Across the Plains in the Donner Party: A Personal Narrative of the Overland Trip to California, 1846-47

Although this book contributes little or no previously-unknown information regarding the westward journey and arduous winter in the mountains endured by the members of the Donner Party, it does present the facts in a straightforward and easily-read manner and provides a basic chronology of events. Young readers with a desire to learn about one of American history's most incredible stories of courage and strength will find this a quick read--and, hopefully, will be encouraged to read more about the Donner Party and American historical events. The language found in the source documents, regrettably, has been edited severely--to the point of grammatical accuracy! (I enjoy seeing for myself the horrendous spelling and grammatical mistakes which lend an air of authenticity to many of the other studies of the Donner Party.) The reader should understand that James Reed is shown in a more favorable light than he is in many other Donner books, no doubt, due to the fact that his daughter was the author. Several interesting photographs and illustrations are included, which enhance the appeal of the book. I would certainly recommend "Across the Plains..." to middle school students. I hope it would motivate them to pursue the topic further; the story of the Donner Party is one of the most fascinating in our country's history.

History students are urged to seek primary sources to discover the excitement of digging for clues to the past. Editor Karen Zeinert's skillful weaving together of the journals and letters of members of the Donner party tells their chilling story from their festive departure from Illinois in April, 1846 through the decisions that led to their tragic 6 month winter in the Sierra Nevadas. Students reading to discover if the tales of cannibalism are true will be equally fascinated by descriptions of a buffal