Donny and Mary Grace's California Adventures

A charming book with an important lesson. In retired attorney Cathy Pepe's first novel, she recounts a story about school bullying and its handling. Extremely well written, the book provides gentle guidance about how to handle potentially combustible situations. A must read for adults and teenagers.

I just finished this book and am buying another copy for my nephew. The writing is great - accessible and with just enough 'big' words to engage little ones noggins and broaden their vocabulary. The subject is timely and this is an especially important book for children with an autistic family member or friend. Donny, the young boy with down's syndrome, exudes character and optimism; the reader instantly relates to him from the opening page. His dynamic older sister Mary Grace unravels a tale concerning a mysterious school bully, along the way the reader learns the virtues of truthfulness, courage, and most importantly understanding. Befitting messages for todays youth.

My sons (ages 9 and 10) and I absolutely adore this book!! The clever stories with their relatable characters are engaging while at the same time offering beautiful lessons in compassion, empathy, and learning how to love, value, and appreciate others.

This is such a great new book and we all just loved it. For our older kids, they could not put it down and wanted to tell stories knowing that our younger kids were reading the book a bit slower with us. Mystery and intrigue keeps them glued to the book wanting more. And for us parents, such great life lessons coming from the most unexpected places. Your kids will love it and I will bet parents will too. If you can borrow it from the kids. Enjoy!!

The simple, direct narrative of this book offers an "good read" for young readers. The events and actions provide an engaging story of resilience and resourcefulness in dealing with difficult or sudden changes. Threaded through the story is the importance of love, care and patience between all the characters (children and adults) to reach happy resolutions for all.