Review of Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

[jomana_3]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures by Catherine A. Pepe is a fictional work inspired by the life of the author’s family and brother. The book follows the story of Mary Grace and her younger brother, Donny, an enthusiastic and optimistic boy with Down syndrome. Mary Grace is a witty, kind, and loving sister who always looks out for her brother and shares a special bond with him. The two kids enjoy spending time with their parents in Wichita. However, they are now confronted with the fact that they will have to leave their parents for two years and move to California with their grandparents. Mary Grace is devastated by the news and finds it difficult to accept. Throughout the book, we follow the girl as she tries to cope with her new life in California. Upon moving to California, Mary Grace creates new memories, faces some mysteries and challenges, and meets new people. Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures is a children’s book that teaches readers about the effects of bullying and being judgmental.

This book was a refreshing read that had a positive atmosphere. There were many humorous chats and situations that the family experienced throughout the book. For instance, it was entertaining to read the conversation between Mary Grace and her mother when the former insisted on buying "jeans with holes in them."

More importantly, the book had various influential lessons to teach, including the value of forgiveness and how we should deal with making mistakes. In addition, the book delved into the issue of bullying and explicitly showed that it was intolerable. It also expressed that actions speak louder than words and that we should face the consequences of our actions and behaviors.

There was nothing that I disliked about the book. It was an enjoyable and insightful read for me. I did not find any grammatical errors throughout the book. Therefore, I believe it was professionally edited.

I rate Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures 4 out of 4 stars. As I mentioned earlier, there was not a single aspect of the book that I disliked. It was an exceptional read; moreover, the characters were likable and well-developed. All the characters in the book felt authentic and genuine, and I especially liked all the bonds Mary Grace had with her brother, family, friends, and the Grandma Gang.

I especially recommend this book to children, as it encourages them to learn about Down syndrome and embrace our diversity. I also believe this book will appeal to teens and adults seeking an uplifting and feel-good read.

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Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures
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