The NAACP Celebrates Black History Month

"Every year, during Black History Month, America celebrates the invaluable contributions that the African-American community has made to the culture and history of our nation.
For members of the NAACP family, the tradition of Black History Month goes back to the beginning of the 20th Century. NAACP leader and legendary historian and educator Carter G. Woodson originally founded “Negro History Week” in 1926, at a time when most history books simply omitted any African-American history and the central role African-Americans played in the birth of America as we know it. Woodson chose February because it coincided with the birthdays of two men who fought for freedom of American slaves: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.

In 1976, Negro History Week was expanded to Black History Month. It has marked an essential time to study and reflect on our collective history ever since."

Visit the NAACP today and learn more about this valuable and essential organization: http://www.naacp.org/.

Thank you for your time and interest.


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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

African American Heritage in Preservation

"In the early 1900s, the unique collaboration between Booker T. Washington and Chicago philanthropist Julius Rosenwald resulted in the construction of 5,000 schools for African Americans. After segregation ended, most Rosenwald schools were closed and many were demolished or forgotten. Thanks to the support of the Rosenwald Family, the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation and grassroots activists across the South, Rosenwald schools are being preserved and returned to active roles in community life."

Interested in learning more, go to: http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/diversity/african-american-heritage-in-preservation/?gclid=CLb8lLLyg6cCFYHc4Aod5z0jfA

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Enchanted Learning Celebrates Black History Month

 

February is "Black History Month," a time to commemorate African-Americans who have changed the world.

Celebrating Black History began in 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard Ph.D., initiated "Negro History Week." Dr. Woodson, a historian, chose the second week in February because it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, the Bicentennial (200th birthday) of the U.S.A., the week-long observance was extended to the entire month of February in order to have enough time for celebratory programs and activities.

Juneteenth Day (also called Freedom Day or Emancipation Day) is celebrated on June 19 each year. It recognizes the anniversary of the emancipation of last remaining slaves in Texas on June 19, 1865; the Civil War had ended two months previously, and General Gordon Granger rode to Galveston, Texas, with 2,000 Union troops to enforce the freeing of the slaves. Juneteenth became an official holiday in Texas on Jan. 1, 1980. This uplifting celebration of freedom is gaining in popularity around the USA.

Visit http://www.enchantedlearning.com/history/us/aframer/ for further information.

Thank you for your time and interest.


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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

infoplease.com Celebrates Black History Month

Black History Month is observed every February in the United States. Learn about the history of Black History Month, read biographies of famous African Americans, try our quizzes and crosswords, find stats and facts about African Americans, and more.

Visit: http://www.infoplease.com/black-history-month/ for a wealth of information on:

• History & Timelines
• Contemporary Issues
• Biographies & Facts
• Holidays
• Education
• Awards

Thank you for your time and interest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Guest Author: Heather Paye - A Gift From Above

Heather Paye first started writing when she was about six years old. She started out writing lyrics, and when she was nine started writing short stories. When she turned ten, she moved on to full-length novels. At the age of 12, she started writing poetry as her love of that style of writing developed from her mother. Currently she is working on a book series of nine, with the first installment finished and being prepared to be released on bookshelves soon. The first draft of the second installment is almost finished. Her novel A Gift From Above which she wrote for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in 2008 was published March 28th, 2009 - a tribute to her parents as it was published on their anniversary. She's a part of many organizations and author groups.
So far, this is all of her "story" that has been "written". Stay for a spell and learn more about Heather through her insightful interview.

DMc: How long have you been writing?

HP: I've been writing for around eight years.

DMc: What started you writing for publication?

HP: After I read Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (yes, I read the second one before I read the first one) I was simply touched by the story and become absolutely obsessed with it. You can bet I went out and bought every book out there that had anything at all to do with it. Which was when I bought "Muggles and Magic" which had a short interview in it with J.K. Rowling. One thing she said was "Anyone can write a book" that was the sentence that changed my life.

