Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure

[Micah_1]

[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 Adventure in California" by Catherine A. Pepe is a children's book that is based on the adventure of two siblings, Mary Grace and her little brother Donny, in California. Donny is a victim of Down syndrome, but is lucky to have survived it from infancy. Though this book is mainly fiction, the author says that some facts are based on real experiences because she had a brother who also suffered from Down syndrome. Mary Grace and her brother Donny lived happily with their parents, who showered them with a lot of care and love. Their father is a priest, and it happens that their parents have been sent to Africa as missionaries to stay for two years. This brings unhappiness to Mary Grace, but Donny accepts it with all happiness. Their parents arranged for them to travel to California and stay with their grandparents. Donny is so happy and packs all his marbles for California. They are enrolled in the North elementary school in California, and Donny is put in a special class. Mary Grace faces hardship in school as she receives letters of threats and hatred for her and her brother in her locker. She sets out to find out the mystery of the letter and who is behind the letter with the Grandma Gang. Who is the Grandma Gang? Will Mary Grace be able to find the person who is behind the threats? Will Mary Grace find California interesting at last? Find out from the book.

There are so many things I admire in this book. The character of Donny amazed me. Even though he is suffering from Down syndrome, he does not allow that to affect him, as he is always cheerful and happy. I also admire the kind of love Mary Grace has for her brother that makes her always concerned for him. Even when they are both threatened, her major concern is her brother. I must say that I found the grandma gang funny and interesting at the same time. It made me laugh.

The language used in this book is very simple, even to the understanding of a layman. I couldn't have asked for a simpler one. The structure and arrangement of the book are admirable too. The author tried to bring everything to one's understanding. I saw some pictures in this book. I admire this because it illuminates the book since it is a children's book. I must not fail to acknowledge that this book is exceptionally well edited, as I didn't come across any grammatical or typographical errors.

My only complaint about this book is the ending. I expected the children to meet with their parents again, but that didn't happen. This is entirely personal, though. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It is an interesting book that got me glued to it till I was done.

Finally, I recommend this book to all the kids out there; it is a children's book after all. Especially those who find it difficult to adapt to new places. Adults can also find the book interesting.

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

This is a book that teaches the children how to adapt to new environment and cope with bullies. In fact, the theme of bully in this book made it an exciting one for me.

[Boo_loves_books]

From your review, it seems that this book deals with deep issues that many children can relate to nowadays. I am so curious about the Grandma Gang and why anyone would threaten sweet little Mary.

[Phil Akor]

He’s such a great boy and his sister is a great support system.

[Prisallen]

A lot more children have to change schools nowadays than did in the past, and it must be hard to have to adapt. This book certainly seems to be helpful for those children, letting them know that they are not alone. Thanks for your wonderful review!