Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Thank you for Visiting The Golden Pathway during Black History Month


Thank you on and all for visiting The Golden Pathway to help celebrate Black History Month. It was a pleasure sharing with you the latest book reviews of The Golden Pathway and my reviews of my favorite children's books pertaining to black history. It's has been a distinct privilege!

Today is the last day to enter at a chance to win a $25 Starbucks Gift Card. Visit http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-pathway-celebrates-black-history_30.html.

The winner will be announced by Friday, March 2nd!

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 ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval Recipient and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

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
Price:                           $22.99

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.


Also, don't forget to stop by http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-pathway-celebrates-black-history_30.html and enter at your chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card.

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 ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval Recipient and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Monday, February 27, 2012

Book Review: Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine



Title: Henry’s Freedom Box ~ A True Story from the Underground Railroad
Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson
Ages: 4-8
Publisher: Scholastic Press
ISBN: 13:978-0-439-77733-9
Published: January 2007
Price: $16.99

Close your eyes if you will and imagine what it would be like to curl up in a box and ship yourself as cargo. Hard to imagine isn’t it. For one brave salve, Henry Brown, this became his way to escape to freedom.

Sold away from his family as a child, Henry Brown did what many slaves had to do. They accepted their lives as slaves, but continued to dream of freedom. Henry soon found himself married with two children and the reality of being separated loomed each day. Their greatest free now reality exploded before Henry as he watched helplessly as his family was dragged away.

A man who found happiness from within and with his family, Henry became withdrawn and resolved to escape to freedom. His ingenious idea of mailing himself as cargo and with the assistance of a white doctor, Henry did just that.

Come along on this heart wrenching journey to freedom through the true story of Henry “Box” Brown. You’ll find your heartbeat racing for his safety.

Learn more about Ellen Levine at: http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/contributor.jsp?id=3318  
Visit illustrator, Kadir Nelson at:  http://www.kadirnelson.com  



Also, don't forget to stop by http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-pathway-celebrates-black-history_30.html and enter at your chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card.

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 ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval Recipient and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Book Review: Under the Quilt of Night by Deborah Hopkinson



Title:                Under the Quilt of Night
Written by:      Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrated by:  James E. Ransome
Soft cover:      40 pages
Ages:               5-10
Publisher:        Aladdin Paperbacks
ISBN:             978-0439750493
Published:       January 2005
Price:               $7.99


Unsaid words coupled with significant signs to safe houses unravel in this heartfelt story of a young black slave and her loved ones journey to freedom. From deep within slaves brought forth their bravery in their quest to freedom allowing them to trust many along the way. For without the assistance of those against slavery their dreams of freedom may have remained just that a dream.

“Then I see a woman walk through her yard wearing a plain dress. On her arm she carries a quilt to air. She hangs it over the fence, then looks to the woods, just once. I start with all my might. I know what to look for: in most quilts, center squares are red for home and hearth. But these centers are a dark, deep blue. This house hides runaways!”


The journey and success to freedom is greeted by the young slave girl’s glorious singing voice to the heavens. The story of Under the Quilt of Night will leave the reader with a warm quilt engulfing their thoughts of all slaves who journeyed to freedom. 
Learn more about Deborah Hopkinson at: http://www.deborahhopkinson.com     

Visit illustrator, James E. Ransome at:  http://www.jamesransome.com


Also, don't forget to stop by http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-pathway-celebrates-black-history_30.html and enter at your chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card.

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 ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval Recipient and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Book Review: If You Lived When There Was Slavery in America by Anne Kamma




Title:                If You Lived When There Was Slavery in America
Written by:      Anne Kamma
Illustrated by:  Pamela Johnson
Soft cover:      64 pages
Ages:               9-12
Publisher:        Scholastic
ISBN:             13: 978-0-439-56706-0
Published:       February 2004
Price:               $6.99

Imagine if you will being kidnapped at the age of eight and sold into slavery. Slavery? What is slavery you may ask? Slavery is when one person owns another and the slave must obey all orders from their owner. 

Slavery existed well before the first slaves arrived in Jamestown, the fist British settlement in America in 1607. Captured in Africa, over 20 million Africans were forced to travel in terrible conditions on the sea voyage aboard crowded ships, where disease and beatings ran rampant. Many did not survive the trip and for those who did faced a horrible life as a slave. 

