Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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Mary Bircher
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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.]
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine A. Pepe is the first in a series of wholesome children's books about two siblings that make a big move across the country. Donny and Mary Grace have to move in with their grandparents in California when their parents go on a mission trip to Africa. The book centers around Mary Grace and her apprehension in a new state and school with new friends. She also worries because her brother, Donny, has Down syndrome. She fears that the new students will not be as accepting as those from her old school and possibly bully him. However, by the end of the book, they are both happy and have become comfortable with their new home after a few incidents at their new school.
This book is primarily about young children adapting to a new situation. Mary Grace is unhappy at the beginning of the book, and Her parents allow her to express her apprehension. It teaches children that they don't always have to be happy and that their emotions are valid. In addition, there is an emphasis on acceptance. Donny has Down syndrome but is not the only one needing approval. There are children of various ethnicities with different stories and backgrounds. The variety of characters was awe-inspiring; this book is something I would be proud to read to my children. There is at least one other character with an unspecified disability, which I thought was unique and made me love the book even more. Donny has a friend named Ed, who is 17 and appears to have some disability, but Mrs. Pepe never reveals what that is. This shows kids that it doesn't matter what kind of disability Ed has. He is Donny's friend and is worth respect.
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures is also part of the Grandma Gang series. The Grandma Gang is Mary Grace's grandmother and her friends who have solved minor crimes in their community. Mary Grace is very interested in solving puzzles, and joining these ladies is one way to feel comfortable in her new environment. There is a small element of mystery, and Mary Grace must figure out who wrote a mean note! Each member of the Grandma Gang can contribute various skill sets and experiences to solve the case; the lesson is that everyone, regardless of disability, race, or age, is essential and can contribute to the world in their own way.
I thought this was a great children's book! It's not something I would read as an adult, but the message is so good that I want to give this book to all the parents I know. All of the characters are well-developed and diverse. This book is wholesome, so nothing terrible happens, and everything ends up good in the end, but it doesn't feel forced. It feels like these children are allowed to feel their emotions and come around in their own time. Mary Grace is angry sometimes, but in the end, she is a charming girl who is a great advocate for her brother. The book makes it clear that people can have different emotions but still be good people. Mrs. Pepe also does a great job of writing about Donny's disability accurately and respectfully. Acceptance is essential for children to learn, and this book does a great job teaching it.
There was nothing I did not like about this book. The only thing that seemed weird to me was adding the Grandma Gang mystery. Even though I really liked the idea, it felt like such an inconsequential thing that it wasn't necessary. But in the later books, the mysteries may contribute to the book more.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I would recommend this to children aged about seven or eight and any parents and siblings of a child with a disability. No one would actively dislike this book, it is so wholesome, and there is little controversy. There is one use of a slur directed towards disabled people, but it is used in teaching children not to say it, so I felt it was appropriate. It is written and edited very well.
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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine A. Pepe is the first in a series of wholesome children's books about two siblings that make a big move across the country. Donny and Mary Grace have to move in with their grandparents in California when their parents go on a mission trip to Africa. The book centers around Mary Grace and her apprehension in a new state and school with new friends. She also worries because her brother, Donny, has Down syndrome. She fears that the new students will not be as accepting as those from her old school and possibly bully him. However, by the end of the book, they are both happy and have become comfortable with their new home after a few incidents at their new school.
This book is primarily about young children adapting to a new situation. Mary Grace is unhappy at the beginning of the book, and Her parents allow her to express her apprehension. It teaches children that they don't always have to be happy and that their emotions are valid. In addition, there is an emphasis on acceptance. Donny has Down syndrome but is not the only one needing approval. There are children of various ethnicities with different stories and backgrounds. The variety of characters was awe-inspiring; this book is something I would be proud to read to my children. There is at least one other character with an unspecified disability, which I thought was unique and made me love the book even more. Donny has a friend named Ed, who is 17 and appears to have some disability, but Mrs. Pepe never reveals what that is. This shows kids that it doesn't matter what kind of disability Ed has. He is Donny's friend and is worth respect.
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures is also part of the Grandma Gang series. The Grandma Gang is Mary Grace's grandmother and her friends who have solved minor crimes in their community. Mary Grace is very interested in solving puzzles, and joining these ladies is one way to feel comfortable in her new environment. There is a small element of mystery, and Mary Grace must figure out who wrote a mean note! Each member of the Grandma Gang can contribute various skill sets and experiences to solve the case; the lesson is that everyone, regardless of disability, race, or age, is essential and can contribute to the world in their own way.
I thought this was a great children's book! It's not something I would read as an adult, but the message is so good that I want to give this book to all the parents I know. All of the characters are well-developed and diverse. This book is wholesome, so nothing terrible happens, and everything ends up good in the end, but it doesn't feel forced. It feels like these children are allowed to feel their emotions and come around in their own time. Mary Grace is angry sometimes, but in the end, she is a charming girl who is a great advocate for her brother. The book makes it clear that people can have different emotions but still be good people. Mrs. Pepe also does a great job of writing about Donny's disability accurately and respectfully. Acceptance is essential for children to learn, and this book does a great job teaching it.
There was nothing I did not like about this book. The only thing that seemed weird to me was adding the Grandma Gang mystery. Even though I really liked the idea, it felt like such an inconsequential thing that it wasn't necessary. But in the later books, the mysteries may contribute to the book more.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I would recommend this to children aged about seven or eight and any parents and siblings of a child with a disability. No one would actively dislike this book, it is so wholesome, and there is little controversy. There is one use of a slur directed towards disabled people, but it is used in teaching children not to say it, so I felt it was appropriate. It is written and edited very well.
******
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Just Die by E Alan Fleischauer
