Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[Weyinmi Ophisa]

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

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4 out of 5 stars

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"Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures" by Catherine A. Pepe is a delightful children's book that takes young readers on a thrilling journey through the scenic landscapes of California. With its engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations, the book offers an enchanting experience that will captivate the hearts of both children and adults alike.

Mary Grace Miller, the story's main character, has a younger brother, Donny, who has Down syndrome. Donny and Mary Grace were compelled to leave their home in Wichita, Kansas, and move in with their grandparents in California as their parents, John and Jen Miller, were sent on a two-year missionary assignment to Africa.

The Miller family lived in Wichita. While Donny attended Heartland Elementary with Mary Grace, he was in a different class due to a disability. Mr. Miller served as the priest and rector of St. James Episcopal Church for over ten years. The Millers, who lived in the nearby rectory, found it to be a lovely place to raise a family. As a civil engineer, Mrs. Miller enjoys designing water systems for the city.

I liked how the author described the complex lives of children who deal with problems such as bullying and disabilities, as well as how every child is unique and how amazingly they overcome difficulties and develop the ability to blend in with others around them as well. The author's portrayal of Mary Grace and Donny as perfect children, however, bothered me because all kids act inappropriately occasionally or fight with their siblings. Also, I consider the font to be too small for young readers. Thus, I give the book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

The book serves as an excellent educational tool, igniting young readers' curiosity about nature, geography, and different cultures, and I commend the author for this exceptionally inspiring work. I found no typographical or grammatical errors in the book, and this shows how well it was edited. I recommend it to young adults, middle-grade readers, and anyone who wants to have an exhilarating reading experience.

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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