First sentence: In late October 1846, one last push was all that was needed. One last push for the men, women, and children to reach the mountain summit--its highest peak--and cross to the other side.

Premise/plot: This is a nonfiction chapter book about the Donner Party. The book summarizes this tragic historical event well. At least relatively well considering the audience. Briefly, for those not in the know, it is a wagon train adventure gone horribly wrong.

My thoughts: Why. Why does this book exist. I have read a couple of books about the Donner Party. One was middle grade. One was young adult. One was adult. I don't know why elementary students would need such a gruesome book. Not that I'm judgy. Perhaps the gruesomeness of it makes it appealing?

What you see is exactly what you get. It is a solid enough narrative that describes the events--what led to the tragedy, the tragedy itself, and the aftermath of the tragedy. ( )