Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[Elmien Sinclair 1]

[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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In Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures Catherine A Pepe tells the story of Donny and his sister's adventures in California. They had to relocate and live with their grandparents for two years while their parents were missionaries in Africa. Initially Mary Grace was reluctant to leave her friends from elementary school behind in Wichita, Kansas. Donny, who is living with a disability, was excited about all the adventures awaiting in California.

Although Donny quickly adjusted to the new school and made friends with other avid marble collectors, Mary Grace's process was not so easy. Making new friends in the middle of a school year and being the victim of a bully were some of the challenges she had to face. Fortunately, with the help of the Grandma Gang, she did not have to deal with it on her own.

This is a beautifully written story that addresses a number of societal issues in a constructive manner. The realities of having a sibling with a disability, adjustment, bullying and old age are addressed in an insightful and responsible manner.

I particularly liked the way the author described the interactions between the two main characters and how Mary Grace is acting in an emotional and sensitive manner towards her brother without patronizing him due to his disability. Further, the way difficult societal issues were addressed in this story, was very clever. The author managed to communicate important facts, viewpoints and values throughout the book, but also kept the storyline interesting and exciting.

I don't really have negative criticisms to include in the review. Initially, in the first few chapters, I was a bit concerned about the portrayal of the relationship between Mary Grace and Donny. There were a few times that I perceived the responsibility that Mary Grace had to take for her brother's well-being as too much and I was concerned that it can unintentionally perpetuate the tendency of being a parental child. Although, as I continued to read further, her character developed to be more balanced and she acted age appropriately in different situations.

I will definitely grant this book five out of five stars. I am looking forward to read more about Mary Grace, Donny and the Grandma Gang.

I think that parents - especially those of children with disabilities and who has a child who is a victim of bullying, teachers and everyone interacting with children socially and at work will benefit greatly from this book. Oh, and last but not least, elementary school kids will enjoy it immensely.

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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[Roshan568]

In Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures Catherine A Pepe tells the story of Donny and his sister's adventures in California. They had to relocate and live with their grandparents for two years while their parents were missionaries in Africa. Initially Mary Grace was reluctant to leave her friends from elementary school behind in Wichita, Kansas. Donny, who is living with a disability, was excited about all the adventures awaiting in California.

Although Donny quickly adjusted to the new school and made friends with other avid marble collectors, Mary Grace's process was not so easy. Making new friends in the middle of a school year and being the victim of a bully were some of the challenges she had to face. Fortunately, with the help of the Grandma Gang, she did not have to deal with it on her own.

This is a beautifully written story that addresses a number of societal issues in a constructive manner. The realities of having a sibling with a disability, adjustment, bullying and old age are addressed in an insightful and responsible manner.

I particularly liked the way the author described the interactions between the two main characters and how Mary Grace is acting in an emotional and sensitive manner towards her brother without patronizing him due to his disability. Further, the way difficult societal issues were addressed in this story, was very clever. The author managed to communicate important facts, viewpoints and values throughout the book, but also kept the storyline interesting and exciting.

I don't really have negative criticisms to include in the review. Initially, in the first few chapters, I was a bit concerned about the portrayal of the relationship between Mary Grace and Donny. There were a few times that I perceived the responsibility that Mary Grace had to take for her brother's well-being as too much and I was concerned that it can unintentionally perpetuate the tendency of being a parental child. Although, as I continued to read further, her character developed to be more balanced and she acted age appropriately in different situations.

I will definitely grant this book five out of five stars. I am looking forward to read more about Mary Grace, Donny and the Grandma Gang.

I think that parents - especially those of children with disabilities and who has a child who is a victim of bullying, teachers and everyone interacting with children socially and at work will benefit greatly from this book. Oh, and last but not least, elementary school kids will enjoy it immensely.

[Amy Luman]

I haven’t read the book, but through the reviews that I have read I have become impressed with Mary Grace’s sense of responsibility even though she is still a girl.

[Pastor Waca Alfred]

I first need to read the book but according to the review I have read, I have become so much impressed with the insight that Mary Grace has at her early stage in life.