by Ms. Rachel K. Laurgaard
In the winter of 1846, eight-year-old Martha "Patty" Reed became trapped in the Sierra Nevada Mountains by heavy snow with other members of the ill-fated Donner Party. Forced to endure bitter hardships (including the banishment of her father) and the death of many of her companions, Patty Reed found comfort in Dolly, a small wooden doll she kept hidden in her dress.
