The Golden Pathway Blog Tour: Review

Written By: Donna McDine
Illustrated by: K.C. Snider
Publication Date: August 12, 2010
Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Genre: Historical Fiction/Children’s Fiction (Ages 8-12)

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.

So What Did I Think About The Story?:

As with Ms. McDine's story Powder Monkey, my 9 year-old son and I read The Golden Pathway in one sitting, drawn into the story from the very first page. The bravery and kindness displayed by David is remarkable and I was happy to find the main character doing what he felt was right in such a horrible situation and being such an inspiring example for my son. We had quite the conversation when the story was over, discussing the difference between doing what your parents tell you (which is what my son has been taught) and doing what is right when a parent just so happens to be doing something very bad. I always enjoy when a book prompts these sorts of discussion and between this and the discussion of slavery we spent a while talking about David and Jenkins and their journey as well as the historic context of slavery, the underground railroad, etc.

I enjoyed the illustrations very much and found that they very accurately depict the high emotion and drama going on in the story. The colors are bright and draw the eye to them, and having a picture on every other page makes for a visual adventure as much as the story lead us on a written one.

After finishing this story as well as Powder Monkey my son's biggest complaint was that they were both very sad and, at times, scary (he did not like hearing about the slaves or David getting beaten!). While we talked about the fact that many aspects of life and history are not happy I think in the future I will intersperse heavy stories such as these with some more light-hearted fare.  Even so, we both enjoyed the story and I especially enjoyed the long discussions that came after!

So What Did I Think About The Cover?:

I enjoyed it, although given the tension running throughout the short story I would probably have preferred a more anxious picture...maybe David whispering the Jenkins with a shadow cast over them!

My Rating: 4.0/5.0

Thank you to Amy at Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for providing me with a free copy of The Golden Pathway in exchange for an honest review! Be sure to continue below for more information about the author and the book tour.

Praise For The Golden Pathway

“The Golden Pathway is a tale of compassion and courage. This book earns the Children’s Literary Classics Seal of Approval, a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children’s Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.” –Literary Classics Book Awards & Reviews

“The Golden Pathway is written specifically for children 8-12 years old and is written perfectly to their level of understanding. It is easy to comprehend and the plot flows smoothly. The illustrations are beautifully depicted and complement the wording immensely. I found this story to be powerful, inspiring and something that will provide children with a valuable lesson about slavery and freedom as part of American History. I can see this book also providing a valuable tool for children to ask questions and bring about important conversation. I feel strongly that this book is a must read for all children ages 8 and up.” –Rita V., Readers Favorite

“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. It is a great book.” –Wayne S. Walker, Home School Book Review

“Donna M. McDine is an award winning children’s author and it comes through in the book. The way she has handled such a delicate and emotional subject is really good. She has given a good twist to the tale in the end. The story imparts an important message to the children, of being courageous and yet compassionate towards fellow human beings. At the same time the story makes the children realize the plight people went through in those times.” -Benu Bali, Zealot Readers

Buy The Book

Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Amazon (Kindle)
Amazon (Print)
Autographed Copies
Wholesale Orders

About The Author

Donna McDine is a multiple award-winning children’s author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions, A Sandy Grave ~ Story Monster Approved and Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, The Golden Pathway ~ Literary Classics Silver Award & Seal of Approval Recipient Picture Book Early Reader, Readers
Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention, Global eBook Awards Finalist Children’s Picture Book Fiction, and Preditors & Editors Readers Poll 2010 Top Ten Children’s Books.

Her interest in ocean life resulted in writing and publishing A Sandy Grave (January 2014). Other books by McDine, Powder Monkey (May 2013), Hockey Agony (January 2013) and The Golden Pathway (August 2010). A fifth book is in the publishing pipeline with Guardian Angel Publishing. She writes and moms from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators.

For more information please visit Donna McDine’s website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

The Golden Pathway Blog Tour

Monday, August 25

Review at What Is That Book About

Tuesday, August 26

Spotlight at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time

Wednesday, August 27

Interview & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books

Friday, August 29

Review at 100 Pages a Day – Stephanie’s Book Reviews

Wednesday, September 3

Review at Bookish

Thursday, September 4

Review at A Bibliotaph’s Reviews

Friday, September 5

Review at Book Nerd
Review at A Leisure Moment

Monday, September 8

Review at Beth’s Book Nook
Review at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Thursday, September 11

Review at Impressions in Ink
Review at Historical Tapestry

Friday, September 12

Review at Just One More Chapter

Wednesday, September 17

Review & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages