Author: Scott O’Dell
Title: Island of the Blue Dolphins
Illustrator: Ted Lewin
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Year: 1960
Format: Paperback
Genre: Newbery
Reading Level: Independent
Interest-Level: Middle School
Topics: Indians, Tribes, Russians, Animals, Family
Summary: Island of the Blue Dolphins is based on the true story of Juana Maria: an Indian stranded on an island for 18 years alone. The story follows a young girl named Wonapalei (also known an Karana) who lives with her tribe gathering roots and fishing to help her tribe. One day a Russian ship shows up on their island and makes them an offer: let them hunt sea otters on their island in return for goods. Her father, the chief, lets them but the Russians try to take off without giving them anything. Her father then confronts them and a battle breaks out. The chief goes to mainland and sends a boat to the island to bring his people in but Karana jumps off and swims back to the island to wait for her brother. With her brother’s death, Karana must now take on the male roles. As begins to explore the island she will find friendship in animals but is it worth being alone?
Extension Activities:
-Discuss Indian culture (living, music, food, dance, beliefs) with the students:
-How is it different from modern culture?
-What do you like/dislike?
-Other questions to promote discussion:
-Do you think Karana should have waited for her brother? If she hadn’t do you think he still would have died?
