Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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Carol McCoy Phelps
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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 Anna Pepe is a beautiful story that embraces the heart and soul of inclusivity. The author brilliantly uses a child’s story to demonstrate how important it is for a community to come together to solve problems.
The plot begins on an intense note when Mary Grace overhears her parents talking about something that sounds ominous to her. Mary Grace immediately goes into panic mode because she thinks they are talking about getting a divorce. Although it isn’t that bad for Donny and Mary Grace, their lives are about to undergo a dramatic change. The story follows Donny and Mary Grace as they deal with the aftermath of their parents going on a two-year mission trip to Africa.
Donny and Mary Grace go to California to stay with their grandparents while their parents are away. Donny has Down Syndrome, and he is happy anywhere. Mary Grace is careful to help him transition to their new circumstances and to their new school. Meanwhile, Mary Grace deals with peer pressure at school that burgeons into some frightening bullying. She receives threatening messages that include impossible demands. Where can she turn for help? Who is writing the notes? Is there more than one bully involved? Can Mary Grace protect Donny from an escalating bullying campaign?
I like how Pepe approached this important societal issue. She framed bullying inside a mystery story that is fun to read. Her treatment of the topic is relevant and contemporary. School children and their parents should read and discuss this book. Pepe created well-rounded and relatable characters. Mary Grace is a resourceful and engaging protagonist who utilizes her wit and her bonds with adults to seek a solution to her problem. The grandmother and her friends are funny but sympathetic. They are essential to the plot. I enjoyed their interesting meetings with Mary Grace.
I am disappointed in the lack of artwork inside the book. The cute cover is colorful, and it would be fun to see a few black and white representations of the kids and their cohorts along with some of the chapters. For example, seeing Donny on the tram at the zoo would make readers smile. I am not deducting any points because this is just a suggestion. The book is amazing in its current format.
I am happy to rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because it is exceptionally well-edited and well-written. I heartily recommend Donny and Mary Grace’s California Adventures to readers who are age seven and older.
******
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Donny and Mary Grace’s California Adventures by Catherine Anna Pepe is a beautiful story that embraces the heart and soul of inclusivity. The author brilliantly uses a child’s story to demonstrate how important it is for a community to come together to solve problems.
The plot begins on an intense note when Mary Grace overhears her parents talking about something that sounds ominous to her. Mary Grace immediately goes into panic mode because she thinks they are talking about getting a divorce. Although it isn’t that bad for Donny and Mary Grace, their lives are about to undergo a dramatic change. The story follows Donny and Mary Grace as they deal with the aftermath of their parents going on a two-year mission trip to Africa.
Donny and Mary Grace go to California to stay with their grandparents while their parents are away. Donny has Down Syndrome, and he is happy anywhere. Mary Grace is careful to help him transition to their new circumstances and to their new school. Meanwhile, Mary Grace deals with peer pressure at school that burgeons into some frightening bullying. She receives threatening messages that include impossible demands. Where can she turn for help? Who is writing the notes? Is there more than one bully involved? Can Mary Grace protect Donny from an escalating bullying campaign?
I like how Pepe approached this important societal issue. She framed bullying inside a mystery story that is fun to read. Her treatment of the topic is relevant and contemporary. School children and their parents should read and discuss this book. Pepe created well-rounded and relatable characters. Mary Grace is a resourceful and engaging protagonist who utilizes her wit and her bonds with adults to seek a solution to her problem. The grandmother and her friends are funny but sympathetic. They are essential to the plot. I enjoyed their interesting meetings with Mary Grace.
I am disappointed in the lack of artwork inside the book. The cute cover is colorful, and it would be fun to see a few black and white representations of the kids and their cohorts along with some of the chapters. For example, seeing Donny on the tram at the zoo would make readers smile. I am not deducting any points because this is just a suggestion. The book is amazing in its current format.
I am happy to rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because it is exceptionally well-edited and well-written. I heartily recommend Donny and Mary Grace’s California Adventures to readers who are age seven and older.
******
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
J. Carol McCoy-Phelps
