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I'm approaching the letter "H" a bit differently in celebration of the A to Z 2015 Challenge. Today, I'm sharing you the Story Behind the Book via video...


Thanks for visiting!

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Best wishes,
Donna M. McDine
Multi Award-winning Children's Author

Ignite curiosity in your child through reading!

Connect with Donna McDine on Google+

A Sandy Grave ~ January 2014 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ 2014 Purple Dragonfly 1st Place Picture Books 6+, Story Monster Approved, Beach Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Powder Monkey ~ May 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

Hockey Agony ~ January 2013 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ New England Book Festival Honorable Mention 2014, Story Monster Approved and Reader's Favorite Five Star Review

The Golden Pathway ~ August 2010 ~ Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. ~ Literary Classics Silver Award and Seal of Approval, Readers Favorite 2012 International Book Awards Honorable Mention and Dan Poynter's Global e-Book Awards Finalist

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Author Showcase

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 4, 2012

Donna McDine is an award-winning children’s author. Her stories, articles, and book reviews have been published in over 100 print and online publications. Her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. 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 from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY.

TCBR: Can you share a little on your background and how you became a children’s book writer?

Donna M. McDine: I was at a crossroads in my professional career longing to challenge myself outside of computers. At that time I came across the Institute of Children’s Literature aptitude test in a magazine and I took the plunge and completed it. I was happily accepted and graduated from the Writing for Children and Teenagers course in 2007 and haven’t looked back since.

What inspired you to write The Golden Pathway?

I have always been intrigued by American history and I live in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY – which was an integral part of the American Revolution.

What age group did you write the book for?

The Golden Pathway is written for ages 8-12. After discussing curriculum needs with several middle-grade teachers, they all expressed interest in books with illustrators for the visual learners in their classrooms.

Slavery is a topic that can make many people uncomfortable. However, it is a topic that certainly requires attention and discussion and should be approached with sensitivity. What was your approach when telling this particular story?

Even though the main character in the story is a boy, I wrote The Golden Pathway with my daughter in mind. She had come across a television documentary of human trafficking and it shocked her (please know she was 13 at the time). In discussing the documentary our conversation evolved into African slavery. And from there I took her feelings on the subject matter and it flowed into the story.

What would you say is the most important lesson that readers will take away from reading your book?

Children can make a difference even if an adult around them is negative. 

The main character, David, is extremely brave considering the era in which he was raised. From where do you think he draws his inner strength?

From his upbringing by his mother, she taught him how to be sensitive to other people’s needs and he just knew what was right and what was wrong.

You have received Honorable Mentions in the 77th and 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions. What does it mean to you to have received these honors?

These awards provided me with the confidence in my writing to keep going and not to let rejection get in the way of the next story fighting to get o

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Author Showcase

By Donna M. McDine, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: February 2, 2012

 A Story of Friendship and Courage

A young boy befriends an abused slave

and defies his father to help his new friend attain freedom

(TAPPAN, NEW YORK) – The Golden Pathway is a richly illustrated work of historical fiction that allows children to comprehend the horror of slavery as well as the courage of the people who risked their lives to help slaves escape via the Underground Railroad. Told from a child’s perspective, the story begins with David, who is 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.

Additional resources at the end of the book include a glossary of the code words used and a list of websites with information about the Underground Railroad.

About the author: Donna McDine is an award-winning children’s author, with Honorable Mentions in the 77th and 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions. Her stories have been published in many print and online publications and her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna has two more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, The Hockey Agony and Powder Monkey. Learn more at www.donnamcdine.com.

What they’re saying about The Golden Pathway:

“Once children have read about David and the part he played in the Underground Railroad, they’ll be eager to find other stories to enhance what they’ve learned in The Golden Pathway.”

~ Beverly Stowe McClure, author of Rebel in Blue Jeans, Just Breeze, and Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines

Title: The Golden Pathway

Author: Donna M. McDine

Genre: Children 8-12/Historical Fiction

ISBN: 978-1-61633-081-1 paperback; 978-1-61633-082-8 ebook

Publication Date: August 2010

Pages: 26

Price: $9.95 paperback; $5.00 ebook

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

Website: http://www.donnamcdine.com

The Author Showcase is a place for authors and illustrators to gain visibility for their works. This article was provided by the author. Learn more …

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

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Reviewed by Donna M. McDine

Title: Emily the Chickadee ~ Emily Waits for Her Family
Written by: Carol Zelaya
Illustrated by: Kristin Metcalf
Ages: 4-8
Publisher: Richlee Publishing
ISBN: 13-978-0-9796265-0-0
Published: April 2008

Come along for a glorious adventure with nature in the Emily the Chickadee series. Author Carol Zelaya writes in perfect rhyme to bring Emily’s story to life. The inspiring friendship and bond forged between human and chickadee will leave you yearning for your own connection with nature. Paired with Kristen Metcalf’s colorful illustrations, you will enjoy reading about Emily over and over again.

