Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[Kelsey Roy]

[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 A. Pepe is a fictional children's book modeled loosely on the author's brother, Donny, who had Down syndrome. The story begins by outlining Donny and Mary Grace's wonderful childhood in Wichita, Kansas, where their father is a priest in a local church. They both have fun adventures, such as at the zoo, and they enjoy their school. However, their lives turn upside down when their parents accept a mission trip to Africa, and the kids are sent to California to live with their grandparents while their parents are away for two years.

My favorite part of this book is Donny's positive outlook on life. He is excited by the adventures he will have in California, and he helps his sister see that their two-year stay might not be as bad as she thinks it will be! We could all use someone like Donny to pull us out of a funk every now and again. Mary Grace struggles with the transition, as I assume most kids would, especially away from their parents, but Donny accepts every new opportunity with joy and excitement!

However, not everyone is kind to people who are different from them. An anonymous bully starts to leave mean notes for Mary Grace for having a brother with special needs. I appreciate how the author approaches bullying and the seriousness of using derogatory language and mean remarks about other people. It is a good reminder that not everyone grows up with a good example, and educating bullies about why differences are unique and wonderful can make a difference in society.

I rate Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures 5 out of 5 stars. This story is perfect for older children or for parents reading to their children. I found no errors within this incredibly well-edited book. There is nothing to dislike about this story, as the message of positivity and kindness despite differences comes across clearly and is an excellent message for all generations.

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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