SYNC: A tale of colonialism, murder, and cannibalism might seem sensationalized, but this audiobook-in-verse about the ill-fated 1846 journey of Donner party is grounded by multiple perspectives. Leading the cast is Bahni Turpin, whose smooth performance as the omniscient narrator, Hunger, is all the more chilling for its grim, merciless edge. While other individual voices stand out--particularly the deep brogue of Tim Gerard Reynolds as headstrong James Reed--some of the most affecting moments feature multiple voices. Even the oxen speak up during the rhythmic trudge across the Great Salt Lake Desert. As winter takes its grisly toll, Hunger interjects with ever-growing litanies of the dead, underscored by a windswept chant of the word "snow." Collectively, it's a grim, gripping, and haunting listen.

I have always been intrigued by the Donner party and that they were driven literally out of their minds to do what they did to survive. It has always intrigued me from a psychological perspective. I found this book full of lots of information and especially liked the timeline break down. I have read a few other Donner novels and each time, I still cannot comprehend how they got to this point in a survival mode. It is sad that this happened and yet a piece of history to learn from. Thank you to LibraryThing for the free book I won. ( )

Beautiful, lyrical, harsh, compelling, sympathetic, real, respectful... I cannot say enough good things about this novel!

I have always been a fan of harsh survival scenarios and the indominable spirit of those who survive. The Donner Party has always been a fascination of mine, and I've read a lot about it, but this novel taught me more and hit me harder than any others.

Wolf manages to portray real, flawed characters in a sympathetic light and without bias. Every member of this party had to endure terrible, unimaginable things, and we can judge all we like but we'll never know how it is.

The back matter is super interesting and informative as well. I bought this for my library and read it to make sure it was OK for middle school, and it absolutely is. Recommended for everyone. ( )

I received this book in a Librarything.com giveaway for an honest review. This is my own opinion. This book was very interesting. It was about the Donner party. I haven't heard about this a lot in the past. It was a terrible thing that happened in the past. ( )

The Donner Party were pioneers migrating to California from the Midwest. Due to a series of mishaps, they became snowbound in the Sierra Nevada mountains in the winter of 1846-47. Nearly half of the party succumbed to illness, starvation, and the extreme weather.

Read the recently published books for youth, then learn more at the websites:

THE SNOW FELL THREE GRAVES DEEP by Allan Wolf uses an engaging verse approach to share the infamous Donner Party story. Told through the eyes of the participants and using the voice of “Hunger” as a narrator, the author recounts this story of survival in the wilderness. The comprehensive back matter provides useful background information for readers unfamiliar with the story.

DONNER DINNER PARTY: A PIONEER TALE by Nathan Hale retells the disastrous events of the 1846 journey to California. This Bigger & Badder edition is a deluxe, oversized graphic novel approach that includes 16 new pages. The author skillfully balances humor with the macabre for the tween and teen audience.

ALL THE MISTAKES THAT DOOMED THE DONNER PARTY from Weird History is a fast-paced, short video tracing the key events in the Donner-Reed party disaster.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/4g6ITFTtHZQ.

DESPERATE DREAMERS is a transcript of the documentary film shown at Donner State Park in California. The film tells the story of the Donner Company of 1846.

To read the transcript, go to https://bit.ly/3orHEY1.

THE DONNER PARTY is a PBS video series. The American Experience website provides access to background information, primary sources, a teacher’s guide and useful articles along with links to sources for viewing the series.

To learn more, go to https://to.pbs.org/2NAdCV5.

ARC courtesy of Amulet and Candlewick. ( )