I found positive was the bond that existed between them, from the Millers to their children. These bonds also existed from Mary Grace to Don and from Mary Grace's maternal grandparents to Mary Grace and her mother. That kind of love is patient, kind, respectful, caring, and selfless—the actual definition of love. Among many instances of this in the book was when John and Jen Miller told their children they were leaving on a missionary assignment. Mary Grace was sad about this, but they were patient enough to explain the situation.

I will surely add that I love the characterization. Each personality fits into making the story a great read. Adding pictures to the book made it even more wonderful. There are no negative aspects of this book.

I rate Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures (A Grandma Gand Mystery) by Catherine Anne Pepe 4 out of 4 stars. It is a great children's book. It teaches a lot about how to live in kindness, love, and respect in school and at home. It is entertaining and enlightens one on the dangers of bullying. It was well edited. I found only a few errors.

It would be an excellent read for children and young readers interested in the mystery genre. I believe it would also teach and enlighten children on good morals and values. With the combination of suspense, easy-to-read English, and pictures, you would get stuck till you reach the end.

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure
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[jomana_3]

I, too, admired the bonds that Mary Grace had with her brother and family. The book has many life lessons that children could learn. Nice review.