Across the Plains in the Donner Party

The memoirs of a teenage survivor of the ill-fated Donner Party, which was trapped in the snows of the Sierra Nevada mountains 150 years ago

Grade 6 Up?This noteworthy recounting of the Donner party and its gruesome end should be a sure success. Zeinert presents, along with introductory material and editorial commentary, the edited memoirs of survivor Virginia Reed Murphy, age 12 during the trip; the letters and diary of Virginia's stepfather; as well as excerpts from the journal of Patrick Breen, who faithfully recorded all of the horrific events that befell the Donners and their fellow emigrants. It is fascinating to compare the different accounts; Virginia does not mention any cannibalism, but nevertheless gives a realistic picture with a minimum of flowery 19th-century prose, written 45 years after the event. James Reed's early letters to the newspaper back home exhibit a macho brashness and confidence, while his later diary entries reveal underlying emotions of anguish and fear. Zeinert explains what encouraged the Donner and Reed families to undertake this arduous overland journey cross country in the spring of 1846. Primary sources and additions by Zeinert also show why the party became stranded and the foolishness of some of its decisions. In later life Virginia's advice to friends in Illinois was, "Bring nothing but provisions and just enough clothing to last until you get here, and don't take any cutoffs." Chronologies, maps, and reproductions of historical photographs accompany a bibliography of sources and a list of books for further reading.?David A. Lindsey, Lakewood High and Middle School Libraries, WA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.