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sandraagee's review
4.0
This was the first book that I read after starting my maternity leave. Like its predecessors, the graphic novel tackles an under-discussed historical event in American history, provides a lot more detail than you would ever find in a textbook, and presents it in a way that the average 5th grader will find appealing.
Given that canibalism is all that most people know about the Donner Party, I was a bit surprised that the actual cannibalism wasn't discussed more. It was mentioned, but not dwelled upon. Instead the focus seemed to be more on how the pioneers struggled to survive and the individual interesting characters who made up the party. I thought this was actually kind of nice. Getting to know undersold figures in history is what this series excels at, and I felt that for a story that revolves around such personal struggle and loss it was handled very tastefully. I can see how a kid looking for a cannibal story might be a hair disappointed, but hopefully there us enough else going on to make up for it. I know there was for me.
Given that canibalism is all that most people know about the Donner Party, I was a bit surprised that the actual cannibalism wasn't discussed more. It was mentioned, but not dwelled upon. Instead the focus seemed to be more on how the pioneers struggled to survive and the individual interesting characters who made up the party. I thought this was actually kind of nice. Getting to know undersold figures in history is what this series excels at, and I felt that for a story that revolves around such personal struggle and loss it was handled very tastefully. I can see how a kid looking for a cannibal story might be a hair disappointed, but hopefully there us enough else going on to make up for it. I know there was for me.
heatherbermingham's review
3.0
If we ever cross paths in real life, stop me and ask me about this series of historical graphic novels and I will rave endlessly about how smart and funny they are, how they perfectly mix learning and entertainment, how the narrators address the needs of struggling readers and higher level thinkers, and how Hale really creatively uses the format to do things you just couldn't do in a straight text. This is probably my least favorite of the series so far - I had a hard time keeping all the various characters straight - but still worth the read. And let's face it, this will definitely appeal to kids (and grown-ups) who like a little gruesome mixed in with their history.
mogar_pogar's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
tense
fast-paced
4.0
ophelia_so_sad's review
4.0
4 stars for making me a bit uncomfortable because of cannibalism. but honestly, the story is truly fascinating as much as it is awful and sad.