Each book is accompanied with a chickadee log to encourage the reader to go on his own nature adventure. Take the time today and explore all that nature has to offer. I’m sure you will be happy you did.

Zelaya writes from the heart and shares a delightful true story like none other. Visit her today at www.emilythechickadee.com.

Illustrator Kristin Metcalf’s artistic ability will have you memorized from the onset. Visit her today at www.metcalfstudios.com

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Reviewed by Donna M. McDine for the National Writing for Children Center

Title: The Cupid Chronicles
Author: Coleen Murtagh Paratore
Ages: 9 – 13
Publisher: Aladdin Mix
ISBN: 978-1-4169-5484-2
Published: January 2008

Willa Havisham lives on Cape Cod and is afraid the library in her town of Bramble may close so she enlists the help of town residents to make sure the library stays open. She arranges brainstorming meetings to decide what to do. Willa’s best friend, Tina, comes up with the idea to conduct compatibility tests for every girl in school to find the “perfect date” for the Midwinter Night’s Ball fundraiser.

Willa’s crush on Joseph Frances Kennelly, aka JFK, plays an important role in the Willa and Tina’s fundraising plans. Not only will they attempt to save the library, but they may be able to get Joseph and Willa paired up.

“The Buoy Boys sound like fog horns, but they could be lip-synching sand and it wouldn’t matter. The girls are knocking each other over to get in closer. Tina used to have a crush on Jessie, before Tanner McGee. JFK, where are you?”

Sometimes the best laid plans can go awry. The planning of Willa and Tina may solve the closing of the library, but can Willa keep Joseph interested in her beyond their campaign to save the Bramble Library?

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Visit www.coleenparatore.com to learn more about Coleen Murtagh Paratore’s public appearances and writing projects.

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Donna McDine began writing for children about two years ago and her publishing credits include numerous print and ezine publications. McDine is the Marketing Manager at Stories for Children Magazine. She placed 12th in the 77th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition in the category Children’s/Young Adult Fiction. She is a member of the SCBWI and Musing Our Children. Learn more about Donna’s writing at www.donnamcdine.com. Sign her guestbook and receive her FREE e-Book ~ Write What Inspires You! Author Interviews.

Coleen Murtagh Paratore, cupid chronicles, Donna M. McDine

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Reviewed by Donna M. McDine

Title: Secrets I Have Kept
Written by: Beverly Stowe McClure
Soft cover: 169 pages
Ages: 12 & up
Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
ISBN: 1-59088-487-6
Publication: January 2006

Jennifer Barret finds herself on the run after her father is kidnapped. Her trust in people she knows is tested to the limits with every step she takes in an attempt to uncover the reason for her father’s kidnapping. Along the way she discovers all is not as it appears. Does she go on instinct, or her unexpected connection with Casey, a young man she stumbles upon as she hides from the apparent kidnapper?

“Pausing, she glanced across the water and could just make out the figure of a young man sitting by the fire, playing a guitar and singing.”

What is the connection between her father’s scientific research, Dr. Morgan’s quest for the secret location of the flowers, and his changed appearance? Jennifer’s mind swirls with possibilities, until…

Your heart will surely pound in your chest with each suspenseful page you turn. Secrets I Have Kept will have you cheering for young love and all the possibilities it brings.

Find out more about Beverly Stowe McClure at beverlystowemcclure.blogspot.com or rebelinbluejeans.wordpress.com.

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Learn more about McDine’s writing at www.donnamcdine.com and sign her guest book to receive a FREE ebook, Write What Inspires You! Author Interviews, compiled by Donna M. McDine.

Beverly Stowe McClure, book review, Donna M. McDine, Secrets I Have Kept

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Title: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Written & Illustrated by: Jeff Kinney
Ages: 10-up
Publisher: Amulet Books
ISBN-13: 978-0-8109-9313-6
Publication: April 2007

No wonder Diary of a Wimpy Kid has been nominated for a Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Book. Author, Jeff Kinney immediately immerses you into the thoughts and actions of sixth grader, Greg Heffley. Greg’s antics wouldn’t be complete without his best friend, Rowley, who at times, Greg can’t stand.

Greg finds himself in the sea of middle grade students ranging from the small and ordinary to the ones who have muscles and are growing facial hair. Where is one to fit in?

“If it was up to me, grade levels would be based on height, not age. But then again, I guess that would mean kids like Chirag Gupta would still be in the first grade.”

Greg finds himself writing in his journal about his life as a sixth grader and how to fit in. “Just don’t expect me to be all ‘Dear Diary’ this and ‘Dear Diary’ that. That’s for girls.” Rowley begins to make strides in popularity and Greg latches on to bring himself popularity, which kicks off a domino effect that tests their friendship in hilarious fashion.

This laugh out loud book is a must read not only for boys but for anyone who has gone through the tribulations of middle school.

