Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure

[Ebele Ekelobi]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure" by Catherine A. Pepe.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine Anna Pepe revolves around a ten-year-old Mary Grace and her little brother Donny whose parents are going on a missionary assignment overseas for two years, and they will now have to stay in California with their grandparents. While in California and registered in a new school, Mary Grace receives threat letters directed at her and her brother. She confides in her grandma about this, and her grandma introduces her to the "Grandma Gang". The gang, alongside some school officials, work toward finding the mysterious person that leaves these notes while ensuring that other students don’t find out about it in school.

It is an everyday thing for mysteries to be solved, but it’s not every day you see a ten-year-old girl solve a mystery. Although accompanied by the gang, I believe Mary Grace did most of the brainstorming, and it was really refreshing to read. I love how this book creates awareness of the fact that bullying goes way beyond just beating up someone. It can be done in different forms, which include sending threat letters. Contrary to the common belief that bullies deserve severe punishment, this book proves that there are more constructive ways they can be handled while they still serve the traditional punishment.

I so much admired Mary Grace's way of handling situations and taking care of her brother Donny. It sometimes made me question whether a ten-year-old girl could really display those qualities. I must say I learnt a whole lot from her. Lastly, I would like to commend the editor of this book because I found no errors in it. This proves that it was exceptionally well edited.

Overall, the book was a good read, but I found it quite challenging to keep up with the names of their teachers, principal and even members of the gang aside from Grandma Cathy. I believe it’s because I’m not so familiar with names like that.

Despite my complaints, it was a good read and should get all the credit. I rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars.

I recommend the book to people who are interested in adventures and mystery stories. I also recommend it to teachers who are looking for alternative methods to handle bullies in their schools.

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure
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[Walter R]

A ten-year-old solving mysteries? Wow! I'd love to know how she did it. This promises to be an amazing story I can already tell. Great review.

[Ekezie1998]

Did the grandma gang and the school authorities find the mysterious person? Guess I have to find out for myself. Brilliant review.

[CrossK]

Mary grace is such an exceptional young girl that I’m intrigue by her. I’ll definitely enjoy reading her mystery solving techniques. Good job

[Okorji98]

I hope they end up finding the mysterious person because it's so wrong to threaten young people of that age.

[Bri Denzel]

Mary's ingenuity is really remarkable. I'd love to read about her. Also, it's terrible to send threats to people, especially children.

[Alexander C Schmoock]

Ten-year-old mary is undoubtedly a genius. I already love her from reading your review. It'll be great to read more about her.

[Israel10]

Adventure and mystery stories are always fun to read. From your review, I could tell this is a great book to read. Great review.

[jomana_3]

I loved your review. The book did have many lessons to offer for its readers, especially the younger ones.

[Itz Savaga]

People who are interested in adventures and mystery stories will have great joy and satisfaction from this book. Great review.

[nwankwo chibuchi]

People who are interested in adventures and mystery stories will enjoy this story to the latter.

[Prosper2000]

Teachers who are looking for alternative methods to handle bullies in their schools will benefit a lot from this book.

[Prosper2000]

Teachers who are looking for alternative methods to handle bullies in their schools will benefit a lot from this book.