Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

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[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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Mary Grace has a perfect life. She has caring and understanding parents who take good care of her. She has a special little brother whom she loves very much. She enjoys her study and is eager to go to school. People around her are very kind folks. Nothing can be better than this. And yet, her paradise suddenly collapses when her parents tell her one of the worst things in her life. What could be the problem? Why must she leave her beloved home and move to California? How can the two siblings cope with their new environment?

Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine Anna Pepe is a cute children's book, and Donny is my favorite character. He was born with Down syndrome, but that does not make him an idiot or a burden. I love his attitude to life. His defect is actually his strong point. He may not be as bright as normal kids, but bad things can't hit him as much as they affect others. While Mary Grace is sad and angry with the abrupt changes, Donny takes them in stride. He cheers up instantly after a short talk with his father. He even becomes his elder sister's strength, helping her get back to her feet.

There are many valuable lessons you can learn in this short tale. For example, the Grandma Gang solves mysteries, but they don't try to punish the culprits. Instead, the victims choose to help the lawbreakers redeem themselves for their wrongdoings. As for Donny, he doesn't let his mental issue be a hindrance. No matter what happens, he still enjoys his days the best he can, and his positive demeanors brighten the story.

The matter of bullying is also a focus of the tale. Bullying can come in many forms, and it's not just violence that is counted. It can be name-calling and threats. Additionally, this isn't limited to only teenagers. Even elementary students can be involved in this issue. When that happens, kids shouldn't keep it to themselves and endure alone. Consulting adults they trust is a good solution.

Overall, the editing is quite good. I have no complaints about this book, so I gladly give it 5 out of 5 stars. It is a nice choice for those who want a heartwarming story. Both kids and adults will be able to learn meaningful lessons from how the characters interact with each other.

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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