Amy O'Quinn's, NWFCC Homeschooling Specialist article - "Using Picture Books to Introduce Sensitive Topics to Children"

I'm thrilled to share with you all, Amy O'Quinn's, NWFCC Homeschooling Specialist article - "Using Picture Books to Introduce Sensitive Topics to Children"
http://writingforchildrencenter.com/2011/04/08/using-picture-books-to-introduce-sensitive-topics-to-children/


What a surprise for me this is, since Amy incorporates my book, The Golden Pathway into her article.


Great way to end the week!


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

Celebrate e-Book Week ~ March 6-12, 2011

"E-BOOKS TURN 40! That's right - it's been forty years since Michael S. Hart created the first "e-book". For a more in-depth look at the history of e-books please see http://www.ebookweek.com/partners.html"

Be prepared to stay for awhile at this wonderful and in-depth website. The adventure continues....

In celebration of e-Book Week I'm thrilled to announce my children's historical fiction story book, The Golden Pathway is available in PDF e-Book format through immediate download or CD purchase at: http://guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm.

Thank you for your time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.


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

Tappan Library Visit Recap with Children's Author, Donna McDine

My visit at the Tappan Library, Tappan, NY recap.

On Monday, January 17, 2011 I visited the Tappan Library, Tappan, NY in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day when I presented my children's book The Golden Pathway.

Prior to showing the children and parents The Golden Pathway book trailer we chatted about what they knew about the Underground Railroad and provided them an opportunity to ask questions after reading them an excerpt of the book.
It was quite the lively conversation with a few of the older children expressing that they would do whatever it would take to help slaves reach freedom if they lived then.

Several more expressed interest in writing their own stories and I took this opportunity to talk to them about the Guardian Angel Kids Ezine http://www.guardian-angel-kids.com/ and their chance to submit their stories for publication consideration. The parents happily provided their email addresses to receive the submission guidelines. To see the excitement from the children with not only reading, but with writing too is an experience every children's author is thrilled to experience. I know I was!

I would also like to share with you the heartfelt feedback from several of the parents via email:

"Donna is adept at relating well to young children. Her book deals with an important subject and a difficult time in our history with grace and simplicity for young minds. The story comes alive through the characters' feelings so that all children can understand the courage and sacrifice by both David and Jenkins. The book would be a great tool for learning in schools." ~ S. Cama

"We were happy to attend your presentation on The Golden Pathway and thought you did an EXCELLENT job!! Brady had so many questions at the dinner table about the Underground Railroad, which made for very stimulating conversation!! Also, he was looking at the pictures in your book all evening long and is very excited for me to read it to him!! Congratulations!" ~  Amy Clarke, M.Ed.,
LiveFree Coaching and Personal Fulfillment Coach


"Donna's beautifully designed title about the underground railroad or 'the golden pathway' illustrates clearly for young readers the history of the deep-rooted racial divide in our nation. It helps our children grasp the significance of more modern tragedies like the assassination of Martin Luther King and serves as an outstanding complement to standard 2-6 grade course material about slavery, emancipation, and the perennial kindness across the color line. Donna's presentation at the Tappan Library needs to be replicated across schools and libraries. It speaks to listeners as young as Kindergarten and teaches children more than 'just a story' about the freeing of a slave - it teaches children about the importance and power of empathy that sprouts in childhood and grows with the person through adulthood." ~ Jill Gross, Librarian, Tappan Library (Tappan, NY)

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

Award-winning Children’s Author, Donna McDine Visits the Tappan Library, Tappan, NY – Monday, January 17 at 3 pm

M E D I A  R E L E A S E


CONTACT: Donna M. McDine
Children’s Author

Website: http://www.donnamcdine.com/  

Email: donna@donnamcdine.com
Phone: 845-721-7802


For Immediate Release

Award-winning Children’s Author, Donna McDine Visits the Tappan Library, Tappan, NY – Monday, January 17 at 3 pm

Tappan, New York – Join Donna M. McDine at the Tappan Library, Tappan, NY – Monday, January 17 at 3 pm when she presents her first children’s book, The Golden Pathway, August 2010, published by Guardian Angel Publishing. This historical fiction story book transports the reader back through time to the Underground Railroad.

As one young boy struggles to come to terms with his father’s beliefs and actions towards slaves, he pulls from deep within his soul, courage and determination he never knew existed. Will David’s attempts to save Jenkins come to fruition or does David get caught red handed in defying his Pa?

