The Golden Pathway

Consolidating Blog Efforts

2012-05-18T12:13:00.002-04:00

In an effort to consolidate my blogging efforts and now that I have four additional children's books under contract I've decided to maintain one blog. At the beginning of my writing career I started Write What Inspires You! and I will continue to blog there about the children's publishing industry and my own books.

For now I will keep The Golden Pathway blog live.

If you are not already a follower or visitor of Write What Inspires You! I would be delighted for you to follow and/or visit with me there.

Thanks for your understanding.

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

Children's Book Week 2012: Join The Golden Pathway in the Celebration at Write What Inspires You

2012-05-03T13:33:00.001-04:00

Children's Book Week: Celebrate with Guardian Angel Publishing Authors ~ May 7-13, 2012

Established in 1919, Children's Book Week is the longest-running literacy initiative in the country. Each year, books for young people and the joy of reading are feted for a full week with author and illustrator appearances, storytelling, parties, and other book-related events at schools, libraries, bookstores, museums, and homes from coast to coast!

Visit Guardian Angel Publishing authors via their blogs as they celebrate Children's Book Week. Each stop includes special topics of discussion: teaching writing and grammar using children’s books, road to publication, professional critiques, educator guides, Skype and in-person author visits, what’s selling in children’s non-fiction, writing narrative non-fiction, interviews, book reviews, individual book information, and so much more.

Enter at a chance to win two prizes:

· One FREE Picture Book Manuscript Critique by Margot Finke

· One FREE tote bag of children's books from the participating authors

Visit May 7-13, 2012 and enter at a chance to win by commenting, GFC Follower, and/or become a Facebook Fan or Friend at each of the author blogs.

Guardian Angel Publishing Author Blogs:

Mayra Calvani - www.mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com

Margo Dill - www.margodill.com/blog

Margot Finke – www.hookkidsonreading.blogspot.com

Donna McDine - www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com

Nancy Stewart - www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com

Kai Strand - www.kaistrand.blogspot.com

Nicole Weaver - www.mysisterismybestfriend.blogspot.com

About the authors:

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults. Her children’s picture books include Crash, The Magic Violin, Humberto, the Bookworm Hamster, Frederico, the Mouse Violinist, The Doll Violinist, The Water Cycle: Water Play Series Book I and the upcoming The Fox in the Night. She’s had over 300 reviews, articles, stories and interviews published online and in print. She’s represented by Mansion Street Literary Management.

Margo L. Dill is a freelance writer, editor, and teacher, living in St. Louis, Missouri. Her work has appeared in publications such as Grit, Pockets, Missouri Life, ByLine Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, True Love, On the Line, Fun for Kidz, and The News-Gazette. She is a columnist, instructor, and contributing editor for WOW! Women On Writing. She writes weekly book reviews for The News-Gazette (Champaign, IL). Her first book, Finding My Place, a middle-grade historical novel, will be published by White Mane Kids in 2012. She also has a picture book accepted by Guardian Angel Publishing and another by High Hill Press.

Margot Finke is an Aussie transplant who writes midgrade adventure fiction and rhyming picture books. For many years she has lived in Oregon with her husband and family. She has 11 books published so far. Gardening, travel, and reading fill in the cracks between writing. Her husband is very supportive, though not interested in children's books . Their three children are now grown and doing very well. Margot didn't begin serious writing until the day their youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot said, "I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs. You are my heroes! "

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, The Golden Pathway, an historical fiction story book about the Underground Railroad. Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Donna has three more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, Hockey Agony, Powder Monkey, and A Sandy Grave. She writes, moms and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids, Publicist for the Working Writer’s Club, and owner of Author PR Services.

Nancy Stewart is the bestselling and award winning author of the four Bella and Britt Series books for children. Her newest book, Katrina and Winter: Partners in Courage, is the biography of Katrina Simpkins with Winter, the dolphin. All are published by Guardian Angel Publishing. She is a frequent speaker and presenter at writing conferences throughout the United States. A blogger with a worldwide audience, she writes of all things pertaining to writing for children.

Kai Strand writes fiction for children and young adults. Her debut title, The Weaver, was a finalist in the EPIC eBook Awards. Her upcoming titles, Save The Lemmings! and The Wishing Well, Another Weaver Tale, will be released in 2012. Links to current and upcoming short stories can be found on her website. You can find book related downloads and more information about Kai and her writing at www.kaistrand.com.

