Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[Daniel Hugh]

[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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Donny and Mary Grace’s California Adventures by Catherine Anna Pepe is a novel brimming with adventure, mystery, and suspense.

Donny Miller is a five-year-old boy born with Down syndrome. He has an older sister, Mary Grace, who is always looking after him. They live in Kansas with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Miller. When their parents are sent on a religious mission to Africa, Donny and Mary Grace are forced to relocate to California to live with their grandparents. Initially, Mary Grace struggles to accept this change, doubting that life will be manageable without their parents. She wishes they could all stay in Wichita. As Donny and Mary Grace start anew in California, making friends and attending a new school, the story explores whether they can adapt to their new environment.

The novel spans one hundred and thirteen pages and is divided into seventeen chapters, concluding with an afterword. The author begins by acknowledging the individuals who contributed to the success of the book. The narrative starts at Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas, where Donny gets lost, prompting a frantic search by his family. The book skillfully employs both present and past tenses to weave its story.

One of the book's standout features is the author's vivid descriptions of characters, places, and events, which paint a clear picture of the unfolding story. For instance, the mystery of the cryptic notes related to Donny and Mary Grace being bullied at North Elementary School in California is well detailed. This plotline piqued my curiosity and kept me engrossed. The story's flow and simple structure made it easy to follow, with interesting mysteries to solve. I especially enjoyed how Mary Grace and the Grandma Gang devised plans and gathered clues to find solutions, giving the narrative a detective-like feel. My expectations for an engaging read were met, and I was not disappointed. The absence of grammatical errors indicates that the book was exceptionally edited.

In conclusion, Donny and Mary Grace’s California Adventures is an adventurous novel with a captivating storyline. There is nothing I disliked about it, so I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure and mystery. I believe readers of all ages will find it enjoyable.

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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[Wemby Jordan]

Mary's compassion and kindness towards her kid brother is what I loved the most about this book.

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