Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[Damilare Awe]

[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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Catherine A. Pepe's Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures is a fascinating children's book. The Millers are a small but happy family. There were only Mr. and Mrs. Miller and their two children, Grace and Donny. Despite the fact that Danny had Down syndrome, everything was fine. This had no effect on the family. They traveled to places like the zoo on a regular basis, and Donny enjoyed it. Mr. Miller has served in the church for almost ten years as a priest and rector.

Trouble came when he was transferred to Kenya, Africa, to serve as a missionary for two years. The couple chose to embark on this tour while their children remained in California with their grandparents. Would this make the kids happy?

I appreciate how this book did not represent Down syndrome as a negative trait. I've read novels that gave me a specific perspective on children with Down syndrome and how difficult it is to be around them; this book showed me that children with Down syndrome may be happy as well. I found no mistakes when reading this book. It was flawlessly edited. Mrs. Miller was very gentle with Grace. When a parent is involved in religious activities, they often force their children into images of that faith; however, Mrs. Miller permitted her daughter to wear jeans with holes in them.

I'm curious what the millers would have done if they didn't have parents to send their children to when they were on assignments. This, I believe, is a flaw in the book that I do not appreciate.

This book receives five out of five stars from me. This was a short book that I enjoyed reading. I also like the cover of this book. I am sure children would love it as well, as it is very attractive.

I recommend this book for children, but I believe parents will appreciate it as well.
 

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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