Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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- Latest Review: Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine A. Pepe
Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
[Following is a volunteer review of "Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures" by Catherine A. Pepe.]
When Donny and Mary Grace arrived in California, they didn't know what to expect. Unlike their previous home, there would be no park visits, picnics, or exotic dishes. Additionally, they would miss all the great friends they had made. Their parents had left them for a missionary assignment in Africa, something that upset them, especially Mary Grace. They got enrolled in a new school, North Elementary.
However, Mary Grace found it difficult to make friends, except for one person named Penelope. Unfortunately, issues arose later in their friendship. Meanwhile, someone was leaving threatening notes for Mary Grace and demeaning Donny because he had Down syndrome. Mary Grace also found herself helping Grandma Gang solve a burglary case. How was she going to handle all these problems? Will she and her brother Donny ever fit in? Find out in Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine A. Pepe.
This book is a fantastic read that teaches about sensitivity and the importance of kindness. It was utterly unacceptable when someone left insulting notes directed at Donny, especially considering his condition. Such behavior should never be acceptable towards any person with special needs, regardless of age, status, or the specific condition. I was impressed by how seriously the teachers at North Elementary took the matter and addressed it with the severity it deserved. Since this is a children's book, I believe it will effectively convey these moral lessons to young readers, which is the book's greatest highlight.
However, what I least liked was the inclusion of sensitive terms, especially given the context in which they were used. I understand that it may have been challenging for the plot to avoid them entirely, but I found them out of place considering the intended audience of this book, which is children. I am glad that the author censored them to some extent, though not consistently throughout.
Considering the reasons mentioned above, I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars. This book was fantastic, but I deducted one star due to the aforementioned dislike. It is a perfect choice for older children, around 13 years and above, as long as they are not sensitive to offensive words. Younger children might struggle to follow the somewhat lengthy book. The editing of the book appears to be exceptional.
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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
When Donny and Mary Grace arrived in California, they didn't know what to expect. Unlike their previous home, there would be no park visits, picnics, or exotic dishes. Additionally, they would miss all the great friends they had made. Their parents had left them for a missionary assignment in Africa, something that upset them, especially Mary Grace. They got enrolled in a new school, North Elementary.
However, Mary Grace found it difficult to make friends, except for one person named Penelope. Unfortunately, issues arose later in their friendship. Meanwhile, someone was leaving threatening notes for Mary Grace and demeaning Donny because he had Down syndrome. Mary Grace also found herself helping Grandma Gang solve a burglary case. How was she going to handle all these problems? Will she and her brother Donny ever fit in? Find out in Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine A. Pepe.
This book is a fantastic read that teaches about sensitivity and the importance of kindness. It was utterly unacceptable when someone left insulting notes directed at Donny, especially considering his condition. Such behavior should never be acceptable towards any person with special needs, regardless of age, status, or the specific condition. I was impressed by how seriously the teachers at North Elementary took the matter and addressed it with the severity it deserved. Since this is a children's book, I believe it will effectively convey these moral lessons to young readers, which is the book's greatest highlight.
However, what I least liked was the inclusion of sensitive terms, especially given the context in which they were used. I understand that it may have been challenging for the plot to avoid them entirely, but I found them out of place considering the intended audience of this book, which is children. I am glad that the author censored them to some extent, though not consistently throughout.
Considering the reasons mentioned above, I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars. This book was fantastic, but I deducted one star due to the aforementioned dislike. It is a perfect choice for older children, around 13 years and above, as long as they are not sensitive to offensive words. Younger children might struggle to follow the somewhat lengthy book. The editing of the book appears to be exceptional.
******
Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
