Island of the Blue Dolphins

Island of the Blue Dolphins #1

by Scott O'Dell

Far off the coast of California looms a harsh rock known as the island of San Nicholas. Dolphins flash in the blue waters around it, sea otter play in the vast kep beds, and sea elephants loll on the stony beaches.

Here, in the early 1800s, according to history, an Indian girl spent eighteen years alone, and this beautifully written novel is her story. It is a romantic adventure filled with drama and heartache, for not only was mere subsistence on so desolate a spot a near miracle, but Karana had to contend with the ferocious pack of wild dogs that had killed her younger brother, constantly guard against the Aleutian sea otter hunters, and maintain a precarious food supply.

More than this, it is an adventure of the spirit that will haunt the reader long after the book has been put down. Karana's quiet courage, her Indian self-reliance and acceptance of fate, transform what to many would have been a devastating ordeal into an uplifting experience. From loneliness and terror come strength and serenity in this Newbery Medal-winning classic.

In celebration of the book's 50th anniversary, this edition has an introduction by Lois Lowry, Newbery Medal-winning author of The Giver and Number the Stars.

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Classics, Childrens, Middle Grade, Adventure

194 pages, ebook

First published September 9, 1960

About the author

Scott O'Dell was an American author celebrated for his historical fiction, especially novels for young readers. He is best known for Island of the Blue Dolphins, a classic that earned the Newbery Medal and has been translated into many languages and adapted for film. Over his career he wrote more than two dozen novels for young people, as well as works of nonfiction and adult fiction, often drawing on the history and landscapes of California and Mexico. His books, including The King’s Fifth, The Black Pearl, and Sing Down the Moon, earned him multiple Newbery Honors and a wide readership. O'Dell received numerous awards for his contribution to children’s literature, among them the Hans Christian Andersen Award and the Regina Medal. In 1984, he established the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction to encourage outstanding works in the genre.

Reviews

[karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

this may be the best book for kids ever written. it teaches young girls everything they will ever need to know in their resourceful lives: how to build a fence out of whale bones, how to kill giant squids, how to alternately befriend and defend against scary wild dogs, and how to make skirts from cormorant feathers. since i got kicked out of brownies and never got to learn All The Things That Girl Scouts Learn, this book taught me how to wilderness-survive. and now i live in queens. so - not much use for it, but still a book i have such a fondness for. and i have an old copy, too, where they used to make the page-ends colored. mine is green. i need to read this again. and find out why montambo doesnt like it...

come to my blog!

[Federico DN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever Rontu.

19tth century. Karana is a young indian from a small village living in a remote place; San Nicolas, the island of the blue dolphins. A little islet with mountain, forest, animals, fish and birds everywhere. In her community, with her family or alone, Karana learns to survive in a small land secluded from the rest of the world. But even a seemingly paradisiac island, with all its amazing beauties, has its dangers. Mainly, strangers coming from distant lands.

Something like a mixture between “Robinson Crusoe” and “The Blue Lagoon”, but different from either. Simply excellent, perfect in every way. Beautifully heartwarming, and exquisitely heart wrenching. Very easy to read. LOVED Karana and her devotion for all the animals in the island. Amazing character development. And with a powerful message about survival and love for nature. Innumerable moments and quotes to remember by. I keep forever within my heart that beautiful friendship and enmity between Karana and Rontu. An unforgettable Middle Grade novel, and one of my most cherished memories in my reader’s life. A timeless classic, and justly lauded. Extremely recommendable.

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PERSONAL NOTE :
[1960] [194p] [Middle Grade] [EXTREMELY Recommendable] [“…still I would have felt the same way, for animals and birds are like people too, though they do no talk the same or do the same things. Without them the earth would be an unhappy place.”]
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Rontu Por Siempre.

Siglo XIX. Karana es una joven india de una pequeña aldea viviendo en un remoto lugar; San Nicolás, la isla de los delfines azules. Un pequeño islote con montaña, selva, animales, peces y aves por doquier. En su comunidad, con su familia o en soledad, Karana aprende a sobrevivir en un rincón de tierra aislado del mundo. Pero incluso una isla aparentemente paradisíaca, con todas sus increíbles bellezas, posee sus peligros. Principalmente, extraños que llegan de tierras distantes.

