Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[Jeremie Mondejar]

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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Mary Grace Miller and her family went to the zoo, but her brother Donny (a five-year-old boy with Down syndrome) was lost in the zoo. Fast forward: Mr. Miller is a priest and has a missionary call for Africa with his wife. The two children will be staying in California for two years, in their grandparents' house, and leaving Wichita is quite hard for them. Mary Grace's parents wanted her to always stay positive for the sake of Donny. In the school in California, a problem arises involving Mary Grace and Donny. Will the siblings overcome this dilemma? How will the grandma gang help with this problem? 

Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine A. Pepe is the story of two kids who transfer to California because their parents have a missionary journey to Africa. It's a great book for kids to understand responsibility, acceptance, kindness, and forgiveness. This is also a guidebook on how to deal with bullying in children who need extra care, like those with Down syndrome. It has a great strategy for helping kids, especially if punishment and discipline matter. 

I admired a lot of this book. First, I like the list of good things about the place you will be missing and the wonderful things you will experience. Those moments will remind you of the joyous celebration while you are there. Second, I like the clipart drawings embedded randomly in the chapters. It's a simple way of showing kids the most important part of the story. Third, I appreciate the idea of letting your child reason out and think of possible solutions to difficult situations. 

I'm a little confused when, in some instances, Mary Grace was called "boy" by her mother and grandpa. Plus, the idea that I least like is letting your 10-year-old girl and 5-year-old boy travel without a companion to another place. This idea doesn't affect my 5 out of 5 stars rating for this book. Why? I don't see any errors because the book is exceptionally well edited. Furthermore, I like the way Donny (who isn't a normal child) is introduced as always enthusiastic and happy. His character is quite awesome with the help of good people around him like his teachers, friends, and family. Moreover, Mary Grace's emotions look realistic, as I can remember my childhood memories when I'm leaving my parents. It's both sad and exciting because "it wasn't easy to be happy" when you are out of your comfort zone. The typical response of a child or their reasoning about the mission is quite true. 

Furthermore, I recommend this book to the teachers who are teaching elementary students because they can relate to the topic of dealing with children who are also problematic at home. Parents who want to know more about the seriousness of bullying are very welcome to read this book. Kids are vulnerable to bullying even if they have a physically fit body. Lastly, anyone who wants to read a bedtime story to their kids will find this book noteworthy.

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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[Nemanja Jankovic]

I like that the book emphasizes that children should understand the meaning of responsibility, forgiveness, and kindness. By the way, I haven't seen a more interesting book cover in a long time.

[Faith Ejai]

I loved the way you wrote the review. I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for providing this useful information. I'm sure many will love this book.

[Cutie Porsh]

It gave me experience on how to take good care of my kids

[Noor Muhammad 6]

It is amazing

[Noor Muhammad 6]

I like that the book emphasizes that children should understand the meaning of responsibility, forgiveness, and kindness. By the way, I haven't seen a more interesting book cover in a long time.

[Akuvi Kafui Akpawu]

That is cool, that this book of the month is a children's book. I do like the fact that it talks about children with special needs, I think that we should talk about it more in our society. Also the fact that it promotes tolerance in general and respect. Bullying as well is an important topic, in order to prevent suicide. I would definitely want to read this book.

[Elonah hatcher]

I like that the book emphasizes that children should understand the meaning of responsibility, forgiveness, and kindness. By the way, I haven't seen a more interesting book cover in a long time. That is cool, that this book of the month is a children's book. I do like the fact that it talks about children with special needs, I think that we should talk about it more in our society. Also the fact that it promotes tolerance in general and respect. Bullying as well is an important topic, in order to prevent suicide. I would definitely want to read this book.

[Fasehun Muyiwa]

I love the book talks about respecting people by tolerating each other's,bullying should also be addressed in our society

[sadia iqbal 3]

I appreciate that the book highlights the importance of children understanding responsibility, forgiveness, and kindness. The cover is one of the most interesting I’ve seen in a while. It's great that this month’s featured book is a children's book. I also value its discussion of children with special needs, a topic that deserves more attention in our society. Additionally, the book’s promotion of tolerance and respect, and its focus on preventing bullying and suicide, are crucial. I definitely want to read this book.