“David crept into the barn. His first attempts to help Jenkins hadn’t gone well. Jenkins cringed when he saw David. Over time, David gained Jenkins’ trust with promises that he was not there to harm him, but to help. Tonight the wounds from the whip were worse than ever. The welts looked as if caterpillars were stuck under the skin.”

Journey along as McDine puts forth her unique mesmerizing voice where the depths of emotions from the main character spill forth from the pages and has you spell bound from the onset.

Visit Guardian Angel Publishing – http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm for ordering information.

About the Author:
Donna McDine’s first story book, The Golden Pathway, placed in the top 100 of the Children’s/Young Adult category in the 77th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition, resulting in publication with Guardian Angel Publishing. Her articles and stories have been published in over 25 magazines and McDine has two more books under contract books with Guardian Angel Publishing.

###

Full Media Kit, Headshot, Book Cover Art and more are available upon request.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 by J. Aday Kennedy - The Golden Pathway

The Differently-abled writer, J. Aday Kennedy took the time out and read and book reviewed The Golden Pathway, which I'd like to share with you below.

David's Pa whips James savagely. He chances his Pa's wrath to administer first aid to a slave. David is afraid for Jenkins' safety. The possibility of what Pa might do is too much for him. He makes contact with people involved with the Underground Railroad. To learn how the story ends buy a copy today.



In Donna McDine's debut book witness a poignant depiction of the best and worst of humanity. The portrayal of the brutality dealt a slave and a white boy's sense of right and wrong are expertly exposed. K.C. Snider is a fine artist and each illustration is a masterpiece. The historical fiction picture book's succinct and imaginative story, coupled with the illustration are a buffet for readers of all ages. I highly recommend this book.

Visit J. Aday Kennedy to learn about her illustrious writing career:
http://www.jadaykennedy.com/
http://jadaykennedy.blogspot.com/

Home School Book Review of The Golden Pathway

HOME SCHOOL BOOK REVIEW



Book: The Golden Pathway
Author: Donna M. McDine
Illustrator: K. C. Snider
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing Inc., 2010


ISBN-13: 978-1-61633-081-1 (hardcover)
ISBN-10: 1616330813 (hardcover)
ISBN-13: 978-1-61633-088-0 (softcover)
ISBN-10: 1616330880 (softcover)
ISBN-13: 978-1-61633-082-8 (eBook)
ISBN-10: 1616330821 (eBook)
Related websites: http://www.donnamcdine.com/ (author), http://www.kcsniderart.com/ (illustrator), http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/ (publisher)
Language level: 1 (nothing objectionable)
Reading level: Ages 8-12
Rating: 5 stars (EXCELLENT)
Reviewed by Wayne S. Walker
For more information e-mail homeschoolbookreview@gmail.com
http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolbookreview
McDine, Donna M. The Golden Pathway (published in 2010 by Guardian Angel Publishing Inc., 12430 Tesson Ferry Rd. #186, St. Louis, MO 63128). David is a young boy who lives with his family on a cotton farm somewhere in a slave-holding state sometime before the Civil War. As the book opens, David is in his bedroom, clamping his hands over his ears in an attempt to block out the high-pitched screams from the barn. Then, after his Pa comes into the house and falls asleep, David sneaks out the window, goes to the barn, and washes the wounds on the back of the sixteen-year-old slave Jenkins whom Pa, who unfortunately likes to drink whiskey a lot, has beaten.
Jenkins wonders why David helps him and wants him to escape since he’s the property of David’s Pa, and David replies that it isn’t right what his Pa does. Jenkins points out that if David is caught helping him he’d be in trouble, but David responds, “It’s better than watchin’ you die a slow death.” The next day David wants to go to town with his Pa, but Pa won’t let him. However, the following day, David’s Ma sends him to town with Pa to buy a sack of flour. While there, he gets a secret message from the storekeeper, Mr. Stump, who is a “Quaker.” What is the message? And will it enable David to help Jenkins?

This story by author Donna M. McDine, with full-page, full-color illustrations by K. C. Snider, is an attention-grabbing way to introduce students to the fact that slavery once existed in this country and also illustrate how the “Underground Railroad” helped slaves to escape north so that they might gain their freedom. David is a sympathetic character who suffers his own abuse, verbal and emotional rather than physical, from his Pa who thinks he’s a sissy, but nevertheless exhibits caring concern for the well-being of Jenkins and also great courage in seeking a way to help him escape. I thought that it was especially noteworthy that as Jenkins got ready to leave, he pulled his old Bible from beneath the hay and put it into his sack. It is a great book.

http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolbookreview

Final Day of The Golden Pathway Virtual Book Tour

Thank you to one and all for your never ending support before and during The Golden Pathway virtual book tour.


