Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[Lindsey Kortyka]

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

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

I am reviewing the book Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures. The book is about a young girl and her brother with Down Syndrome. Her parents leave to be missionaries and they go to live with their grandparents. They move from Kansas to California and chronicle that transition. The book opens with Mary Grace searching for Donny (the younger brother with Down Syndrome) at the zoo. Her parents are there, as well. They find him on the tram by the giraffes, and they are happy to be reunited. This sets up the story as a family that cares a great deal about Donny and Mary Grace. The children then move to California after they find out that their parents are moving to Africa for two years. They learn to deal with bullying in a new school and learn some interesting lessons along the way.

There are many positive aspects about this book. It teaches a lesson for children and it is entertaining for adults, as well. For example, Mary Grace deals with a threat against she and her brother. They learn the proper way to reply and they also grow as people. They learn to love California and how to deal with problems on their own.

The negative aspects of the book are few. I only found one typo and it was a smooth read. However, the plot is slightly unrealistic. I don't know if things can be solved in real life as easily as the book makes it seem.

My rating of this book is 5 out of 5. I enjoy the characters and I think it is something fun and interesting to read. I like the characters' positive outlook.

I recommend that the audience is probably pre-teen and maybe even high school students. It would fit right in at a Young Adult section at the library. It is even suitable for small children. It teaches good lessons about friendship and family.

******
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon