Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure

[Bradley Shelvie]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure" by Catherine A. Pepe.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The ten-year-old Mary Grace Miller and her family—her brother, Donny, and her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Miller respectively—always had a nice time together in Wichita, Kansas. They would severally visit the Sedgwick County Zoo together to see the animals, especially the penguins, which Donny loved seeing and playing with. They also had a wonderful home provided by the church and could do lunch-out picnics and go swimming together. All that changed when both Mr. and Mrs. Miller were sent to do missionary work in Kenya, a country in Africa, by the St. James Episcopal Church. Mary Grace and Donny were very upset that they would have to go to California to stay with their grandparents for the two years their parents would be away. Little did they know there was so much to encounter. Read about their adventures in California in the children's book, Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventure by Catherine A. Pepe.

I loved every story in this book—especially the encounters both Mary Grace and Donny had in California. It was wonderful reading how the Millers always had fun as family, and I loved seeing what unique bond and love they had for each other. They all treated Donny, who had Down's Syndrome, with love and care. After going to California, I enjoyed the cocktail of events the duo (Mary and Donny) went through. They had both good times and bad times. It was amazing seeing Mary Grace solve a mystery, which earned her a place with the Grandma Gang. It was also wonderful how she made friendships quickly with and Penelope Li, a student of Chinese descent, who was in the same class as she in the North Elementary School in California. I also loved how she handled being bullied by Jason.

The book handles the case of how detrimental parents' behaviours can be to their children. Jason, after losing his grandmother, must have felt very hurt. His father, who was inconsiderate of his actions and how they hurt other people, only made Jason worse. Jason would find it normal bullying other students, and he didn't see using hurtful words against others to be a thing. However, I am pleased at how well the teachers handled his case and made him a better boy—a testimony that anyone can change if shown the right direction. Jason even began being friends with Donny, the very person he had been bullying and demeaning.

There's a lot to take from this book. We learn about how children interact, how to treat a child with special needs, being positive like Donny, and the negatives of bullying among others. I rate this book a 4 out of 4. There's no reason to deduct a star since there's nothing I disliked, and I didn't find any errors. Indeed, just like Donny, everyday will be an awesome day to me!

I dedicate this book to children of eight years and above who like novels with a tinge of mystery.

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

[Patty Allread]

It is refreshing to see a disabled child, such as Donny, included in a children's book.

[Benedicta1970]

I loved every story in this book,Mary and Donny had both good times and bad times.Nice review

[Ay Obaj]

Thanks for a splendid review. I love this children's book. It seems to contain the right elements for children, and the storyline was perfectly constructed. Many children will definitely enjoy reading this. Kudos to the author for a job well done.

[Sopulu Ezidimma]

Amazing review when i thought Mary and Donny adventure was coming to an end it became more interesting.

[Kings1999]

Excellent Children's book, and very beneficial to young ones. I admire the effort the author put into the creation of this. I love the review BTW, it was magnificent.

[Gift Mazibuko]

Incredible childrens book, what I like the most about is the love for each other as a family especially for the special needs child it important that they feel loved and not excluded beautiful review.

[jomana_3]

I am currently reading this book, and I especially love the bond between Mary Grace and Donny. The book also is a light-hearted read that carries many life lessons for children. Great review.

[Annette Boateng]

I love Mr and Mrs Miller's religious life.

[David Chijindu]

I appreciate your excellent review. This children's book is fantastic. The tale was well-written, and it seemed to have the proper aspects for kids. This book will undoubtedly appeal to a lot of kids. The author deserves praise for a job well done.

[Mayang Bature]

This is a good book for children. The inclusion of Donny, a child with a known disability, as a major character was what I loved the most. I wouldn't have to see more of those.

[Ohna Martin]

It was a very insightful book. Children with disabilities do not often get included in these books. It was refreshing and unique.

[Peter Obi 3]

This should be listed as a book for everyone because, honestly, it is. Great stuff

[Faith Ejai]

I loved the way you wrote the review. I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for providing this useful information. I'm sure many will love this book.

[reviewerbook17]

This is a wonderful children's book and it contains everything that children would love to read.