Island of the Blue Dolphins

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Author: Scott O’Dell

ISBN: 0440940001

Publisher: Laurel Leaf Books, 1996

Ages: 9 and up

Genre: Classics, Adventure, Historical

Summary: Karana is an Indian girl living on an island in the Pacific that is shaped like a dolphin.  Her people live in harmony with the animals and had for generations.  Then one day a strange boat belonging to a Russian man comes to their island and because of differing views on the way things are her entire family is destroyed, and then soon her entire community leaving only her, alone on the island.  She lives for years on her own, learning all the skills she needs to survive.  She has to find the courage and smarts to fight off her enemies, the wild dogs.  This story shows the journey of self discovery and survival of one young girl. 

Awards: Newbery Medal Winner, Hans Christian Andersen Medal, Nene Award. 

Read A-likes: Venus Among the Fishes, Alexandra, Sarah Bishop, and The Castle in the Sea.

Personal Thoughts: This is another of those books that was frequent re-read and an influence on my further reading.  I was fascinated by the idea of a young girl being left behind by her people and having to survive on her own.  I was inspired by her maturity and self sufficiency as a young teen.