Before then, I swear, I didn't know just anyone could write a book, I thought you had to be someone special. That was when I started out writing my first short story. I only managed to write three short stories before I decided that I wanted to write something bigger, something better - a novel. It took me four years, but I managed to write my first full length novel. During those years, I had been studying publishing, how to do it, where to go, what you need. It payed off, I'm signing a contract for my series of nine and I still have yet to get a rejection letter.

DMc: Do you have a set time when you write, or just whenever you get the urge?

HP: I try to write as much as I can. Whenever I'm not busy I spend my spare time writing, my schedule is too busy to really set a time.

DMc: What do you recommend to aspiring authors?

HP: Don't rush writing (Rome wasn't built in a day), study, take notes, pay extra attention to your English class, and don't underestimate the power of revision/editing. I used to think I didn't need editing, I just thank goodness I got that out of my mind before it was time for me to edit my first novel.

DMc: How do you invent your characters?


HP: This is a tough question, when I need to create a character I just make him/her up as I go along. I gather up a few ideas - visual appearance, overall attitude - and I go from there. Most of my characters are completely fictional and thought up. A couple of times I have tried to model my characters out of people whom I know in real life... but they always seem to take on a style all their own.

Heather, it's been a pleasure interviewing and hosting you today. Best wishes for your continued success!

Tomorrow, visit with Robert Medak at Shelby Patrick's blog - http://writershotspot.blogspot.com/.
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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

History.com Celebrates Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history.


Visit: http://www.history.com/topics/black-history-month 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

African American History Month

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society.

This website has a wealth of interesting information. Further details at: http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Book Review: The Golden Pathway by Lauren S. Smith

Google Alerts has proven yet again how important it is to utilize them. I most likely would have never known about this wonderful review Lauren S. Smith wrote and posted on her blog http://www.shewrites.com/profiles/blogs/the-golden-pathway-a-kids. Thanks Lauren!

Book Review - The Golden Pathway - A Kid's Story About the Underground Railroad

Review by Lauren S. Smith ~ February 4, 2011


Award winning children's author, Donna M. McDine, has written a book targeted to kids from 8 to 12 years old that teaches about our American history during the turbulent time of slavery. The Golden Pathway is a beautiful example of what children's literature can be when presented in an interesting and artistic manner.

Illustrations in The Golden Pathway are especially thought provoking and will no doubt encourage visual thinking, conversation and a desire to find out more about this riveting time in history. McDine tells the story beautifully about the Underground Railroad and a young boy who overcomes his abusive past to help a slave flee to freedom.

The courage that David, and the slave, Jenkins, display will serve to give courage to all preteens, especially those who must deal with bullies at school every day or an abusive situation at home. Children will understand David's agony as he clamps his hands over his ears to cover the screams that shattered the silence of the night.

The screams continue as a result of David's father using his belt to whip slaves into submission. One night, David vows to overcome his fears of what his own father might do to him and defy the times in which he lives to help a man escape the bonds of slavery for a new life.

As the white child of a slave owner, David puts himself in horrible jeopardy by helping Jenkins to escape from a hostile environment and escape to freedom through the Underground Railroad's network of assistance.

In the author's note at the end of The Golden Pathway, McDine explains to her readers how various code words were used to help slaves reach freedom. For example, "conductors" were used to describe individuals who helped slaves reach freedom by giving them shelter along the way.

Donna M. McDine has won many awards for her writing in the children's literature genre. Her love and interest in American history led her to pen The Golden Pathway and chronicle the Black experience and the Underground Railroad.

McDine also wrote "The Hockey Agony" and "Powder Monkey," which are currently on contract with Guardian Angel Publishing Company. She's currently a Publicist Intern for The National Writing for Children Center and the Children's Writers' Coaching Club.

The Golden Pathway, by Donna M. McDine will teach children how people can come together and overcome seemingly impossible odds and learn a bit about American history and how to deal with a situation of bullying and abuse.