Visit Jeff Kinney at: http://www.wimpykid.com

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Reviewed by Donna M. McDine
For more articles, tips, and resources for children’s writing, visit Donna’s blog.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Donna M. McDine, Jeff Kinney, middle grade book review

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Title: Griffin’s Castle
Written by: Jenny Nimmo
Hardback: 278 pages
Ages: 12 and up
Publisher: Orchard Books
ISBN: 978-0-439-02554-6
Publication: November 2007

Twelve-year old Dinah is desperate to find a place to call her own home. Even though her mother Rosalie loves her, taking care of a child is beyond Rosalie’s capabilities. Dinah, wise beyond her years, attempts to make their latest dwelling, a run down mansion, much more than a dump.

While longing to belong and to be taken care of, Dinah finds herself magically thrown into the midst of stone animals that come to life to protect her. Before it’s too late Dinah must realize the stone animals want to entrap her.

“Dinah knew then that she was their prisoner and would never reach the gate where the vulture waited. There was only one way out. ‘I shall fly,’ she announced. ‘You’ll see.’”

Award-winning author, Jenny Nimmo combines the here and now with a fantasy aspect that will surely draw the reader in from the onset. Visit Jenny Nimmo at www.jennynimmo.com to learn more about her and her acclaimed Charlie Bone Series.

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Reviewed by Donna M. McDine, middle grade novel reviewer for the National Writing for Children Center

Donna M. McDine, Griffins Castle, Jenny Nimmon, Middle grade novel

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Yesterday I attended a local children’s writers’ conference sponsored by the Kansas Chapter of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s book Writers and Illustrators). It was a wonderful conference with an impressive lineup of speakers - including successful children’s authors, agents, and editors. The presentations were excellent and they reminded me that one of the best ways to learn about children’s writing and publishing is from those who are already successful writers, illustrators, editors, and/or publishers.

Every month, members of the Children’s Writers Coaching Club are provided with many chances to listen, learn, and interact with successful children’s authors and/or illustrators.

Last week, children’s illustrator Elizabeth O. Dulemba was our guest for this month’s teleclass with a children’s illustrator.

Dulemba shared her secrets of success with our club members. And, even those who aren’t illustrators, learned a lot about the way a children’s picture book is created through this teleclass called The Nuts and Bolts of Children’s Book Illustration with Elizabeth O. Dulemba. Visit Dulemba’s website to view some of her amazing children’s book illustrations.

This week, our monthly teleclass with a children’s author will feature children’s educator and author Maureen McQuerry.

McQuerry’s poetry has been published in many journals including: Smartish Pace , The Atlanta Review, Southern Review, North American Review and Nimrod. It can also be found in the anthologies Margins, Pontoon 8 and The Washington Poetry Association collection Tattoos on Cedar. Recently McQuerry won the New Eden Chapbook Competition for her collection Wingward.

In her role as a teacher, McQuerry was appointed the McAuliffe Fellow for WA State in 2000 and that fellowship gave her time to write two non-fiction books, Student Inquiry, and Nuclear Legacy. Nuclear Legacy was written with a class of 8th grade students who all became published authors. The book took McQuerry to Chernobyl, Ukraine to look at how lives were impacted by the world’s largest nuclear disaster. McQuerry’s family spent one summer working in the United Arab Emirates, and another traveling through France and England.

McQuerry’s first YA adult novel, Wolfproof, started with one of the characters in a poem she wrote. The poem “Greenman” was based on carvings of foliate heads found in old churches throughout the British Isles. Eventually the greenman character from the poem worked his way into the story Wolfproof. And if you’re wondering about the title Wolfproof, well, it came from a poem too! The sequel to WP should be out next year.

Every month, members of the Children’s Writers Coaching Club are given the opportunity to attend two LIVE teleclasses like these. Members also receive a CD of each recorded event, so they can listen and learn from that month’s featured children’s author and that month’s featured children’s illustrator whenever they want.

In addition, club members are invited to weekly manuscript critique telesessions, and receive a monthly membership packet with other helpful materials for children’s writers and illustrators.

Best of all - the first month’s membership in the club is FREE - so anyone can try it out for a month to decide if the club is right for them.

To try Level I membership in our club FREE for one month - and receive CDs of both of these exciting teleclasses this month - click on the link in the right sidebar of this page. You won’t be billed a thing for 30 days. If you decide the club is not right for you before then, simply let us know and we will cancel your membership.

Join the Children’s Writers Coaching Club today and start learning from the best. You’ve got nothing to lose - and everything to gain!

Have a great day!

Suzanne Lieurance
Founder, Director, and Coaching Coordinator
The National Writing for Children Center
Home of the Children’s Writers Coaching Club

Childrens Illustrator Childrens Writers Coaching Club Elizabeth O. Dulemba illustrating childrens books Maureen McQuerry Nuclear Legacy Student Inquiry WolfproofChildrens Illustrator Childrens Writers Coaching Club Elizabeth O. Dulemba illustrating childrens books Maureen McQuerry Nuclear Legacy Student Inquiry WolfproofChildrens Illustrator, Childrens Writers Coaching Club, Elizabeth O. Dulemba, illustrating childrens books, Maureen McQuerry, Nuclear Legacy, Student Inquiry, Wolfproof

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