Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[Cassandra Hill 1]

[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

---

Two siblings make their way from Wichita, Kansas to the bright and shiny land of California. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Mary Grace and Donny uproot their lives. Sent to live with their grandparents, Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures follows their struggle to adjust to new life. When Donny and Mary Grace finally make it to California, it is difficult for them to settle. A new school proves difficult to adapt to. They encounter students who struggle to accept Donny who has Down Syndrome. Mary Grace maneuvers the politics of being the new kid with tactful thinking. With the help of her Grandma and a group of her friends, Mary Grace finds the right solution for everyone.

Donny was inspired by the author Catherine Anna Pepe's little brother. She managed to encapsulate her brother's spirit with the story of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure. Pepe's use of his inspiring life pulls the reader directly into the story. From his favorite cookies to his favorite animals and hobbies, Donny is the character that makes the reader smile and laugh. The wholesome nature of the bond between Donny and his big sister Mary Grace makes their story powerful. It is important to show these bonds in books so that other kids, families, and people, in general, see that those who are different are incredible, just like everyone else.

The relationship that grows between the kids and their grandparents is also a key point in the book. Mary Grace learns how to not only trust her grandparents but to lean on them when she has no one else. Not enough children spend quality time with their grandparents these days. It is important for young readers to be exposed to positive familial relationships. The book is incredibly well written, and the characters are easy to imagine in life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I would suggest this book to any family who has young kids. It is a positive read with relatable and realistic character development. Children should be shown more diverse relationships, and Pepe has achieved that goal. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

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