Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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Obi Egbuniwe
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Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
[Following is a volunteer review of "Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures" by Catherine A. Pepe.]
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine A. Pepe is a children's book. It follows the eponymous Donny and Mary Grace, a brother-sister duo inspired by the author and her real-life brother. Donny is a sweet-natured and curious boy born with Down syndrome. His older sister, Mary Grace, is kind and adventurous. Their lives take a drastic turn when they have to move to California. The book follows them as they adjust to the new environment and its attendant challenges. Humor, adventure, acceptance, overcoming obstacles, and a bit of mystery lie at the heart of this delightful read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The absolute highlight of it for me was how it shed light on the condition of Down syndrome. Very rarely does one see people with special needs portrayed in children's fiction, or any fiction for that matter. Yet Cathrine A. Pepe has done that beautifully. Her portrayal of Donny is humanizing and educational. Donny is a lovable character with strengths and faults. He's satisfyingly complete and isn't characterized solely by his Down syndrome. The other characters are also engaging and likeable. Mary Grace's arc is also well executed. She has strong bonds with those she loves, and though she initially struggles, she rises above them and eventually comes into her own. I think young readers will find her relatable. The strong bonds and positive relationships the characters have with one another were also major highlights of this book.
I found the writing of the book smooth and easy to read. The plot progressed linearly, which I think was the right choice for a children's book. It wasn't too complex. The writing style was equally simple, with just the right amount of big words to help improve young readers' vocabulary. The overall tone of the book was bright and jovial, with the occasional injection of heavier themes like sadness and bullying. The pacing was quick, and the resolution was satisfying.
For the reasons listed above, I gladly give this book 4 out of 4 stars. There is nothing I disliked about this book. It was well-crafted, entertaining, and engaging. I did not notice any errors in grammar, so it's clear that thorough editing has been done. It is professionally edited. It contains no suggestive or questionable themes, which makes it appropriate for children.
I recommend Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures not only to children but also to adults with children. I also think teens and young adults would find this a worthwhile read.
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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine A. Pepe is a children's book. It follows the eponymous Donny and Mary Grace, a brother-sister duo inspired by the author and her real-life brother. Donny is a sweet-natured and curious boy born with Down syndrome. His older sister, Mary Grace, is kind and adventurous. Their lives take a drastic turn when they have to move to California. The book follows them as they adjust to the new environment and its attendant challenges. Humor, adventure, acceptance, overcoming obstacles, and a bit of mystery lie at the heart of this delightful read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The absolute highlight of it for me was how it shed light on the condition of Down syndrome. Very rarely does one see people with special needs portrayed in children's fiction, or any fiction for that matter. Yet Cathrine A. Pepe has done that beautifully. Her portrayal of Donny is humanizing and educational. Donny is a lovable character with strengths and faults. He's satisfyingly complete and isn't characterized solely by his Down syndrome. The other characters are also engaging and likeable. Mary Grace's arc is also well executed. She has strong bonds with those she loves, and though she initially struggles, she rises above them and eventually comes into her own. I think young readers will find her relatable. The strong bonds and positive relationships the characters have with one another were also major highlights of this book.
I found the writing of the book smooth and easy to read. The plot progressed linearly, which I think was the right choice for a children's book. It wasn't too complex. The writing style was equally simple, with just the right amount of big words to help improve young readers' vocabulary. The overall tone of the book was bright and jovial, with the occasional injection of heavier themes like sadness and bullying. The pacing was quick, and the resolution was satisfying.
For the reasons listed above, I gladly give this book 4 out of 4 stars. There is nothing I disliked about this book. It was well-crafted, entertaining, and engaging. I did not notice any errors in grammar, so it's clear that thorough editing has been done. It is professionally edited. It contains no suggestive or questionable themes, which makes it appropriate for children.
I recommend Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures not only to children but also to adults with children. I also think teens and young adults would find this a worthwhile read.
******
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Zona: The Forbidden Land by Fred G. Baker
