Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[Catalina Isabel]

[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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Have you ever felt like your life seemed perfect, only for everything to suddenly change? Have you ever been bullied at school? Have you ever felt different? Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine A. Pepe will shed some light on some of these issues in a captivating and heartwarming story.

Donny Miller is a very positive and cheerful boy who has Down syndrome. His older sister, Mary Grace, is very smart and protective of her brother. They live with their mum and dad in a lovely town called Wichita. They enjoy an amazing summer, going to the zoo and playing together. The children love their lives in Wichita, but everything changes one afternoon. Their parents have been asked by their church to go to Kenya for two years. This means Mary Grace and Donny will move in with their grandma Cathy and Papa Steve in California, leaving their lives behind.

I loved the characters in the story and enjoyed how the family acted very united, even when faced with challenges. It will teach readers about tolerance, family connectedness, and respect. Donny is a delightful boy who brought many smiles to my face. Additionally, I related to Mary Grace, being an older sister and also moving towns around her age. I understood her initial pessimistic reaction to change. It can be very difficult at such an important age. I also enjoyed reading about the Grandma Gang and their stories about solving crimes around California, which was a great introduction to other books in the series.

A very important lesson from the book is that everyone makes mistakes, but it is how we react afterwards that counts most. It shows children that even if they do something wrong, it doesn't define them. The story also helps children understand that not all adult decisions make sense, and it doesn't change how those adults feel about them. It may help young children come to terms with difficult situations, knowing their parents will always love them.

The ending of the book was very heartwarming. It was lovely to see that the author tied the plot together nicely, even for minor characters such as Justin and Tiffany. The book had a lot of inclusive language, portraying disabilities, different backgrounds, and different nationalities.

I would love to award this book 5 out of 5 stars. It's a book I would recommend to all children and people of all ages. The book is full of wisdom, enjoyable, and easy to read and understand. It may help children going through change and other challenges in their lives. Every school library should have a copy of this book.

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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[Omneya Shakeep]

This is a very insightful review and a skilled analysis of the book, Catalina. I liked how you summarised the main points the author intended to deliver through her book. You did a wonderful job!

[Catalina Isabel]

This is a very insightful review and a skilled analysis of the book, Catalina. I liked how you summarised the main points the author intended to deliver through her book. You did a wonderful job!

Thanks for your lovely comment, Omneya. I really I appreciate it

[Jeff Kanda]

One thing about first Borns is that they are always protective towards their siblings. Mary Grace was my favorite character in this book. Thanks for the detailed review! I enjoyed reading it.

[Catalina Isabel]

One thing about first Borns is that they are always protective towards their siblings. Mary Grace was my favorite character in this book. Thanks for the detailed review! I enjoyed reading it.

Yes, I totally agree! Thanks for your lovely comments

[Sarah Zain]

The story of the book has many useful aspects from which children and adults can learn a lot. Your review showed these factors wonderfully and distinctly Catalina.

[Bettny Andrade]

I recently finished reading this book, I really liked it, it is a read with good reflection. I'll be giving my opinion soon I loved your review!

[Catalina Isabel]

The story of the book has many useful aspects from which children and adults can learn a lot. Your review showed these factors wonderfully and distinctly Catalina.

Yes, definitely! Thanks for your lovely comments Sarah

[Catalina Isabel]

I recently finished reading this book, I really liked it, it is a read with good reflection. I'll be giving my opinion soon I loved your review!

Oh that's great, I look forward to reading your review as well thanks for your lovely comments Bettny

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

Change can sometimes be scary, but Mary Grace faced it with bravery. Her strength while she handles the bullying is school teach children to be resourceful and investigative. I also adored how she protected her brother, Donny. Your review presents the overall book perfectly, Catalina. It was well-articulated, making it appear exceptional.

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

Change can sometimes be scary, but Mary Grace faced it with bravery. Her strength while she handles the bullying is school teach children to be resourceful and investigative. I also adored how she protected her brother, Donny. Your review presents the overall book perfectly, Catalina. It was well-articulated, making it appear exceptional.

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

Change can sometimes be scary, but Mary Grace faced it with bravery. Her strength while she handles the bullying is school teach children to be resourceful and investigative. I also adored how she protected her brother, Donny. Your review presents the overall book perfectly, Catalina. It was well-articulated, making it appear exceptional.

[Catalina Isabel]

Change can sometimes be scary, but Mary Grace faced it with bravery. Her strength while she handles the bullying is school teach children to be resourceful and investigative. I also adored how she protected her brother, Donny. Your review presents the overall book perfectly, Catalina. It was well-articulated, making it appear exceptional.

That's very true Hazel! Thanks so much for your lovely comments as usual I am glad you also enjoyed the book

[tidybytoyin]

This review by Catalina will make me read this book. Thank you.

[Catalina Isabel]

This review by Catalina will make me read this book. Thank you.

That's great to hear! Thanks for stopping by let me know your thoughts if you do read it