Algo así como una mezcla entre “Robinson Crusoe” y “La laguna azul”, pero distinta de ambas. Simplemente excelente, perfecta en todo sentido. Hermosamente cálida, y exquisitamente dolorosa. Muy facil de leer. AME a Karana y su amor por todos los animales de la isla. Increíble desarrollo de personaje. Y con un mensaje poderoso sobre la supervivencia y el amor por la naturaleza. Innumerables momentos y citas para el recuerdo. Y llevo siempre en el corazón esa hermosa amistad y enemistad entre Karana y Rontu. Una inolvidable novela Grado Medio, y uno de mis más preciados recuerdos de toda mi vida lectora. Un clásico inmortal, y justamente laureado. Extremadamente recomendable.

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NOTA PERSONAL :
[1960] [194p] [Grado Medio] [EXTREMADAMENTE Recomendable] [“…aún me hubiera sentido de la misma forma, porque animales y pájaros son como las personas, aunque no hablen igual o hagan las mismas cosas. Sin ellas esta tierra sería un lugar triste.”]
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[Julie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

When my defiant preteen daughter stands before me in great protest to any one of my many actions or words, she often resembles Disney's Pocahontas. She has tan skin and black hair that touches her waist and dark eyes that are kept busy with a vigilant observance of the world's injustices (and her mother's shortcomings). If she's not on horseback, then she's standing before you, holding a cat or a small rodent or a dog. (Or a strange, stuffed chinchilla).

So, when this middle child of mine received the Island of the Blue Dolphins for Christmas, I thought. . . how perfect. How perfect for her. She's just shy of 10, and so ready to think herself capable of being away from adults and alone on an island, stringing beads for necklaces and communing with wild dogs.

And that's about all I remembered from this 6th grade read of mine: a girl, stranded alone on an island. Wild dogs. Abalone. (Whatever in the hell I thought that was in middle school. I'm quite sure I didn't look it up in a dictionary. Yes, we used to have things in classrooms called dictionaries).

Okay, so, stranded island girl, wild dogs, abalone. . . yes, they were all there, waiting to greet me again at my return, but I had forgotten something better. . . this book's ability to provoke some thoughtful conversations.

See, this story's not so strong on character development or dialogue (does anyone even speak??), but our island girl, Karana, is faced with many predicaments. Karana's story provides many opportunities to turn to an interested tween and ask with ease, “What would you do?”

My daughter was absolutely riveted by the story, from beginning to end, and the most beautiful part for me, in this read-aloud was when the lonely Karana ends up being ushered home by a school of dolphins:

a swarm of dolphins appeared. They came swimming out of the west, but as they saw the canoe they turned around in a great circle and began to follow me. They swam up slowly and so close that I could see their eyes, which are large and the color of the ocean. Then they swam on ahead of the canoe, crossing back and forth in front of it, diving in and out, as if they were weaving a piece of cloth with their broad snouts.
Dolphins are animals of good omen. It made me happy to have them swimming around the canoe, and though my hands had begun to bleed from the chafing of the paddle, just watching them made me forget the pain. I was very lonely before they appeared, but now I felt that I had friends with me and did not feel the same.

My daughter sat up after this passage, and, with tears in her eyes, announced, “Mommy! It was the ancestors! The ancestors sent those dolphins to Karana in her darkest moment, to bring her joy. And that's what animals, do, Mommy, they bring us joy.”

And, by the story's end, Karana feels the same way, when she makes the decision to stop killing animals for their hides, feathers and teeth. The island girl realizes that the animals have been her sole companions on this long stretch of isolation and decides that “animals and birds are like people, too, though they do not talk the same or do the same things. Without them the earth would be an unhappy place.”

It is a simple story, with very little action or dialogue, but a whole lot of deep thinks and feels for those tricky preteens.

[Luffy Sempai · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was only when I finished reading the book did I get to know that it was based on a true story. The sequel might be worth reading too.

Such tragedy followed by sweet tales worthy of Mowgli, but what indubitably would have been a life of work and loneliness. I thought that since the beginning the author wanted to share his story with people of all ages, and it shows.

Karana was a transparent character, by which I mean we know all her thoughts. Yet we don't know her reasons for her acts of mercy towards the animals on the island. We do get an explanation, but still the adventures of a survivor lend themselves to tragedy, loneliness and instinct.

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart felt full after finishing the book. This brave, brave girl was so courageous and I felt for her struggle after being stranded alone on the island. She had to use all her wit to survive, and it was quite the journey. There were lots of beautiful moments, so the book was a lovely read.

[Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein zeitloses Kinder- und Jugendbuch für Leser ab acht.
Es geht um das Mädchen Won-a-pa-lei, das durch unglückliche Umstände alleine auf einer unbewohnten Insel mitten im Pazifik zurückbleibt. Hier muss sie nun um ihr Überleben kämpfen, sich eine Höhle bauen, Nahrung beschaffen und sich auch gegen wilde Tiere zur Wehr setzen...
Die Geschichte dieses Mädchens hat mich sehr berührt und fasziniert, zumal das Buch wohl auf wahren Begebenheiten beruht.
Auch ist es eine zeitlose Geschichte. Das Buch hat bereits 1963 den Deutschen Literaturpreis gewonnen.
Won-a-pa-lei hat mich beeindruckt. Sie hat eine so ruhige und ausgeglichene Art und zudem unglaublich viel Geduld bewiesen im Umgang mit den Tieren. Es war einfach schön, zu lesen!

[Ɗẳɳ 2.☊ · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★☆☆☆½

Before I begin, I want to apologize if this novel was a childhood favorite of yours, but, in fairness, I didn’t hate the story. A 2-1/2 star rating, according to GR, means it was slightly better than “okay,” but I didn't actually “like it.” Let’s just say it underwhelming and leave it at that.

Island of the Blue Dolphins is a story about a twelve-year-old girl who, through a series of unfortunate events, finds herself marooned on a deserted island. For fear of spoiling things due to the brevity of the novel, I’ll leave out the particulars that led to her isolation.

It’s recounted in the first person with a simplistic style of writing. I walked here; I paddled there; I made this; I caught that; I built a shelter; I watched for ships; the winds were strong; the stars shined bright; the seasons turned; the years passed. Some of her day-to-day activities were rather monotonous, but there were a few fun adventures, and she was able to gather a few animal companions along the way.

One of the highlights, for me, was her battle with the devilfish. Frustratingly though, the details were scarce. What became of the devilfish after the fight, or her pet birds after the Aleutians arrived, or the dozen other nagging little questions that cropped up but were never answered?

Not only were the details in short supply, but the seasons flew by at a staggering pace. Years were whisked away in a single sentence. “After two more springs had gone, on a morning of white clouds and calm seas, the ship came back.” And some of the terminologies seemed outdated or flat-out wrong. What was that about a “swarm of dolphins?” Shouldn’t that be a pod of dolphins—they’re not insects, man! Or, what about that “devilfish” business? That’s a rather generic term, don’t you think? It would have been nice if he specified whether it was a squid or an octopus because they’re entirely different species, for Pete’s sake!

Typically while reading, I highlight passages to use in a review or simply to save for later musings, but not so here. There was nary a passage of note which caught my eye. However, if you pause to consider that this story was written for children (at least I hope it was), with a message meant to encourage young girls to believe in themselves—believe that they’re capable of fending for themselves even in the direst situations—then I think it deserves the benefit of the doubt and warrants rounding up of my rating to 3 stars. So there’s really no need to besmirch its good name any further.

Lastly, there was an interesting note at the end of the book that said the story was inspired by “The Lost Woman of San Nicolas” - an Indian woman from the nineteenth century who lived alone on a small island off the coast of California for eighteen years. O’Dell attempted to recreate the historical account and stayed true to much of the known history.

Read as part of another Non-Crunchy Cool Classic Buddy Read.

[Debbie W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is my daughter's favorite childhood book (she's 37 now)! A great read-aloud to Grade 3 students; if only I can control my tears!

[Jason Koivu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in the '70s and early '80s teachers liked to make their students cry, and so they forced them to read books like Island of the Blue Dolphins, which is just the kind of good old fashioned heartbreaking stuff to do the trick!

It starts of great this story of a Chumash (local natives to the Santa Barbara, California area) tribe taken by surprise by fur hunters and then taken from their island, accidentally leaving behind a brother and a sister. There is sorrow a'plenty. The tale trots along, even stepping it up to a steady canter for about the first quarter or third. Then the narrative devolves into a Robinson Crusoe style listing of things done by or to the main character, Karana, while she's stuck alone on an island. As short as Island... is, it grinds on through the middle to a dull (yet somehow still sorrowful!) finish.

I figured this weekend was as good time as any to read this while I was visiting Santa Barbara, since the real life story it's based upon happened on one of the islands just off the coast. What would've made this infinitely more compelling would've been the simple adding of motive. If O'dell has suppled Karana a fervent desire to get off the island and get back to her people, that would've given the reader something to pull for. But he did not. I don't know the real story well enough to say, but from what I recall I have a feeling the author was trying to stay true to the actual account. All I have to say for that is, leave that to the biographers and historians. You're writing fact-based fiction here, my friend. You're allowed a little leeway.

Rating Note: 3.5

[Bren fall in love with the sea. · Rating 4 out of 5]

“More than anything, it was the blue dolphins that took me back home.”
― Scott O'Dell, Island of the Blue Dolphins

Sigh. I never read this as a kid. At least I don't think I did.