If You Lived When There Was Slavery in America captures in fascinating detail the life of a slave and the deplorable circumstances they endured. Ms. Kamma presents the historical facts of slavery in easy to understand narrative and quotes from actual slaves. Blending the two into a journey back into time which the reader will NOT soon forget, thankfully so, because to have such a dreadful time to rear its ugly head again would be horrendous.  

Learn more about Anne Kamma at: http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/search?query=Anne Kamma    




Also, don't forget to stop by http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-pathway-celebrates-black-history_30.html and enter at your chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card.

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 ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval Recipient and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Friday, February 24, 2012

Book Review: Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson



Title:                Show Way
Written by:      Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by:  Hudson Talbott
Soft cover:      48 pages
Ages:               6-8
Publisher:        G.P. Putnam’s Sons
ISBN:              0-399-23749-6
Published:       September 2005
Price:               $16.99

The fabrics of our lives are woven through the generations with rich history to be shared. Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson is a heartwarming and heart wrenching story all at once about Soonie’s family and their plight across the generations in the quest for freedom. To learn of the struggles and successes individuals endured to ensure their eventual path to freedom has an inspiring stronghold across hundreds of years, one not to be forgotten.  
Immerse yourself in the elegant storytelling of Newberry Honor winner, Jacqueline Woodson, and be prepared to be mesmerized. 

The awe inspiring illustrations of Hudson Talbott will leave the reader emotionally satisfied.

Personal note: I had the thrilling opportunity to listen to Jacqueline Woodson speak at the NY Winter SCBWI Conference a few years ago where she read Show Way to the audience. Her writing is exhilarating while reading on your own, but to hear her in person is breathtaking. While I read, Show Way Ms. Woodson’s voice echoed through my mind bringing chills throughout. The experience will stay with me forever.  

To learn more about author, Jacqueline Woodson visit: http://www.jacquelinewoodson.com

Visit the fascinating world of Hudson Talbott at: http://www.hudsontalbott.com

Also, don't forget to stop by http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-pathway-celebrates-black-history_30.html and enter at your chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card.

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 ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval Recipient and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Book Review: D is for Drinking Gourd – An African American Alphabet by Nancy I. Sanders




Title: D is for Drinking Gourd – An African American Alphabet
Written by: Nancy I. Sanders
Illustrated by: E.B. Lewis
Soft cover: 36 pages
Ages: 4-8
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
ISBN: 13:978-1585362936
Published: September 2007
Price: $7.95

Without the steadfast belief of abolitionists to end slavery the United States of America would not be what it is today. D is for Drinking Gourd – An African American Alphabet brings forth the journey of freedom and accomplishments through the alphabet and rhyme. Each keyword featured is accompanied with a historical description to the particular era, teaching about this pivotal time in American history.

From abolitionists to Zion the reader will find themselves soaking up all that history has to offer in this delightful combination of history and illustrations.

The mesmerizing words of Nancy Sanders and awe inspiring illustrations of E.B. Lewis will have you reading D is for Drinking Gourd – An African American Alphabet over and over again. Run, don’t walk and purchase your copy today to find out what is in between A and Z.

Visit Nancy Sanders at http://www.nancyisanders.com/ to learn more about her fascinating writing career.

Visit the colorful world of illustrator, E.B Lewis at: http://www.eblewis.com/illustration/eblewis.html

Also, don't forget to stop by http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-pathway-celebrates-black-history_30.html and enter at your chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card.

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://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm ~ Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient & Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

The Book Snatchers reviews The Golden Pathway, an award-winning underground railroad children's book


Book Snatchers is a family effort of a mom and her children providing their honest feedback of the books they read together. How wonderful to get true insight into children's books through the eyes of children. I'm absolutely thrilled to share with you their reviews of The Golden Pathway http://booksnatchers.tbfreviews.net/2012/02/the-golden-pathway-book-review/.



