My Name Is America: The Journal Of Douglas Allen Deeds, Donner Party Expedition, 1846
Gr 5-8-"Today I embark on a great journey." This initial, optimistic entry in a 15-year-old orphan's journal exemplifies the Donner Party's hopes for a new and better life in California. Although he knows that James Reed and George Donner lack experience in such an endeavor as a trek west, Deeds believes in the men. He describes the many difficulties encountered on the journey, including river crossings, poor roads, and fear of Native Americans. Little by little, the hardships increase-members of the group die from illness or injury, and the number of wagons dwindles. The decision to use the Hasting "shortcut" proves deadly. Trapped in the snow and facing starvation, the Donner Party is transformed from a group of cooperative and generous people into one plagued by suspicion and selfishness, resorting even to cannibalism (no graphic details). In the epilogue, readers are told that Deeds and his friend Edward Breen were among the first to discover gold in California. Using actual events and characters, this fictional journal brings a tragic story to life, showing the changes in people brought about by incredible hardships. A selection of archival photographs is included.Lana Miles, Duchesne Academy, Houston, TXCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.