And I have long had it on my TBR. Survival stories are not usually my thing but I am aware how this beautiful story and I wanted to check it out.

I cannot say with honesty I loved it. I am sure I would have, had I read it as a kid. What I CAN say is I can see why it is considered a classic.

I had heard of Robinson Cruso. And I am not 100 percent sure I did not read it as a kid. There are so many books I read in my long ago youth. I very well may have.

I struggled with a rating. I did not just want to rate it a five because of its status as a classic. But I couldn't give it a low rating either.

Things I loved....the animals, the pet dogs, the birds and that dang fox! The little red fox made its mark on me! I love red foxes.

I felt all the animal death was a bit much. Yes, I am a wuss and do not like that even in children's books! I actually felt a bit bad for the devil fish!

I loved the sea and the beauty and tranquility of the island.

And I loved the protagonist who is a heck of a lot more gutsy then I'd ever be in that situation!

But the real reason it gets a four....and almost a five...is the unforgettable, to brief, sequence with the dolphins. That was just....I cannot even express how exquisite that little part of the book was. I do wish it had been longer.

Words cannot express how I adore dolphins....along with seals and otters and sea lions. I still have so many pictures of them taken on various vacations.

If one could be an animal for a day...wouldn't it be fun to be a dolphin? Or a sea otter? Such playful and joyous creatures.

The school of dolphin that surround, befriend and help Karana in this story were adorable and so exquisite to read about. Such a lovely story.

So I do think if this is one you've missed as a kid, you may want to do a read. Particularly if you like dolphin!

[emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

i hate being outside for prolonged periods of time, and i cannot be alone with my thoughts, and i have no handiness or survival skills, and i sunburn like it's my job, and i don't always love animals (although i do typically like them), but i believe i could flourish in an Island of the Blue Dolphins scenario.

it's just my opinion.

part of a series i'm doing in which i recall books i read a long time ago and call it reviewing

[Elizabeth (Plant Based Bride) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first became aware of Island of the Blue Dolphins as a young child when my parents came home with the audiobook on cassette to add to my growing collection. And I was immediately enraptured by Karana and her adventures.

Based on the true story of an indigenous woman (of the Nicoleño tribe) left alone to survive on a small island off the coast of California in the early 1800s, O’Dell reworked what we know of the facts into a coming-of-age tale of resilience, longing, loss, and love. As a child, I wanted to be Karana. She was resourceful, strong, kind, intelligent, and never gave up, even against seemingly impossible odds. She inspired me and validated my deep connection with animals, even planting the seed that would eventually cause me to go vegan as a young adult (I’ve included the relevant quote at the end of this review).

I recently re-listened to the audiobook (now on my phone. More convenient, perhaps, but I do miss the ritual of turning the cassette over to the other side.) and felt that magic as if I’d travelled back in time to my childhood bedroom where I listened and re-listened to this audiobook hundreds of times. I cannot give an unbiased review of this story because it is a fundamental piece of who I am. I adore it. It makes me profoundly emotional and is an incredibly immersive experience, playing out like a favourite childhood movie on the backs of my eyelids.

I have done some research into Scott O’Dell, and while I wish an Indigenous author could have told this story, I understand that at the time this book was published (1960), that would have been very unlikely. As far as I can tell, O’Dell did his best to remain faithful to what we know of Juana Maria (the new name she was christened with on the mainland after her rescue - her birth name has been lost to history), known as the Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island, and the legends surrounding her life - with the exception of making her much younger, presumably to be more relatable to his audience of children.

I imagine this book would not appeal to most adults reading it for the first time. Still, I believe it is a timeless piece of children’s literature that teaches important lessons and values and is both exciting and reflective, heartbreaking and jubilant. A classic that will forever have a special place in my heart.



“After that summer, after being friends with Won-a-nee and her young, I never killed another otter. I had an otter cape for my shoulders, which I used until it wore out, but never again did I make a new one. Nor did I ever kill another cormorant for its beautiful feathers, though they have long, thin necks and make ugly sounds when they talk to each other. Nor did I kill seals for their sinews, using instead kelp to bind the things that needed it. Nor did I kill another wild dog, nor did I try to spear another sea elephant.

Ulape would have laughed at me, and others would have laughed, too - my father most of all. Yet this is the way I felt about the animals who had become my friends and those who were not, but in time could be. If Ulape and my father had come back and laughed, and all the others had come back and laughed, still I would have felt the same way, for animals and birds are like people, too, though they do not talk the same or do the same things. Without them the earth would be an unhappy place.” page 156



Trigger/Content Warnings: death (including child death), violence, animal death, minor blood and gore (of animals), isolation, loss of a parent, loss of a sibling, colonization

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[Ashley Marie]

You know a book will stay with you forever when you reread it after probably 20 years and still hear your elementary school librarian's voice in your head as you read.