Lauren Smith is editor for the Virtual Book Review Network - reviews books by well known bestselling authors and books by soon to be recognized names. For more information, visit: http://www.virtualbookreviewnetwork.com/. This review covers The Golden Pathway by Donna M. McDine.


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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Book Review - January's Sparrow by Patricia Polacco

Title: January’s Sparrow

Written by: Patricia Polacco

Researched by: Mary McCafferty Douglass

Hardcover: 96 pages

Ages: 9-12

Publisher: Philomel Books

ISBN 13: 978-0-399-25077-4

Published: October 2009

Many brave souls, white and black, risked their lives helping slaves to freedom. Many would believe that once reaching a free state all their worries would be washed away. Unfortunately, the “Under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1793,” gave slave owners the right, even in free states, to take back their slaves.

The true story of the Crosswhite family told through the eyes of their “adoptive” son January, engulfs you in the dreams and fears of each family member, especially young Sadie. Her intuition and trustworthiness will warm your heart for a positive outcome for all. What became of the Crosswhite family one will learn through the expert storytelling of Patricia Polacco. One you will not soon forget.

To learn more of the illustrious career of Patricia Polacco visit http://www.patriciapolacco.com/.  

Reviewed by Donna M. McDine

Leave a comment and be automatically entered at a chance to win a FREE e-book CD of The Golden Pathway
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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Jacqueline Woodson - Recap of the 2010 Winter NY SCBWI Conference

Continuing with the celebration of Black History Month I am re-running my recap of the 2010 Winter NY SCBWI conference....

The SCBWI NY Winter Conference was a whirlwind of inspiring guest speakers and workshops. Exhausting and exhilirating. If you have never attended you must put this conference on your MUST DO list. Your brain will overflow with essential information and inspiration to make a go of your writing career.
The luncheon keynote speaker was Jacqueline Woodson, a three-time Newbery Honor winner, two-time National Book Award Finalist, and winner of a Coretta Scout King Honors.
Ms. Woodson started off of her speech with the work of someone else, because as she said we all started learning from the work of others.
"Locking the door, reading, and learning from others. Close the door of the negative so you don't feel less." Phew! What a profound statement.

I continued to jot down excerpts from Ms. Woodson's speech, but I became absorbed and mesmerized by her. Her soothing and even keeled voice set me in a trance and I soaked in every word. Below I share with you bits of her writing journey in her own words...forgive me for not having all the details, but as I said her speech was mesmerizing and I lost focus on writing it all down.

"Writing for 20 years...
Prior to children, having the freedom of writing for hours...

Reading the work of others...
Then working full-time and writing at night...
Then working part-time and writing part time...

Then children...

Closing the door to write and having the right to tell your story..."

I know this is bits and pieces, but to truly feel inspired by Woodson visit her website and absorb her writing career...you'll be happy you did... http://www.jacquelinewoodson.com/


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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Book Review ~ America’s Black Founders ~ Revolutionary Heroes & Early Leaders by Nancy I. Sanders

Title: America’s Black Founders ~ Revolutionary Heroes & Early Leaders with 21 Activities

Written by: Nancy I. Sanders

Paperback: 144 pages

Publisher: Chicago Review Press, Inc. /January 2010

ISBN-13: 978-1556528118

Even the most reluctant readers will be spell bound from the onset of America’s Black Founders ~ Revolutionary Heroes & Early Leaders. Nancy Sanders has weaved significant events of America’s black founders with facts and activities to provide a true sense of history. Events, people, and places leap from the pages as the light shines on significant African American leaders who were instrumental in early American history. The timeline provided serves as a guide from 1760 through 1837 and the events along the way.

Breaking the chains that bound them in slavery, Richard Allen and many others rose through their adversity and became forces to reckon with. Their due place as founders of the United States of America is a fascinating time in American history and one you will not soon forget.

Run don’t walk, or click through cyberspace as fast as you can and purchase America’s Black Founders ~ Revolutionary Heroes & Early Leaders and become well educated in America’s black founders.
Visit Nancy Sanders at http://www.nancyisanders.com/ to learn more about her illustrious writing career.