The two month tour has flown by and today is the last day and celebration.

I'm hosted with two UNIQUE interviews at:

The Story Ideas Virtuoso is thrilled to be part of The Golden Pathway's virtual book tour at http://tinyurl.com/2fpr3p4

Donna McDine has come full circle with The Golden Pathway’s virtual book tour by VS Grenier at http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com/

If you are ever interested in being interviewed for my blog, please feel free to contact me privately at: donna@donnamcdine.com.  

Thank you!

Happy Halloween!

The Golden Pathway Virtual Book Tour Reaches the Homestretch

It's hard to believe that The Golden Pathway virtual book tour coordinated by Pump Up Your Book Promotion reaches the homestretch. The adventure of introducing David and Jenkins to the literary world has been a wonderful opportunity to meet so many advid readers I may have never met otherwise. Even though this portion of the journey will end on October 29, I'm anxious to keep their story swirling through cyberspace and into classrooms, libraries, and bookstores. So don't forget to check back for updates on appearances both vritually and in person.
Thank you to one and all for your never ending support and please follow along on the last stops, for when one's journey ends, another adventure awaits.

Monday, October 25

Book spotlighted at Book Tours and More

http://booktoursandmore.blogspot.com/


Thursday, October 28

Book reviewed at Thoughts in Progress
http://masoncanyon.blogspot.com/

Friday, October 29
Book reviewed at Book Reviews by Molly
http://reviewsbymolly.blogspot.com/
Guest blogging at SFC Blog: Families Matter

http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com/
Thank you for your time and interest!

How Can the Underground Railroad be a Golden Pathway, the Virtual Book Tour Continues September 27 – October 8, 2010

M E D I A R E L E A S E


CONTACT: Donna M. McDine
Children’s Author
Email: dmcdine@optonline.net
Phone: 845-721-7802

For Immediate Release

How Can the Underground Railroad be a Golden Pathway, the Virtual Book Tour Continues September 27 – October 8, 2010

The fun continues with The Golden Pathway (Guardian Angel Publishing) virtual book tour.

Title: The Golden Pathway
Written by: Donna McDine
Illustrated by: K.C. Snider
Ages: 8-12
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Hardcover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-081-1; 1616330813
Soft cover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-088-0; 1616330880
eBook: ISBN: 978-1-61633-082-8; 1616330821
Published: August 2010

Synopsis:

Be transported through time to the Underground Railroad, where high-pitched screams echo each night. David’s cruel Pa always chooses the same victim. Despite the circumstances during slavery, David uncovers the courage to defy his Pa. Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David attempts to lead Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.

Virtual Book Tour stops the week of September 27-October 8, 2010:

Monday, September 27

Book reviewed at The Story of a Writer – http://beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com/

Book reviewed at Lori Calabrese’s Blog - http://loricalabrese.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, September 28

Interviewed at Lori Calabrese’s Blog - http://loricalabrese.blogspot.com/

Thursday, September 30

Book reviewed at The Crypto-Capers Review – http://cryptocaperseries.blogspot.com/
Book reviewed at My Favorite Things – http://edna-myfavoritethings.blogspot.com/

Monday, October 4

Interviewed at Beyond the Books – http://beyondthebooks.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, October 5

Book reviewed at 4 the Love of Books – http://myheartbelongs2books.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, October 6

Guest blogging at Writing Daze – http://rebeccasnotebook.blogspot.com/
Thursday, October 7

Book reviewed at Just One More Paragraph – http://tweezlereads.blogspot.com/

Friday, October 8

Book reviewed at Debbie’s Book Bag – http://debsbookbag.blogspot.com/

Donna will check in throughout the day at each location to interact with the visitors to field any comments and/or questions. Take this wonderful opportunity to show your support and ask your questions.

Each stop is UNIQUE so please check-in daily through October 29, 2010 at http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/ to see where Ms. McDine will pop up next.
Thank you in advance for your interest and support.

###

Full Media Kit, Headshot, Book Cover Art and more are available upon request.

The Golden Pathway Continues to Coast through Cyberspace – Sept 20-24, 2010

The fun continues with The Golden Pathway (Guardian Angel Publishing) virtual book tour.

