Donna M. McDine

The Golden Pathway is the Underground Railroad

David saves the life of horribly abused slave Jenkins by discretely getting him directions to the Underground Railroad. David’s father drinks and beats Jenkins, not even giving time for the last wounds to heal. David must find out how to help Jenkins without discussing it with his parents. The action begins immediately. Some children would need to read this with an understanding adult to help process the story. David helps Jenkins although his family still have to live with his alcoholic father after Jenkins leaves. This book is a vehicle for discussing difficult subjects. Lovely illustrations.… (more)

A child’s first day at kindergarten, with new kids, a teacher, and facing the day separated from your twin for the first time in your life, is frightening. Who will you talk to? Who will you play with?

Multi-Award-Winning author Donna M. McDine’s latest picture book, DEE AND DEB OFF THEY GO, KINDERGARTEN FIRST DAY JITTERS, is an adorable story about Dee and Deb, fraternal twins who learn the answers to the above questions. Told from Dee’s point of view, the reader follows Dee through the first day of kindergarten as she discovers a whole new world.

The artwork by Award-Winning Illustrator Jack Foster is bright and colorful. His drawings of the two girls, with their big eyes and freckles on their cheeks, sometimes smiles on their faces, other times puzzled looks in their eyes show the emotions the girls feel on being away from each other. Foster’s excellent drawings bring the story to life making the reader love Dee and Deb. At least this reader loves the girls.

The author and artist have done a remarkable job resulting in a story that young readers should find interesting and fun, especially children that have a twin. I recommend DEE AND DEB OFF THEY GO, KINDERGARTEN FIRST DAY JITTERS. This would make a nice addition to school libraries and classrooms, public libraries and, of course, your own private library.

Goodbye, Dee and Deb.

I was given a copy of this novel for my honest review.

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This is a good book. I wanted to read it because of the title, Hockey Agony. I am a hockey fan, so I enjoy reading book that center around hockey. While this book did have the hockey aspect incorporated into it, it was not the main focal point of this book. The main focal point and lesson of this book was respect, honesty, and sportsmanship. All three good attributes that people should learn and display all of the time. I think good sportsmanship is extremely important whenever you are playing a sport or just a friendly game of cards. I liked how Larry learned this lesson.… (more)

Friends, Leah, Nicole and Hayley are looking forward to their beach vacation. When they arrive, they find an unappealing surprise. A whale has washed up on the shore and the police are investigating! Someone has poached teeth from the whale. When the girls notice some men acting strange, they decide to act.

This is a great story for middle readers. It brings to light the important issue of poaching that isn't usually discussed with kids. The writing is simple but exciting, helping kids dig into the issue. The characters in the story are easy to relate to and go through the process to ultimately make the right decisions and bring the poachers the attention of the authorities. With a great message and great characters, A Sandy Grave makes an exciting and educational story.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.… (more)