A review by mldeblois13
To Stay Alive: Mary Ann Graves and the Tragic Journey of the Donner Party by Skila Brown

5.0

One of the best historical fiction books I have read. Written in verse, the author weaves conventions and structure to create a beautiful story tapestry. This is an excellent novel to use as a mentor text. Amazing voice! The author does an superb job making a long, mundane journey (long hours of just walking, walking, walking) interesting and conveying the despair and suffering of Mary Ann and her many different traveling companions. Readers will literally walk the long, painful journey in her shoes.