Snow Mountain Passage by James D. Houston

In 1847 a wagon train crosses America to the promised land of California, only to be halted in the final stages by early snows in the high reaches of the mountains.   The emigrants endure the bitterest of winters with only the most slender of supplies . . . and some are driven to extreme measures to stay alive.
   Based on the true story of what became known as the Donner party, the story of James and Margaret Reed and their children is one that begins with restless optimism, encompasses remarkable feats of courage and endurance as well as the depths of human degradation, and ends with what seems like a miracle.
   Part of the story is told by James and Margaret's daughter, Patty, reminiscing long after those dark days when, as an eight year old, he witnessed scenes no child should ever see.
   Snow Mountain Passage is a compelling and profoundly moving account of one of the most tragic events of pioneer America, and of the terrible cost of the American dream.