Nicole Weaver was born in Port-au-Prince Haiti. She came to the United States when she was ten years old. She is fluent in Creole, French, Spanish, and English. She is a veteran teacher of French and Spanish. Her second children’s trilingual book, My Sister is My Best Friend was published by Guardian Angel Publishing, November 2011. She is also the author of a children’s trilingual picture book, Marie and Her Friend the Sea Turtle. The story is about a Haitian girl who resides by the beach in Haiti.

We look forward to your visit. Thank you and good luck!

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

A to Z Challenge 2012

2012-04-17T12:29:00.000-04:00

Join me in the fun Blogging A to Z Challenge 2012 at my blog Write What Inspires You www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com for the month of April.

Hope you can join me and over 1,000 bloggers while we blog our way through the alphabet!

Thank you!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Award-winning Children's Author
The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
www.guardianangelpublishing.com/pathway.htm ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval Recipient and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

Happy Easter

2012-04-08T00:01:00.000-04:00

Easter Sunday Prayer

God our Father,

by raising Christ your Son

you conquered the power of death

and opened for us the way to eternal life.

Let our celebration today raise us up

and renew our lives by the Spirit that is within us.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

http://prayer-and-prayers.info/catholic-prayers/easter-sunday-prayer.htm

Wishing you all a Blessed Easter!

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

Blogging A to Z Challenge

2012-03-29T20:30:00.000-04:00

Join me in the fun Blogging A to Z Challenge 2012 at my blog Write What Inspires You www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com for hte month of April.

Hope you can join me and over 1,000 bloggers while we blog our way through the alphabet!

Thank you!

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

And the Winner of the $25 PayPal payment is...

2012-03-24T15:22:00.000-04:00

I'm pleased to announce the winner of the $25 PayPal payment for following along and entering at a chance to win during my Working Writer's Club Virtual Book for The Golden Pathway...

Mayra Calvani

Congratulations!

Thank you one and all who visited with me during my tour and left such heartwarming words of support.

All the best,

Online Book Promotion - On the Go with Donna McDine, award-winning children's author

2012-03-23T00:01:00.003-04:00

The week has flown by and I've enjoyed every stop on my 5-day Working Writer's Club Virtual Book Tour, but the fun is not finished. Visit with me today at freelance writer, Billie A. Williams' blog http://printedwords.blogspot.com today, Friday, March 23rd as I conclude my tour. I've participated in various events and workshops since The Golden Pathway was published in August 2010 and I'd like to take the time out to share those events with you.

Don't forget to stop by and enter at your chance to win a $25 PayPal payment.

The winner will be announced Monday, March 26th.

Thank you, I appreciate your support!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Online Book Promotion for award-winning Underground Railroad children's book, The Golden Pathway

2012-03-22T00:01:00.000-04:00

I'm delighted to have Faye Levow of Launch Pad Publishing www.launchpadpublishing.com/apps/blog host me today on the 4th day of my Working Writer's Club Virtual Book Tour. I'll be discussing writing tips in my latest stop.

I invite you to stop by for a visit and enter at a chance to win a $25 PayPal payment.

Thank you!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Online Book Promotion through Virtual Book Tour: The Golden Pathway by Donna McDine

2012-03-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

The cyberspace book promotion fun continues with my guest post at Suzanne Lieurance's blog www.suzannelieurance.com on Wednesday, March 21st as I discuss the importance of Educator's Guides and what one can do for your children's book promotion.

Please visit today and enter at a chance to win a $25 PayPal payment.

Thank you for your time and interest!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Online Book Promotion for The Golden Pathway by Donna McDine

2012-03-20T00:01:00.002-04:00

Day 2 of my Working Writer's Club Virtual Book Tour continues at Mayra Calvani's blog http://mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com/2012/03/writers-life-with-childrens-author_20.html on Tuesday, March 20th where I share what my writing life is like.

Be sure to stop by and enter at your chance to win a $25 PayPal payment.

Thank you for your time and interest!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Virtual Book Tour Kicks off Today - The Golden Pathway

2012-03-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

I am pleased to invite you to join me on my 5-day Working Writer's Club Virtual Book Tour: March 19-23, 2012 for my award-winning Underground Railroad children's book, The Golden Pathway.
Today, I will be visiting with freelance writer Irene S. Roth - www.rothsinspiringbooksandproducts.wordpress.com.
I'd be delighted if you'd stop by for a visit while I discuss how I became a children's author and what inspired me to write The Golden Pathway.

