Journey back in time to the pre-civil war era when slavery was the accepted norm in America. Meet a courageous young boy named David - a young teen slave named Jenkins - David's abusive, alcoholic father.These three are the main characters in Donna M. McDine's book, The Golden Pathway. David is a compassionate boy who befriends the slave boy Jenkins. After watching and hearing his father beat Jenkins repeatedly almost daily, David administers whatever comfort and help he can to Jenkins. This young boy, whom his father thinks is weak, finds the courage to help Jenkins escape his bonds of slavery for a life of freedom by using the Underground Railroad.
The dialogue sparkles and brings the characters to life. Richly detailed writing and beautiful illustrations allow you to experience the sense of immediacy within the story as if you were living it with David and Jenkins.
Ms. McDine has taken a very complex time from America's history and brought it to life at an introductory level for children between the ages of 8-12. She has expertly dealt with abuse, alchololism, bullying and slavery. The Golden Pathway is a story full of friendship, love, and compassion. I recommend it to anyone who has children in the listed age group. It is a great way to introduce these issues to young people.
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