Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[Bertha Jackson]

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

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

If you want your child to read a book about friendship and learn how to treat their classmates with disabilities, grab a copy of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine Anna Pepe for them to read. This book is part of the A Grandma Gang Mystery series. John and Jen Miller have no choice but to send their children, Donny and Mary Grace, to live with their grandparents in California while they spend two years in Africa working for their church. While Donny eagerly looks forward to spending time with his grandparents and their dog, Mary Grace is saddened to leave her friends in Wichita, Kansas, and is sure her life will be ruined forever. How will these two children handle the changes they will encounter in California? Will the zoo in California be as good as the one they leave behind in Kansas? Are children the same all over, or will the new ones they meet be different from them?

Catherine Anna Pepe does a fantastic job of tackling the many social issues children encounter in school. I appreciate that she explains the characteristics of someone born with a disability and gives hope to these children and their families. The author uses a soft tone throughout the book, even while discussing no tolerance for bullying, by finding the underlying issues of a bully. My favorite characters in this book are the Grandma Gang because of their diverse backgrounds and love for solving mysteries. I like that the author provides solutions to any problems that the characters encounter.

I am disappointed that Mary Grace and Donny were portrayed as perfect children because all children misbehave at some point or argue with their siblings. It would have been nice to have seen more illustrations in this book to help keep younger readers' attention longer.

These negative aspects do not reflect negatively on the book, as they are personal preferences. I found no errors in this book and gave it a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars for its exceptional editing. I will be watching for the rest of the books in the series, as each covers different topics and can be read in any order.

Children up to 12 years of age will enjoy reading about Donny and Mary Grace; however, younger children will need to have the book read to them. Children will learn morals and other life lessons in this book, which parents will appreciate. Mr. Miller is a priest and rector of the St. James Episcopal Church, and the characters are Christians, so if this type of content offends you, you may want to skip this book.

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

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

I love this book. I love that this was written inspired by the author's brother, Donny. The character Donny in the book is lovable as he was so optimistic and happy. Thank you, Bertha, for your exceptional review!

[MsH2k]

Mr. Miller is a priest and rector of the St. James Episcopal Church, and the characters are Christians, so if this type of content offends you, you may want to skip this book.

Since Father Randall and the church in California were mentioned when the Millers were selling the move to the kids, I was surprised that he was not mentioned later in the story. Perhaps he and Bill will be in another book in the series. I too am looking forward to reading about another Grandma Gang adventure.

Thank you for your thorough and balanced take on this lovely story.

[Okonkwo Chinenye]

I love the book, I love the fact that it's teaches children over 12years and above how to treat other children with disabilities. I also love the fact that it's inspired by the authors younger brother Donny