Each day will cover a different topic of my children's author career, writing and educator guide tips. For the 5-day virtual book tour, visitors will have the opportunity to enter at a chance to win a $25 PayPal payment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Author School Visits: Bardonia Elementary School Wrap-up

2012-03-15T11:07:00.000-04:00

Last week was an absolutely exhilarating experience at Bardonia Elementary School. From the moment I stepped through the doors at the school I was welcomed with open arms. The administrative staff, teachers, and students made it for a most pleasant week of author workshops. Each workshop was curtailed to the specific grade level to ensure the best level of interest and participation. A sample of each workshop:

Workshop – K-1: Meet the author, where story ideas come from, and Q&A - The session began with a brief introduction and showing of The Golden Pathway book trailer followed by reading The Golden Pathway with student participation of holding up poster sized illustrations correlating to each page. The youngsters enjoyed taking part in displaying the illustrations and the chat after reading the book was indeed a lively discussion. The students asked intriguing questions and I in turn engaged the students in asking them questions about their lives.

Workshop – Grade 2: Meet the Author, Language Arts, and Q&A - The session began with a brief introduction and showing of The Golden Pathway book trailer followed by reading The Golden Pathway with student participation of holding up poster sized illustrations correlating to each page. We continued with a discussion on the different code words utilized to run the Underground Railroad and why the code words were necessary. The second graders concluded the session with the Underground Railroad Word Search puzzle and questions.

Workshop – Grade 3: Meet the Author, What Happens Next, and Q&A - The session began with a brief introduction, showing of The Golden Pathway book trailer, and the students took turns reading The Golden Pathway. The students then participating in group breakout sessions to brainstorm and develop a new ending or what happens next in The Golden Pathway. After about 10 minutes each group shared their “new ending” or “what happened next” with the class.

The students from kindergarten through third grade received a certificate of participation and The Golden Pathwaybookmark.

WORKSHOP – Grade 4 & 5: Meet the Author, Journal Writing, and Q&A - The session began with a brief introduction and showing of The Golden Pathway book trailer followed by reading an excerpt and discussion as to what the students know about the Underground Railroad. Each student was then presented with a pocket journal and pen and was asked to write a journal entry from the point of view of a runaway slave. Such as:

· Why did slaves run away?

· How hard was the escape?

· What dangers did the slaves face?

· Where do they hope to go?

The students then shared their journal entry with the class. The students will keep their new pocket journals and pens. Each journal entry was astounding.

The week flew by! The schedule worked seamlessly and the interaction and engagement from the youngest students through the 5th grade provided me with wonderful insights to the creative minds of our young muses.

If you are a teacher or school representative interested in discussing a school visit, please contact me at donna@donnamcdine.com. Knowing the tight budget constraints school operate under each school visit fee is negotiated to the specific school budget.

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

Bardonia Elementary School Visit - Donna McDine

2012-03-02T11:03:00.000-05:00

Writing can be a solidatory working life and what better way to interact with our readers than through Author School Visits?

I'm delighted to be invited to Bardonia Elementary School for a week long author visit to conduct various workshops with grades Kindergarten through 5th. Each workshop is curtailed to the grade level and is based on my award-winning underground railroad children's book, The Golden Pathway.

I'm looking forward to meeting and interacting with over 400 students throughout the week. I will be offline next week and I look forward to sharing my experience the week of March 11th.

Thank you!

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

The Golden Pathway Black History Month Celebration announces winner

2012-03-01T10:28:00.000-05:00

Thank you one and all for visiting The Golden Pathway to join in the celebration fun of Black History Month.

Cory P. is the winner of the $25 Starbucks Gift Card. Cory I've sent you an email, kindly please respond with your snail mail address.

Have a wonderful day!

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

Thank you for Visiting The Golden Pathway during Black History Month

2012-02-29T00:01:00.002-05:00

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

Book Review: January's Sparrow by Patricia Polacco

2012-02-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

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.

Book Review: Henry's Freedom Box by Ellen Levine

2012-02-27T00:01:00.004-05:00

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

Book Review: Under the Quilt of Night by Deborah Hopkinson

2012-02-26T00:01:00.001-05:00

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

2012-02-25T00:01:00.002-05:00

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

Visit illustrator, Pamela Johnson at: http://www.portfoliosolutionsllc.com/artists/johnson_p.html

Book Review: Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson

2012-02-24T00:01:00.002-05:00

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

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

2012-02-23T00:01:00.009-05:00

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

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

2012-02-22T00:01:00.016-05:00

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

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

2012-02-20T10:36:00.000-05:00

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

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

2012-02-17T00:01:00.001-05:00

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

Book’s website: http://drinkinggourdalphabet.wordpress.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

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

2012-02-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

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