Literary Specialist, Carol Fraser Hagen recently wrote a tribute post to Black History Month and included the importance of teaching our children about the Underground Railroad and used The Golden Pathway as an example. Please visit with Carol: http://www.carolfraserhagen.com/2012/02/15/black-history-month-learning-history-through-stories/



For the remainder of Black History Month, I will be featuring underground railroad children's books from various authors. I hope you come back and visit!

Also, don't forget to stop by http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-pathway-celebrates-black-history_30.html and enter at your chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card.

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

Monday, February 20, 2012

Mum Writes Reviews Award-winning Children's Book The Golden Pathway


In the continued celebration of Black History Month I'm thrilled to announce, Mum Writes reviews The Golden Pathway and offers FREE giveaway of The Golden Pathway with Teacher's Guide and Lap Book.

Visit Mum Writes, read and comment on her review and enter at your chance to win
http://www.mum-writes.com/2012/02/the-golden-pathway-by-donna-m-mcdine-a-review-a-giveaway/.




Also, don't forget to stop by http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-pathway-celebrates-black-history_30.html and enter at your chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card.

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

Friday, February 17, 2012

Celebrate Black History Month with award-winning children's author, Nancy I. Sanders


Let’s Celebrate Black History Month! I am thrilled to have Nancy I. Sanders visit The Golden Pathway today to share the highlights of writing D is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet through her inspiring and intriguing interview.  

Featured Book:

D is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet

By Nancy I. Sanders

Illustrated by E. B. Lewis

Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press

Author’s website: www.nancyisanders.com


Without further ado, an interview with Nancy I. Sanders:

Q: What was a highlight of writing this book?

A: After the manuscript was written and the art was done, the book went to printing. During that time, just several months before the book came out, my husband and sons and I took a trip back east to visit my mom, two of my sisters, and my brother. We were able to visit so many places I had researched for the book, including the Richard Allen Museum in Philadelphia. (See “F is for our Founding Fathers.”) It was Juneteenth, or June 19th on that day. When my family and I walked up to the Richard Allen museum, a reporter from the Philadelphia Inquirer stepped up to us and asked us to share why we chose to visit the museum on that holiday. We told her about the book and she interviewed us for her article. How exciting that was! It’s also hard to describe the feelings I felt as I toured the historic church and museum honoring this great man. Truly, Richard Allen was one of our country’s most influential Founding Fathers. I felt a little closer to the past and understood a lot more about our nation’s history that day.

Q: What letter of the alphabet was the most difficult to write?

A: Usually in an alphabet book it’s the Q or Z, but for me, one of the hardest letters to write was G. I just couldn’t get the poem to say what I wanted it to say and still rhyme with Great Migration. Finally, I was able to rhyme it with “education” and then everything fell into place.

Q: Which alphabet letters were your favorite to work on in this book?

A: There were so many favorites to write! Each time I remember the process, I pick a different favorite. When I wrote J is for Jazz, it was really fun! I listened to CDs of Ella Fitzgerald and even went to a local university to sit in one of their private rooms to watch a really old video of her performing. Her voice lets the listener float on clouds of joy. I also watched clips of Wynton Marsalis and how he told a story about Louis Armstrong. As a young man, Louis Armstrong played his trumpet for a jazz band on a steamboat trudging up and down the Mississippi River from New Orleans. Wynton Marsalis said said something like, “Just imagine if you were standing on the riverbank at night and heard the melodies of a beautiful trumpet come floating across the water to where you stood as the steamboat floated by.” It was this image that sparked the last line of the poem in J is for Jazz: “There’s a new song in the air!” 

Nancy is the children’s author of over 80 books including her forthcoming book, Frederick Douglass for Kids. To learn more about the children’s books Nancy has written about African American history, visit her site Bookzone at: http://nancysbookzone.wordpress.com/african-american-history 

Nancy, thank you for stopping by to celebrate Black History Month! It is always a delight to catch up with you and to get a glimpse into your illustrious writing career. Thank you!



Also, don't forget to stop by http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-pathway-celebrates-black-history_30.html and enter at your chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card.

