Traveling Westward Resources: Discussion Questions

Patty Reed's Doll, By Rachel Laurgaard

Book Description for Patty Reed's Doll
Discussion Questions for Patty Reed's Doll
Links to Related Web Sites with Information About the Donner Party

Book Description:

In the winter of 1846, the Donner Party was stranded by heavy snows in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The pioneers endured bitter hardships, and many of them died. But some survived, including 8-year-old Patty Reed. This is her story, as told by Dolly, the wooden doll Patty kept hidden in her dress.

1) Why did people make such long and perilous journeys West? Were the risks worth it?

2) How did people in the 1840s view the American West? How did the story of the Donner Party impact Westward Expansion?

3) Were the people in the Donner party brave or foolish?

4) What mistakes were made by the adults in the Donner Party? What decisions might have been made that could have altered the fate of the Donner party?

5) What role, if any, did greed play in the Donners ill-fated trip?

6) Was Lansford Hastings to blame for what happened to the Donner Party? How?

7) Why did James Reed and George Donner take Hastings Cutoff?

8) What other factors might have contributed to problems the Donner party experienced?

9) Pretend that you have become stranded in a sudden blizzard while hiking up a mountain with a handful of other people, both adults and children. Rescue is uncertain or not expected for a long time. What do you do?

1. Supporting material to the American Experience documentary about the Donner Party.
   From PBS, American Experience


2. Contains various sources of information about the Donner Party and crossing the West.
   From Knowledge Network Explorer - Lessons, WebQuests, Information for teachers and librarians; produced by SBC Knowledge Ventures, L.P.


3. Reprints the first news account of the Donner Party.
   From The Virtual Museum of the City of San Francisco