Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[Jacky Muriuki]

[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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Young Mary Grace, whose brother Donny has Down syndrome, is an empathetic and kind child. Donny is a cheerful youngster who is laid-back and looks up to his older sister. They enjoy living with their parents in Wichita until a situation arises that forces them to move in with their grandparents in California for two years. Mary Grace is not overly excited about the change. But as she hangs out with the grandma gang and they work together to solve a mystery, California turns out to be a pleasant surprise for her. This story explores themes such as family dynamics, how kids cope with change, problem-solving, bullying, and many others.

This book was fantastic in every way. It was a fascinating read. The persona of Mary Grace is incredible. She is lovable, smart, compassionate, and well-rounded. She is an excellent role model for kids in her age range. Regarding Donny, he is so cute that you want to give him a million kisses. With Donny's persistent optimism, the two make this book quite entertaining. With their fantastic problem-solving abilities, the grandma gang is a cool complement to the narrative. I like how the narrative emphasizes kindness and concern for everyone, even the bullies. The remaining books in this series by Catherine Anna Pepe interest me. I look forward to reading them.

I give this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. This is because the book was error-free. The story also includes some valuable moral lessons for kids, particularly on how to deal with bullies and how to cope with change. Last but not least, the narrative is inclusive and does not stigmatize kids with special needs.

Donny and Mary Grace's California adventures is appropriate for children as young as ten years old. It would also be appreciated by their parents.

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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