Island of the Blue Dolphins

*Book cover illustration by Lucia Calfapietra and lettering by Nicolò Giacomin.

As a child, I loved the solitude of my school library.  I was quiet and dreamy, and preferred the cool calmness to the library over the loud games of the playground.  When I was in 4th grade, Mrs. Bingum, our school librarian recommended Island of the Blue Dolphins for me to read.  While four-square tournaments were in full swing on the asphalt, I was lost in the story of Karana, a young Native American girl, not much older than myself , learning to survive alone on an island not far from where I lived.  I recently reread Island of the Blue Dolphins with a teen reading circle, and was quickly enamored for the second time with Karana’s story.  

Regional focus:  North America

Author:  Scott O’Dell

Genre:  juvenile historical -fiction

Travel back in time to the early 1800s and meet 12-year-old Karana, a native of an island off the coast of California who is unexpectedly left behind, alone, when her tribe is forced to flee. Karana lives in solitude on the island for 18 years, and writes of her experience of survival.

.What I love:

• I read Island of the Blue Dolphins as a child! 30 years later, I continue to love the book.
• A true story of courage and adventure of the spirit.
• The newest edition includes a powerful introduction by Lois Lowry, Newberry Medalist and author of The Giver.

Themes: survival, resilience, courage, coming of age

Discussion:

• How do we know that Karana is resourceful and resilient?
• In the story, Karana becomes good friends with a dog. Are there animals in your life that provide you with friendship and company?
• If you were Karana, would you have returned to the island to save your brother? Why or why not?
• What do you think that Karana thought of the man who rescued her after living on the island alone for many years?
• Island of the Blue Dolphins has won many awards. Why do you think it is a celebrated book?

Connections:

• Island of The Blue Dolphins is a story of historical fiction. Investigate the true story of Karana.
• Make a map of Karana’s island.
• Investigate wild plants in your neighborhood that you can eat.
• Write your own survival story, fiction or nonfiction.