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Quick answer: The best books on the Donner Party tell the story of the pioneers trapped by snow in the Sierra Nevada in the winter of 1846–47. Start with The Best Land Under Heaven by Michael Wallis, The Indifferent Stars Above by Daniel James Brown, Ordeal by Hunger by George R. Stewart, Desperate Passage by Ethan Rarick and Unfortunate Emigrants edited by Kristin Johnson.
In 1846, a group of families led by George and Jacob Donner and James Reed set out from Illinois for California. Persuaded to take an untested shortcut, the Hastings Cutoff, they lost weeks crossing the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake Desert. By the time they reached the Sierra Nevada in late October, snow had closed the pass. Trapped for months near what’s now Donner Lake, they ran out of food, and some survivors resorted to eating the dead. Of about 87 people in the party, roughly half survived. The books below tell the story with care, from classic histories and survivors’ own accounts to archaeology, novels and books for young readers.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Best Land Under Heaven | Michael Wallis | Narrative history | The full story |
| The Indifferent Stars Above | Daniel James Brown | Narrative history | One young woman’s story |
| Ordeal by Hunger | George R. Stewart | Classic history | The classic account |
| Desperate Passage | Ethan Rarick | Narrative history | A readable modern account |
| Unfortunate Emigrants | Kristin Johnson (editor) | Primary sources | Survivors’ voices |
| History of the Donner Party | C. F. McGlashan | Classic history | Early interviews |
| Across the Plains in the Donner Party | Virginia Reed Murphy | Memoir | A child survivor |
| The Donner Party Chronicles | Frank Mullen Jr. | Narrative history | Day by day |
| An Archaeology of Desperation | Kelly J. Dixon, Julie M. Schablitsky and Shannon A. Novak (editors) | Archaeology | What the evidence shows |
| Searching for Tamsen Donner | Gabrielle Burton | Memoir | A personal journey |
| Impatient with Desire | Gabrielle Burton | Novel | Book clubs |
| The Hunger | Alma Katsu | Horror novel | Horror fans |
| The Perilous Journey of the Donner Party | Marian Calabro | Nonfiction for young readers | Ages 10 and up |
| Patty Reed’s Doll | Rachel K. Laurgaard | Children’s novel | Ages 8–12 |
| The Oregon Trail | Francis Parkman | Classic travel narrative | Life on the trail |
1. The Best Land Under Heaven by Michael Wallis
Wallis tells the story from the party’s departure to the rescue and aftermath, placing it in the context of westward expansion. It’s balanced and gripping.
2. The Indifferent Stars Above by Daniel James Brown
The author of The Boys in the Boat follows Sarah Graves, a newlywed in the party. It’s vivid, moving and explains the science of starvation and cold.
3. Ordeal by Hunger by George R. Stewart
Stewart’s 1936 book was the first serious history of the Donner Party and remains a classic. It’s carefully researched and well written.
4. Desperate Passage by Ethan Rarick
Rarick tells the story with attention to the individual choices that led to disaster. It’s fast-paced and humane.
5. Unfortunate Emigrants by Kristin Johnson (editor)
This collection gathers the survivors’ own accounts, including letters and diaries. It’s the best way to hear what they experienced.
6. History of the Donner Party by C. F. McGlashan
McGlashan interviewed survivors for this 1880 history. It’s an important early source, though some stories are embellished.
7. Across the Plains in the Donner Party by Virginia Reed Murphy
Virginia Reed was 13 when she survived the ordeal. Her short memoir, written decades later, is vivid and touching.
8. The Donner Party Chronicles by Frank Mullen Jr.
Mullen follows the party day by day along the trail, with photographs of the route. It’s an excellent companion for a visit.
9. An Archaeology of Desperation by Kelly J. Dixon, Julie M. Schablitsky and Shannon A. Novak (editors)
Archaeologists describe excavations at the Donner family’s camp and what they reveal. It’s a fascinating scientific angle.
10. Searching for Tamsen Donner by Gabrielle Burton
Burton retraced the Donners’ route with her family while researching Tamsen Donner, who chose to stay with her dying husband. It’s thoughtful and moving.
11. Impatient with Desire by Gabrielle Burton
Burton imagines Tamsen Donner’s journal during the trek and the winter. It’s lyrical and heartbreaking.
12. The Hunger by Alma Katsu
Katsu retells the Donner Party story with a supernatural twist. It’s dark, creepy and well researched. Content note: gore.
13. The Perilous Journey of the Donner Party by Marian Calabro
Calabro tells the story through the eyes of Virginia Reed, with maps and photographs. It’s honest but suitable for older kids.
14. Patty Reed’s Doll by Rachel K. Laurgaard
Told by the small wooden doll that eight-year-old Patty Reed carried through the ordeal, this gentle book is a classic for young readers. The real doll survives in a museum.
15. The Oregon Trail by Francis Parkman
Parkman traveled west in 1846, the same year as the Donners. His account captures the era’s trail life and attitudes, including its prejudices.
Tips for Reading About the Donner Party
- Start with Wallis or Brown. Both tell the story clearly and humanely.
- Read the survivors. Virginia Reed’s memoir is short and vivid.
- Be ready for hard material. The story includes starvation and cannibalism.
- Look at the route. Maps of the Hastings Cutoff show how they went wrong.
- Visit Donner Memorial State Park. It’s near Truckee, California.
- Choose kids’ books carefully. Patty Reed’s Doll is gentle for younger readers.
Related: best books on the Oregon Trail and best books on the California Gold Rush.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best book about the Donner Party?
The Best Land Under Heaven by Michael Wallis and The Indifferent Stars Above by Daniel James Brown are the best modern accounts.
How many people survived the Donner Party?
About half of the roughly 87 members of the party survived the winter of 1846–47.
What is a good Donner Party book for kids?
Patty Reed’s Doll by Rachel K. Laurgaard is a gentle classic for ages 8 to 12, and The Perilous Journey of the Donner Party suits ages 10 and up.