Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[Chimereucheya Okoroafo]

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

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Have you ever lived with someone who has Down Syndrome? In Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures, Catherine A. Pepe tells a story about Mary Grace and her brother, Donny, who has Down Syndrome. Mary Grace loves her brother dearly, and their parents love him too. The story begins in the zoo - Donny is missing, and everyone does their best to help the Miller family find their son. With time, Mary Grace remembers the last place she was with Donny. After some time, they find Donny, but this is not the end of the story.

Mary Grace and Donny's parents work for the church and have been transferred to Africa to provide amenities for the natives. Mary Grace is angry about her parent's decision to leave her and her brother and go to Africa, while Donny is simply happy about the time he'd spend with his grandparents and their dogs. After much explanation, Mary Grace becomes understanding of the situation at hand. Mary Grace and Donny prepare to live in California with their grandparents for two years. What thrilling adventures do the siblings have in California? What new friends do they make in California?

Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures is a fun fiction for children and grandparents that teaches about the importance of love and family. Unlike most children's stories, this book comprises 17 chapters and about 150 pages. The language of the story is bold and can serve older audiences, like adolescents and preteens. This book is exciting and fun-filled, and that's one of the things I liked about it. Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures is professionally edited. There are no grammatical or punctuation errors.

Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures is a tribute by Catherine A. Pepe to her late brother, who had Down Syndrome and answered Donald. It was nice to see her do something so creative, using the opportunity to appreciate individuals who also suffer from the disease. This book is enlightening as it teaches us not to look down on others, to treat everyone equally, and to help each other in whatever way we can. Another thing I like about the story is that although Donny has Down Syndrome, he never seems sad about it, even when others would be sad. There is nothing I dislike about this book.

I would love to rate Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures four out of four stars. I believe I have given enough reasons to justify my rating. Catherine A. Pepe's book is amazing, and I enjoyed reading it. Despite being a children's book, I recommend this book to adolescents and schools so they can use it to teach children about loving and caring for each other despite our differences.

******
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Charles Jeremiah]

I love how Mary Grace is always supportive and proud of her brother. This book shows a lot of love and teaches so many important lessons. It's always great to have love from family and friends when we may have such cases, like that of Donny's. Nice review.

[Oyedeji Funmilayo]

I like the plot of this book and the cover page. Family are suppose to be there for each other no matter what happens, this was depicted in this book. Although it is a children book I enjoyed reading it. Wonderful review Welldone!!!

[Janet Kimetto]

I read this book recently and also loved it! I really liked the way bullying was handled. I included parents and teachers in my recommendation because of it. Thank you for your great review!

[Stephanie Runyon]

It seems to be a family-style book written for acceptance. I agree with your recommendations for this to be included in educational settings as well. Nice review!

[Cheryl Erickson]

This sounds like a wonderful family book for all ages. It can also be used to educate about the affable, loving children that are born with Down Syndrome. How fortunate that Donny and Mary Grace had loving grandparents that were willing to raise them for two years. Thank you for a terrific review.

[Odowgu kenso]

This book would definitely teach kids the importance of family life. I love this review. Although I have not read this book, your review gave me reasons to check out this book. Good job.

[Adaeze Joan]

This book teaches on the importance of love and family. It is a very interesting book that would be enjoyed by children. Good job on your review.

[Larabs Josh]

This is a family book that talks about love and unity. It also teaches that despite adversity, love conquers it all.

[Maduabuchi Okwiya N Eze]

I am saddened to read about Donny's illness,Down Syndrome, and the difficulties that go with it. On the other hand, I am glad to read about the love and support he received, as well as the fact that Donny did not allow his condition to weigh him down. The thematic preoccupations of this book, some of which are love and family, are relevant and educative. I believe children and adults will learn one or two things from this book.

[Judy_Akha]

We should definitely teach children loving and caring. I am glad the author made book with so many valuable lessons. Amazing review, as always!

[Donald Kelvin]

I look forward to these adventures they have ahead for two years as well as how Donny and his sister would cope in their new environment.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

That's amazing. I admit I don't know a lot of people with Down's Syndrome, but that's why books like this are so meaningful. Representation is hugely important, and it might help some of us understand what this condition entails.
Great review!

[Amandaruth Ama]

I see that this book doubles as a book for children and grand parents. I am currently reading it and so far, it's going well. It's refreshing to read this review. I can say that I already love the positivity of Donny and how Mary Grace cares for her brother. Nice review!

[Vivian Writes]

Kids need more awareness on how to treat other kids with special needs. Mary Ann’s love and kindness towards her little brother will set a lovely example for them. More parents should include this book in their kids’ library.