Thank you for visiting!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Award-winning Underground Railroad Children's Book, The Golden Pathway reviewed by Penelope Col


I am pleased to share with you the most recent review of The Golden Pathway by teacher and children's book author, Penelope Cole:  

http://penelopeannecole.blogspot.com/2012/02/golden-pathway-by-donna-m-mcdine.html



About the reviewer: Ms. Cole is the author of Magical Matthew. One of her special joys is teaching children to read and love literature. She lives in Silicon Valley with her family, including their rescued cats and dogs. Along with keeping up with her daughter, family, friends, and pets, Ms. Cole enjoys reading, gardening, singing in the church choir, and the movies.



Also, don't forget to stop by http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-pathway-celebrates-black-history_30.html and enter at your chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card.

Thank you for visiting!

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

Monday, February 13, 2012

Zealot Readers reviews The Golden Pathway


I am delighted to share the latest review of The Golden Pathway by Zealot Readers http://zealotreaders.blogspot.in/2012/02/golden-pathway.html. Thank you Benu!

Zealot Readers is a group of book reviewers who provide the opportunity for authors to request a review of their book through their blog http://zealotreaders.blogspot.com/2011/09/contact-form-for-book-review.html. Their profiles may be reviewed at http://zealotreaders.blogspot.com/p/our-contributors.html.


Also, don't forget to stop by http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-pathway-celebrates-black-history_30.html and enter at your chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card.

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

Friday, February 10, 2012

The Children's Book Review interviews award-winning author, Donna McDine


I recently had the wonderful opportunity to be interviewed by Bianca Schulze of The Children's Book Review and invite you to stop by for a visit. Be prepared to stay for awhile, for you will surely enjoy surfing their website and getting to know many fabulous authors.

Donna's interview: http://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/weblog/2012/02/donna-m-mcdine-tackles-american-history.html

About The Children's Book Review:  Named one of the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) Great Web Sites for Kids, is a resource devoted to children’s literacy. We publish reviews and book lists of the best books for kids of all ages. We also produce author and illustrator interviews and share literacy based articles that help parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians to grow readers.

Thank you for your time and interest.



Also, don't forget to stop by http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-pathway-celebrates-black-history_30.html and enter at your chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card.

Thank you for visiting!

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

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Award-winning Underground Railroad children's book, The Golden Pathway - Book Review

Deb Hockenberry of The Bumpy Road to Publishing has read and reviewed The Golden Pathway in celebration of Black History Month. I invite you to visit and leave a comment at:

http://thebumpyroadtopublishing.blogspot.com/2012/02/golden-pathway.html


Also, don't forget to stop by http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-pathway-celebrates-black-history_30.html and enter at your chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card.

Thank you for visiting!




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

Monday, February 6, 2012

Maureen's Musings reviews The Golden Pathway


Hello,

I'm pleased to share with you 5 star book review rating of The Golden Pathway. We'd be delighted if you'd stop by for a visit:

http://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2012/02/golden-pathway-by-donna-m-mcdine.html

Be sure to leave your blog url so I can visit you.



Also, don't forget to stop by  http://thegoldenpathway.blogspot.com/2012/01/golden-pathway-celebrates-black-history_30.html and enter at your chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card.

Thank you for visiting!

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

Friday, February 3, 2012

Ella Johnson of Memorable Children Books & Gifts Celebrates Black History Month

Ella Johnson of Memorable Children Books & Gifts Celebrates Black History Month featuring a four book bundle giveaway February 1-15:

The Golden Pathway by Donna McDine

Priscilla and the Hollyhocks by Anne Broyles

The Soul of a Butterfly by Tia Capers

Somewhere in the Darkness by Walter Dean Myers

Visit today and enter at a chance to win:
http://mymcbooks.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/black-history-month-2012-giveaway-part-1-ends-feb-14th/

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

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

The Golden Pathway Celebrates Black History Month


Spark interest in your young muses about the Underground Railroad and discover the Educator’s Guide and Lapbook project in direct relation to Donna McDine’s award-winning book, The Golden Pathway. Both FREE with purchase of The Golden Pathway.

Book reviews of The Golden Pathway and other Underground Railroad children’s books, and Underground Railroad museum information will be shared throughout February.

Visit throughout the month of February and enter at a chance to win a $25 Starbucks gift card. Be sure to click the Read More at the end of of post to enter.

Looking forward to your visit!