Kindle Edition Amazon Donna McDine, Award-winning children's author Amazon Donna McDine, award-winning children's author Category:  Children Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ISBN-10:  1616330880 Pages: 24 Copyright: August 12, 2010 ISBN-13: 9781616330880 Price: $5.00 (eBook) Raised in a hostile environment where abuse occurs daily, David attempts to break the mold and befriends the slave, Jenkins, owned by 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 leads Jenkins to freedom with no regard for his own safety and possible consequences dealt out by his Pa.       Excerpt David grabbed his boots and with shaky hands slid them on. HIs small size made it easy to hoist himself out his bedroom window and shimmy down the trellis.

The Golden Pathway reviewed by Colleen Turner of Historical Tapestry
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
Reviewed by: Colleen Turner – Historical Tapestry
~ http://historicaltapestry.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-golden-pathway-blog-tour-review.html


Impressions in Ink Reviews The Golden Pathway
I love stories where the protagonist rises above mediocrity, or status-quo, or standard culture, and takes a stand for justice. David is a youth, and it takes courage to help those who have no voice, in order rescue an individual and even an entire race of people. David's heart is kind and thoughtful, he is respectful of people, but does not hesitate despite fear to do the right thing.

The Golden Pathway is both a historical story and a teaching story. It teaches a child they can make a difference and not just when they become a grown-up. Further, it teaches the importance of character, wisdom, and the kind of legacy we leave.

I loved the illustrations. Once again, as in the previous book by the author/illustrator, the facial expressions and postures of the people tell the story (without using words).
Reviewed by Annette: Impressions in Ink ~ http://impressionsinink.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-golden-pathaway-by-donna-m-mcdine.html


Evie Seo - Amazon's Top 1000 Reviewer Reviews The Golden Pathway
Meaningful, inspiring and moving, The Golden Pathway is a beautiful historical book for children ages 8-12. It's an important addition to every child's bookshelf, as it will help teach your kid about diversity, courage, compassion and doing the right thing.

The book is about two boys - two very different boys - and their unlikely friendship. David is the son of a cruel and mean drunk. Jenkins is an African American teenage boy who is owned by David's father (in other words, he is a slave). Though often mistreated and called "a sissy" by his father, David knows the difference between right and wrong, and is brave enough to stand up for his beliefs. Appalled by his father's cruel behavior and violence towards his young slaves, he's determined to help Jenkins escape to safety. He's willing to risk his father's wrath and his own safety, to help his friend. His compassion and understanding of social injustice, as well as his determination to fight against it, is something truly remarkable and inspiring, especially considering his very young age. This book made a huge impression on me, making The Golden Pathway an essential part of my daughter's book collection. It's a story that I'm sure will inspire and affect her just as much as it inspired and affected me.

Historically accurate, The Golden Pathway mentions the famous Underground Railway that helped many African Americans escape to freedom. It also mentions Quakers who firmly believed that no one should ever be able to claim another human being as property, and who - thanks to their persistence and fierce dedication to the cause - helped make a difference.

Through Donna McDine's accessible writing and K.C. Snider's gorgeous illustrations, The Golden Pathway tells a powerful tale of finding strength to help those in need, even if it means risking our own safety. A story about doing what is right and making a difference. A story of bravery and dedication that is sure to inspire kids all around the world and help shape them into courageous, admirable people.

Reviewed by Evie Seo: Amazon Top 1000 Reviewer