Reviewed by Donna M. McDine - http://www.donnamcdine.com

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Rockland County Tourism ~ Nyack Center Black History Celebration

February 5, 2011 - 7 pm

Nyack Center’s Black History Month Committee invites the community to attend a unique living expression of the roots of African American history in our community. The program will feature performances celebrating the stories of African Americans through song, dance and the spoken word. One organization and three individuals who have contributed to the lives of African Americas in our community will be honored that night. Rev. Eugene Jones, Renold Julien, and Ouida Dawson Toutebon.

Admission is Free!

Located at:
The Nyack Center
58 Depew Ave
Nyack, NY.

For more information call (845) 358-2600.




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Best wishes, Donna M. McDine Award-winning Children's Author The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Top Ten Finisher ~ Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010

I am thrilled to share with you that my historical fiction children’s book, The Golden Pathway placed as a Top Ten Finisher in the Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010.

My heartfelt thank you to all who voted, I truly appreciate your ongoing and never ending support in my writing career!

Many of you I know personally and I am humbled to be in such talented company. Congratulations to all!

1. Philip and the Superstition Kid, John Paulits, Gypsy Shadow Publishing

2. If Wishes Were Fishes, N.A. Sharpe, 4RV Publishing

3. A Wish and A Prayer, Beth Bence Reinke, 4RV Publishing LLC

4. The Mishaps of Gum Drop Island, M.M., Self

5. The Weaver, Kai Strand, Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

6. The Golden Pathway, Donna M. McDine, Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

7. The Halloween Dino Trip, Lea Schizas, MuseItUp Publishing

8. Bubba Goes National, Jennifer Walker, Windswept Destiny Publishing

9. The Giving Meadow, Stephanie Burkhart, 4RV Publishing
9. Philip & the Superstition Kid, John Paulitis, Gypsy Shadow

10. Haunted, Heather Beck, Treasure Cove Books
10. Killer Cows, D.M. Anderson, Echelon Press
10. In My Bath, Beth Bence Reinke, 4RV Publishing

11. Quest for the Simurgh, Marva Dasef, Texas Boy Publications
11. Eagle Quest, Marva Dasef, CreateSpace

12. Andy and Spirit Meet the Rodeo Queen, Mary Jean Kelso, Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
12. RV Mouse, Mary Jean Kelso, Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

13. It's Okay to be a Zombie, Nathaniel Lambert & Danny Evarts, Shroud Publishing
13. Sully's Topsy Tale, Donna J. Shepherd, Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
13. Jeannette Claus Saves Christmas, Douglas Rees, McElderry/Simon & Schuster
13. Gamer's Quest, George Ivanoff, Ford Street

Comments for: The Golden Pathway, Donna M. McDine, Guardian Angel Publishing, http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

The comments below are from those who voted for this entry: http://www.critters.org/predpoll/comments.cgi?ref=novelchildrens&what=The+Golden+Pathway,+Donna+M.+McDine,+Guardian+Angel+Publishihng,+http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm ________________________________________

"Fantastic! There's nothing like it!"
________________________________________

"The Golden Pathway is an excellent book on slavery and the Underground Railroad for young readers. It is an excellent book for parents to read with their children or teachers to read with their students."
________________________________________

"Donna's book is a must read, every school in America should have a copy of it. We can all learn a lesson about compassion from the main character."

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm

Celebrating Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month I'd like to share with you a wonderful website Poets.org http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/370.

"Celebrate and explore the rich tradition of African American poetry through essays on literary milestones, intersections of music, poetry and art, and profiles and poems of historical and contemporary poets who continue to pioneer new ground while keeping an eye on the past."

Featured poets:

• Terrance Hayes
• Lucille Clifton
• Jericho Brown
• Dawn Lundy Martin

All month long I will be sharing book reviews and websites celebrating Black History Month.

I look forward to your visit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm