Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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Kim Bennett 3
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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.]
The book Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures (A Grandma Gang Mystery) by Catherine Anna Pepe is a good wholesome story for kids of all ages. Ten-year-old Mary Grace and her younger brother, Donny, are enjoying their summer break when their parents sit them down for a talk. Mr. and Mrs. Miller announce that they are traveling to Africa for two years as missionaries and Mary Grace and Donny will go to California to live with their grandparents. Mary Grace is not happy about leaving Kansas but tries to stay positive for Donny. Donny has Down syndrome so Mary Grace always looks out for and protects him. Donny and Mary Grace settle in with their grandparents and meet the Grandma Gang (some of Grandma Cathy's friends). The Grandma Gang spends lots of time together and has even helped the police solve a mystery. Mary Grace finds herself being bullied at school and she asks the Grandma Gang to help her solve the mystery of who is behind the bullying.
This is such a good story for children and young adults. It has a very wholesome storyline with some tough subjects woven in. I liked that Mary Grace and the Grandma Gang worked together as a team. I liked the characters, especially Mary Grace and Donny. The book's first chapter pulls you in and sets a lighthearted tone for the story. The book was easy to read with enough excitement to keep young readers engaged.
Although I did enjoy the story, I found it hard to believe that parents of young kids (especially one with special needs) would leave their kids for two years. As a mom, I know I could never be away from my child for that long. I feel like the setting wasn't always consistent. The book had the feel of a 1980s theme but then cellphones and social influencers were mentioned. Multiple paragraphs began with "Soon...", especially in the beginning chapters, which seemed overused.
I rate Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures 4 out of 5 stars. This book was easy to read. The story was fun and positive, while also addressing some more complex topics like bullying and special needs. I think exposing young readers to a wide range of subject matter is important. The harder issues were perfectly presented with the diverse cast of characters. This book is also just one of three books included in "A Grandma Gang Mystery" but can be read as a stand-alone.
This story would be enjoyed by all readers. It is directed towards younger school-aged readers but is an enjoyable read for all. I think younger kids who might be facing situations at school or home would benefit from this book. Anyone who has someone with Down syndrome in their lives would especially enjoy this story. Even adults that just want a feel-good read can't go wrong with this one.
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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The book Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures (A Grandma Gang Mystery) by Catherine Anna Pepe is a good wholesome story for kids of all ages. Ten-year-old Mary Grace and her younger brother, Donny, are enjoying their summer break when their parents sit them down for a talk. Mr. and Mrs. Miller announce that they are traveling to Africa for two years as missionaries and Mary Grace and Donny will go to California to live with their grandparents. Mary Grace is not happy about leaving Kansas but tries to stay positive for Donny. Donny has Down syndrome so Mary Grace always looks out for and protects him. Donny and Mary Grace settle in with their grandparents and meet the Grandma Gang (some of Grandma Cathy's friends). The Grandma Gang spends lots of time together and has even helped the police solve a mystery. Mary Grace finds herself being bullied at school and she asks the Grandma Gang to help her solve the mystery of who is behind the bullying.
This is such a good story for children and young adults. It has a very wholesome storyline with some tough subjects woven in. I liked that Mary Grace and the Grandma Gang worked together as a team. I liked the characters, especially Mary Grace and Donny. The book's first chapter pulls you in and sets a lighthearted tone for the story. The book was easy to read with enough excitement to keep young readers engaged.
Although I did enjoy the story, I found it hard to believe that parents of young kids (especially one with special needs) would leave their kids for two years. As a mom, I know I could never be away from my child for that long. I feel like the setting wasn't always consistent. The book had the feel of a 1980s theme but then cellphones and social influencers were mentioned. Multiple paragraphs began with "Soon...", especially in the beginning chapters, which seemed overused.
I rate Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures 4 out of 5 stars. This book was easy to read. The story was fun and positive, while also addressing some more complex topics like bullying and special needs. I think exposing young readers to a wide range of subject matter is important. The harder issues were perfectly presented with the diverse cast of characters. This book is also just one of three books included in "A Grandma Gang Mystery" but can be read as a stand-alone.
This story would be enjoyed by all readers. It is directed towards younger school-aged readers but is an enjoyable read for all. I think younger kids who might be facing situations at school or home would benefit from this book. Anyone who has someone with Down syndrome in their lives would especially enjoy this story. Even adults that just want a feel-good read can't go wrong with this one.
******
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Freefalling by Eme McAnam
