Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[JuliusOnyango]

[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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A Grandma Gang Mystery: Donny And Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine Anna Pepe is a delightful children's book that beautifully captures the essence of family. With relatable characters and important life lessons, this heartwarming tale takes readers on an engaging journey of growth and understanding.

Donny Miller, a 5-year-old boy with Down syndrome, and his 10-year-old sister, Mary Grace, find their lives upended when their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, leave for missionary work in a small village in Kenya. Donny and Mary Grace are forced to relocate to California to live with their grandparents, leaving behind familiar surroundings and their friends in Wichita, Kansas. Initially resistant to the changes, Mary Grace struggles with accepting their new reality. However, as they embark on the California adventures, they make new friends, face challenges, solve mysteries, and learn valuable lessons about family and the beauty of embracing change.

This book imparts numerous essential life lessons. It underscores the significance of love, support, and unity within a family, as seen through the unwavering bond between Donny and Mary Grace. Additionally, it highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability when faced with life's unexpected changes. The story also promotes understanding and acceptance of individuals with special needs, and Donny's character encourages empathy, showcasing the unique abilities and joy he brings to those around him.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, there were aspects that I found problematic. The portrayal of Kenya perpetuated negative stereotypes about its citizens. The author depicted Kenyan citizens as constantly suffering and lacking access to clean water. Furthermore, the claim that there are no refrigerators in Kenya fails to capture the Kenyan government's progress in overcoming water-related challenges. This narrow representation of reality can reinforce misconceptions about a diverse and vibrant country.

Despite this drawback, I rate A Grandma Gang Mystery: Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures, 5 out of 5 stars. The book is exceptionally well-edited and well-written, providing an engaging and educational read for children between the ages of 5 and 15. I recommend it not only to young readers but also to elementary school teachers and librarians who can incorporate the book into their curriculum or recommend it to students.

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

[Ajinja Odire]

This is a nice review.. I loved how you pointed out the negative stereotype on Kenya.