Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[Cana Clinton]

[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 story about the real life of two siblings, Donny and Mary Grace, their joys, funny moments, and struggles in their lives with a family member who has Down syndrome. The plot is based on their family’s relocation from Wichita, Kansas, to California following their parents, John and Jen Miller, who are posted as missionaries to Kenya for two years. This alters the siblings’ comfortable environment and exposes them to a new setting that requires them to develop.
 
While the family plans for their move and what they need to do before leaving, Mary Grace is having a hard time wrapping her mind around switching to life and school in California, where she made friends, or about having to leave the only place that has ever been home. Her first thoughts are anger and disbelief, betrayed by her parents. But dealing with the concept of an inevitable move while in raw shock—yeah, that hits home a little more firmly reluctantly. But as the story goes on, Mary Grace softens to that move a bit. She begins to see it from her parents perspective and recognize not only how hard their decision was but just how much they were serving both the church and the world.
 
More than just the tale of two siblings, “Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures” is an ode to family, good vibes, and the philosophy that any life worth living—no matter how different from our own—can amount to a source of joy and have meaning in this world. This book is a heartfelt call to how acceptance, understanding, and love are the first steps toward creating an inclusive society. So there's nothing to dislike. 
 
I had a good time reading this story; the author has seamlessly crafted a novel with exceptional writing and editing skills. I found no errors while I read this; therefore, I will award this book five out of five stars. It has a lot of moral lessons for both kids and adults. I'd recommend it to parents and children; it's a good book for children to have in their library. 

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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