Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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Anita Hamid
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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 a heartwarming tale exploring family, love, and friendships, while also addressing tough themes such as the genetic disease Down Syndrome and the associated stigma.
The story follows ten-year-old Mary Grace and her brother Donny, whose parents leave for a two-year missionary journey to Kenya, leaving them in the care of their grandparents in California. Donny, who has Down Syndrome, struggles to adapt to their new life. In California, Mary Grace, with the help of the Grandma Gang, including Cathy, LaShana Jackson, and Elizabeth Blythe, must unravel a school mystery. Amidst the challenges, the children discover resilience and support from their new community. Will they find their place in California and overcome the hurdles they face?"
I thoroughly enjoyed various aspects of this book. From the deep love, fun, and strong bonds within the Miller family to the engaging experiences Donny and Grace encountered in California, the story captivated me. The author's exploration of living with Down Syndrome was both enlightening and interactive, fascinatingly creating awareness about the disease. Additionally, the insightful and innovative characterization of different races made the book even more entertaining. I appreciated how the author skillfully addressed important societal issues, shedding light on challenges such as bullying and racial diversity in a positive manner, exemplified by Mary Grace's friendship with a Chinese bestie.
I find no reason to dislike anything about this book, as it encompasses a plethora of captivating elements. The engaging perspectives, including the bully's viewpoint and the impact of parental behaviours, add depth and complexity to the story. Mary Grace's realistic and endearing characterization makes her relatable to readers, while the book's positive message addresses crucial societal issues constructively. I recommend the book to children, mystery lovers, parents teachers and persons who are trying to take a break from normal crime novels.
I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars for multiple compelling reasons. Firstly, the author's insightful exploration of the bully's point of view and the portrayal of the damaging effects of certain parental behaviours added depth to the narrative, making it thought-provoking and relatable. Secondly, Mary Grace's character was beautifully crafted, and her ability to turn a bully into a friend showcased her strength and resilience. Moreover, the book's exceptional editing and error-free presentation added to the overall reading experience, making it a truly enjoyable journey.
******
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine A. Pepe is a heartwarming tale exploring family, love, and friendships, while also addressing tough themes such as the genetic disease Down Syndrome and the associated stigma.
The story follows ten-year-old Mary Grace and her brother Donny, whose parents leave for a two-year missionary journey to Kenya, leaving them in the care of their grandparents in California. Donny, who has Down Syndrome, struggles to adapt to their new life. In California, Mary Grace, with the help of the Grandma Gang, including Cathy, LaShana Jackson, and Elizabeth Blythe, must unravel a school mystery. Amidst the challenges, the children discover resilience and support from their new community. Will they find their place in California and overcome the hurdles they face?"
I thoroughly enjoyed various aspects of this book. From the deep love, fun, and strong bonds within the Miller family to the engaging experiences Donny and Grace encountered in California, the story captivated me. The author's exploration of living with Down Syndrome was both enlightening and interactive, fascinatingly creating awareness about the disease. Additionally, the insightful and innovative characterization of different races made the book even more entertaining. I appreciated how the author skillfully addressed important societal issues, shedding light on challenges such as bullying and racial diversity in a positive manner, exemplified by Mary Grace's friendship with a Chinese bestie.
I find no reason to dislike anything about this book, as it encompasses a plethora of captivating elements. The engaging perspectives, including the bully's viewpoint and the impact of parental behaviours, add depth and complexity to the story. Mary Grace's realistic and endearing characterization makes her relatable to readers, while the book's positive message addresses crucial societal issues constructively. I recommend the book to children, mystery lovers, parents teachers and persons who are trying to take a break from normal crime novels.
I gave this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars for multiple compelling reasons. Firstly, the author's insightful exploration of the bully's point of view and the portrayal of the damaging effects of certain parental behaviours added depth to the narrative, making it thought-provoking and relatable. Secondly, Mary Grace's character was beautifully crafted, and her ability to turn a bully into a friend showcased her strength and resilience. Moreover, the book's exceptional editing and error-free presentation added to the overall reading experience, making it a truly enjoyable journey.
******
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Shanghai'd by Curtis Stephen Burdick
