Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

This forum is for volunteer reviews by members of our review team. These reviews are done voluntarily by the reviewers and are published in this forum, separate from the official professional reviews. These reviews are kept separate primarily because the same book may be reviewed by many different reviewers.
Post Reply
User avatar
Ivan Kovic
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 345
Joined: 29 Mar 2023, 22:07
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 51
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ivan-kovic.html
Latest Review: Winning the War on Cancer by Sylvie Beljanski

Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

Post by Ivan Kovic »

[Following is a volunteer review of "Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures" by Catherine A. Pepe.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


Moving to a new environment is often challenging, and this is the case with Mary Grace. She and her brother, Donny, were expected to go to California and stay with their grandparents for some time while their parents went away on missionary work. There, they started adjusting to their new home, school, and friends in California. But when an intriguing mystery arises, Mary Grace realizes she must draw on her newfound confidence and connections to solve it. With her brother Donny by her side and a group of grandmothers who are her friends, she is determined to unravel the case while continuing to adjust to her unfamiliar new home.

I love that this beautifully written novel highlights the immeasurable value of family and true friendship. Its messages around loyalty, acceptance, and embracing life's unexpected turns prove inspiring for readers of all ages. Both children and adults will find nuggets of wisdom to take away.

The characters in Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine A. Pepe are multi-dimensional, and their realistic bond leaps off the pages. Donny's endearing personality and humor add an extra layer of heart. Pepe has done a commendable job capturing the joys and challenges of Down syndrome with compassion. Donny's cheerfulness caught my heart and made me fall in love with him. I know that the motivation for writing this book is because the author has experience with a person with Down syndrome, and she succeeded in capturing what a blessing it is to have them in one's life.

I recommend Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine A. Pepe to those seeking a satisfying blend of entertainment and life lessons. This book was exceptionally well-edited and had a well-delivered plot. This is the kind of book I would be happy to read over and over again. There was nothing about the book that I disliked, and because of this, I am rating it 5 out of 5 stars.

******
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
itz maya
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 434
Joined: 20 Mar 2024, 09:41
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 24
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-itz-maya.html
Latest Review: Teen Life Skills by Florance Philip

Post by itz maya »

This book sounds like a truly heartwarming and inspiring read. The focus on family, friendship, and personal growth, along with the compassionate portrayal of Down syndrome, piques my interest. I'm eager to see how Mary Grace and Donny navigate their new environment and solve the mystery together. This sounds like a beautifully written novel that offers valuable life lessons and relatable characters. I can't wait to pick up a copy and experience it for myself!
Smart Link
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 221
Joined: 08 Aug 2024, 04:25
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 20
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-smart-link.html
Latest Review: Shanghai'd by Curtis Stephen Burdick

Post by Smart Link »

The point about the lack of illustrations in the book is an important one. While the narrative strength and thematic depth are commendable, illustrations could have added an extra layer of engagement for young readers. Visual elements often help to capture the attention of children and enhance their understanding of the story. Including illustrations might have made the book even more appealing, especially for younger readers who respond well to visual stimuli.
Priscilla Kurah
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 232
Joined: 08 Aug 2024, 06:04
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 22
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-priscilla-kurah.html
Latest Review: First Survivor by Mark Unger

Post by Priscilla Kurah »

The review’s balanced critique of the book’s pacing is helpful for potential readers. While the story is engaging and educational, improved pacing could enhance the reader’s experience even further. It’s clear that the book has a lot to offer, but a more dynamic pacing might have made the journey with Donny and Mary Grace even more captivating.
Mattys Walkeron
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 121
Joined: 09 Mar 2023, 11:20
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 3
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mattys-walkeron.html
Latest Review: Quest: Finding Freddie by Thomas Richard Spradlin

Post by Mattys Walkeron »

The book's portrayal of the challenges of adapting to new environments seems like it will be a relatable theme for many young readers.
User avatar
William Wrightmill
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 177
Joined: 08 Mar 2023, 12:03
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 4
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-william-wrightmill.html
Latest Review: Quest: Finding Freddie by Thomas Richard Spradlin

Post by William Wrightmill »

The fact that the book is aimed at children but still manages to be captivating for all ages is impressive and speaks to the quality of the writing.
User avatar
Robert Jacksono
In It Together VIP
Posts: 84
Joined: 09 Mar 2023, 11:25
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 3
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-robert-jacksono.html
Latest Review: Quest: Finding Freddie by Thomas Richard Spradlin

Post by Robert Jacksono »

The book seems like it will be a heartwarming and uplifting read for children who are looking for stories about family, friendship, and growth.
User avatar
Victoria Ukamaka
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 1135
Joined: 22 Apr 2022, 10:50
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 107
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-victoria-ukamaka.html
Latest Review: Man Mission by Eytan Uliel

Post by Victoria Ukamaka »

Overall, the review highlights the many positive aspects of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures, from the strong values of the Miller family to the book's focus on resilience and inclusiveness.
User avatar
Brian Adamss
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 186
Joined: 22 Mar 2023, 17:17
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 14
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-brian-adamss.html
Latest Review: Quest: Finding Freddie by Thomas Richard Spradlin

Post by Brian Adamss »

Overall, Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine A. Pepe is a captivating and inspiring read that is sure to resonate with young readers and teach valuable life lessons about family, resilience, and growth.
User avatar
Daniel D Carter
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 88
Joined: 22 Mar 2023, 17:23
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 3
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-daniel-d-carter.html
Latest Review: Quest: Finding Freddie by Thomas Richard Spradlin

Post by Daniel D Carter »

The author's writing style is engaging and accessible for young readers, making the book an enjoyable and easy read.
User avatar
Timothy M Campbell
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 91
Joined: 17 May 2023, 12:47
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 3
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-timothy-m-campbell.html
Latest Review: Quest: Finding Freddie by Thomas Richard Spradlin

Post by Timothy M Campbell »

The book's portrayal of the challenges of adapting to new environments is an important and relatable theme that will help children develop important life skills such as flexibility and adaptability.
Joseph Lewisalwa
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 105
Joined: 23 Feb 2023, 06:39
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 3
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-joseph-lewisalwa.html
Latest Review: Quest: Finding Freddie by Thomas Richard Spradlin

Post by Joseph Lewisalwa »

The fact that the book tackles bullying in a thoughtful and nuanced way is something that's needed in today's world.
User avatar
Salome Ogani
Posts: 747
Joined: 22 Feb 2023, 16:53
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 139
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-salome-ogani.html
Latest Review: Roan by E. R. Barr

Post by Salome Ogani »

The book seems like it will be an empowering read for children who are struggling to find their place in the world.
Latest Review: Roan by E. R. Barr
User avatar
Ambessa Negassi
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 168
Joined: 13 May 2023, 08:53
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 14
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ambessa-negassi.html
Latest Review: Quest: Finding Freddie by Thomas Richard Spradlin

Post by Ambessa Negassi »

The book's portrayal of the Miller family's values seems like it will be a refreshing aspect to explore in children's literature.
Post Reply

Return to “Volunteer Reviews”