Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[Fams Pee]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures is a fictional children's book written by Catherine Anna Pepe. The story is inspired by the author's childhood experience with her brother, Donny, and the rest of her family.

Donny and Mary Grace are the two children of Mr. and Mrs. Miller. Donny is a 5-year-old boy having a special medical condition called Down's Syndrome. Recognizing Donny's condition, the Millers spent considerable time with their two children until Mr. Miller received an unexpected assignment. Being a priest and rector of the St. James Episcopal Church in Kansas, he received a directive asking him to go to a small village in Kenya for missionary work. The story showed the reaction of Donny and Mary Grace to this news, their transition to California, and their encounters there.

Even though this is a children's book with lots of lessons for kids, adults can also learn one or two things from it. There are a lot of peculiarities shown by each character that a reader can learn from. A good example of this is Mary Grace's response to Justin's threat and Tiffany's jealousy. Even when she ought to be angry, she wasn't; she did the opposite. she showed love and concern for them instead. Another great trait I love about Mary Grace is her dedication and love for Donny. Being a special child, Mary Grace always protects him and keeps him from harm's way.

Another thing I liked about this book was how the author properly developed the characters. Donny was described as being smart and cheerful while Mary Grace's nature of turning problems into puzzles was properly portrayed. The negative effect of Justin's father's lackadaisical attitude in raising him, coupled with the sorrow of losing his mother at a young age, was also properly portrayed.

There is absolutely nothing I dislike about this book. The book is free of errors. Also, I was able to learn some valuable things from this book. I don't have any reason not to give it a full rating of 4 out of 4 stars.

I recommend this book to children between the ages of 8 to 15 years. Also, mature readers having children with special medical conditions may learn a couple of things about how to relate with them from this book.

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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[Oluwasogo Familusi]

I also applaud Mary Grace's dedication to her brother, Donny. Even though she's just 10 years old, she shows maturity at some point. Nice review.

[Charles lib]

This book is very valuable for kids, but I gave it 3 star rating because i was very bored while reading and one could sleep off while reading. Nice review you have here.

[Chimdik Chimezi]

Grace's California Adventures by Catherine A. Pepe tells the story of a man that obeyed the missionary call. In doing so, he made some sacrifices that involves leaving the children behind and travelling to Africa. Great book!

[Amy Luman]

Unfortunately sometimes sacrifices have to be made. I can understand Mary Graces’s feelings about the situation, especially when her parents have been so involved with them. Her attitude toward others id something lots of grown-ups could learn from.

[Chukwuemeka Ezema]

There are a lot of things to learn from this book, not only by children but adults as well. I love the relationship siblings have with themselves. Thanks for the review.

[Azuka Jessica]

This sounds like an amazing book that will teach lots of morals. The children must feel devastated about their parents wanting to leave them, especially with Donny special Condition. I'll like to read this book.

[Youngreader720-OluwabukunmiWilliamsOso]

Donny and Mary Grace seem like relatable characters, and I look forward to reading about their adventures and how they adjust after moving to Carlifornia.

[Donald Kelvin]

The children must not have been too happy with the news of their parents journey. I look forward to their experiences in California as well. Thanks for the amazing review.

[Christabel Egbeama]

My favorite character in this book is Mary Grace Miller. I love how she prioritizes Donny over everything. Mary Grace's relationship with her brother is one young readers should emulate from. Thanks for the review.

[Soma45]

This review shows a lot of positivity, cheerfulness and support for family and friends and I can not wait to read the book.

[Charless Agbata]

I have not read this book. But after I read your review, I decided to have decided to add this book to my shelve. Congrats on your published review

[Clara Tom]

This book was filled with lots of lessons for kids, adults can also learn one or two things from it. It was truly a great book. Nice review.

[Chimereucheya Okoroafo]

Such bold siblings Mary Grace and Donny are, with a beautiful relationship. The support given to Donny is overwhelming and not just because he has Down Syndrome. The book tries not to judge him as an ill child and this makes it better. Nice review.

[Vivian Writes]

Transitioning, both for Mary Jane and Donny, could not have been easy. They were leaving their friends and normal routine. At least, we get to follow their adventures. I’d like to read this book. Thanks for the review.