Virtual Book Tour stops the week of September 20-24, 2010:

Monday, September 20:

Lynn’s Corner http://lynnmcmo.com/

Guest Post: “The Brick and Hopefully Crumbling Wall of Parenting and Writing”

Tuesday, September 21:

Lynn’s Corner http://lynnmcmo.com/

Book Review

Wednesday, September 22:

Review from Here http://reviewfromhere.com/

Guest Post: “How to Avoid the Feeling of Isolation by Conducting Author Visits:

Thursday, September 23:

The Writer’s Life http://thewriterslife.blogspot.com/

Author Interview

Friday, September 24:

Chrissy’s World of Books http://chrissysworldofbooks.blogspot.com/

Book Review

Donna will check in throughout the day at each location to interact with the visitors to field any comments and/or questions. Take this wonderful opportunity to show your support and ask your questions.

Each stop is UNIQUE so please check-in daily through October 29, 2010 at http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/ to see where Ms. McDine will pop up next.

Thank you in advance for your interest and support.

###

Full Media Kit, Headshot, Book Cover Art and more are available upon request.

It's official!! The Golden Pathway is NOW available

It's official!! The Golden Pathway is NOW available:

Title: The Golden Pathway

Written by: Donna McDine

Illustrated by: K.C. Snider

Ages: 8-12

Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.

Hardcover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-081-1; 1616330813

Soft cover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-088-0; 1616330880

eBook: ISBN: 978-1-61633-082-8; 1616330821

Published: August 2010

Synopsis:
Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by his Pa. Fighting against extraordinary times and beliefs, David leads Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.

Author: Donna McDine http://www.donnamcdine.com/ 

Artist: K. C. Snider http://www.kcsniderart.com/

Ordering information:

Guardian Angel Publishing: http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Pathway-Donna-M-McDIne/dp/1616330880/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1282836673&sr=1-1 

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: 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/.

Book Review ~ D is for Drinking Gourd: An African American Alphabet

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

Book Review ~ Henry's Freedom Box - A True Story from the Underground Railroad

Title: Henry’s Freedom Box ~ A True Story from the Underground Railroad

Written by: Ellen Levine

Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson

Soft cover: 40 pages

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/

Reviewed by Donna M. McDine

Book Review ~ Under the Quilt of Night

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/

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

The awe inspiring illustrations of Hudson Talbott will leave the reader emotionally satisfied. Visit the fascinating world of Hudson Talbott at: http://www.hudsontalbott.com/.

Personal note: I had the thrilling opportunity to listen to Jacqueline Woodson speak at the NY Winter SCBWI Conference in January 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.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

The history of the Underground Railroad is a fascinating and heart wrenching time in American History. Beyond the scope of children’s books about the Underground Railroad I’m going to begin offering up suggestions of blogs, websites, and museums you may find interesting in your quest to learn more about this critical time.

The first on my journey is the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center at: http://www.freedomcenter.org/about-us/. It is my hope to some day visit this captivating museum. In the meantime, I have immersed myself in their spellbinding website. Come along with me through cyberspace and learn about the past and unfortunate present day time issues of slavery.

Book Review: Th Patchwork Path ~ A Quilt Map to Freedom by Bettye Stroud

Title: The Patchwork Path ~ A Quilt Map to Freedom

Written by: Bettye Stroud

Illustrator: Erin Susanne Bennett

Soft cover: 32 pages

Ages: 4-8

Publisher: Candlewick Press

ISBN: 978-07636-3519-0

Published: January 2005

Price: $16.99

The Patchwork Path ~ A Quilt Map to Freedom is a historical fictional account of 10-year-old Hannah and her father’s quest for freedom. The places and hidden passageways intertwined in Hannah’s story are actual locations, many still standing today.

Signs were everywhere to ensure the safe passage of slaves to freedom. Lanterns in windows and code words the most common. One of the most ingenious signs was the use of quilts. Quilt makers would make each square with a specific message. Only those familiar with them would understand the significance. To the untrained eye it looked like an ordinary quilt. Hannah’s mother knew the time would come that their own quilt would guide Hannah to safety. The quilting skills Hannah’s mother taught her prior to her death was instrumental in Hannah and her father’s safety, providing a connection to her mother even in death.

Children’s author, Bettye Stroud expertly brings to life of 10-year-old Hannah’s escape to freedom where you can feel the pounding of the rain on your back and the howl of the wind in your ears. There is no wonder The Patchwork Path ~ A Quilt Map to Freedom has been bestowed with multiple awards.

Visit the wonderful world of children’s author, Bettye Stroud at http://www.bettyestroud.com/