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Wanda’s Summer Carnival of Children’s Literature***

Well, this was a blast from the past! I remember reading this (probably several times) during grade 5 or 6, maybe both. Funny what I remember from those childhood readings—my take away from it was that girls could do whatever they needed to and just as well as anyone else.

Looking at it now through adult eyes, I see a lot more of what the author was trying to do. His wildlife conservation message is “thump you on the head” obvious to me now. I can also admire how he took a historical fact (an Indian woman who had lived alone on a small island off the coast of California for 18 years) and filled in quite believable adventures for her to experience.

I can see where nature-loving mini-me would have been captivated by her taming of wild dogs, Western Tanagers and sea otters. Being a child with no playmates of my own age living close by our farm, I also spent a lot of time adventuring alone and could relate to her solitude.

For me, this one stood the test of time.

[Taury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell is a beautifully written story of survival and quiet strength. Karana’s courage and connection to nature are inspiring, and her resilience stays with you. Though simple in style, the story is powerful and moving. A timeless classic I’d recommend to readers of any age.

[Kimberly Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, true survival story of a resilient young girl who was stranded alone on an island for 18 years. Karana’s remarkable story is not to be missed. A story that is as enjoyable for adults as it is for older children!

[Brina · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friend’s choice for me for our group’s first quarter book swap. I told her to pick me something short and her selection was a middle grade kids book that I may or may not have read in my youth. Any story that features a Swiss Family Robinson way of life and dolphins as well as a strong female protagonist is going to hold my attention and O’Dell’s masterpiece certainly did just that.

🐬 3.5 stars rounded up

[Suhailah · Rating 4 out of 5]

↺ A reread from childhood via audiobook

1st read: 2000 (In 4th grade)

My Current Rating (based on my “adult reread”): 4☆

My Previous Rating (based on my childhood read): 5☆

◇ An unforgettable young adult survival tale ◇

I remember first reading this book with my class in the 4th grade, and I’ve never ever forgotten it. It’s a beautiful story of one girl’s fight for survival after she gets left behind on the Island of the Blue Dolphins after a cluster of misfortune.

Devoid of much dialogue, action, and plot, this book is really more of an experience. Its simplicity is what feeds its beauty. There are many memorable moments and a deep message about love/respect for animals. Karana is easy to root for, and I’ve always admired her strength and will to survive even if it meant going against her own tribal customs and role. (Who knows? Perhaps this book is responsible for helping to shape some of my own personality traits?)

The year 2000 was one of my hardest childhood years to get through. I lost the only father figure I ever had in my life, my papa, to lung cancer. Perhaps the story found a permanent home in my memories because of the feelings it provoked within me that I was also fighting myself in real life at the time—isolation, uncertainty, and the means of survival after experiencing such a devastating loss. Nothing was ever the same in my life after he passed…

So, I’ve decided: I’ll dedicate this reread to you, papa.

“More than anything, it was the blue dolphins that took me back home.”

Interesting fact: this was based on a true story. Never knew that.

The Ending
I want to hope it was happy but not so sure….

Another challenge met…
2024 Monster Mash Challenge
|Jason Voorhees Category|
◇ Read a book that the cover is blue. ✔️

[da AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully told historical account of a strong Native American girl. Audiobook version does it justice.

[Manybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Island of the the Blue Dolphins: The Complete Reader's Edition (Edited by Sara L. Schwebel)

Please note that for a first time perusal of Scott O'Dell's Newbery Award Winning Island of the Blue Dolphins (and this especially for children and/or teenagers), Island of the the Blue Dolphins: The Complete Reader's Edition should perhaps be considered rather too academically dense and advanced (although of course, if a child reader were to skip all of the supplemental inclusions, such as editor Sara L. Schwebel's introduction, René L. Vellanoweth's article on modern archaeology and the Lone Woman of San Nicholas and Carole Goldberg's musings on Native American issues and how she considers Island of the Blue Dolphins not so much as a novel of Native American doom, gloom and destruction but of Native American persistence and survival against the odds, Island of the the Blue Dolphins: The Complete Reader's Edition might still be a wonderful reading experience for younger readers, albeit that the presented text of Island of the the Blue Dolphins: The Complete Reader's Edition features Scott O'Dell's first edition and also includes two chapters that were excised from the commonly published versions of Island of the Blue Dolphins).

But for me as and older and yes often intensely critical reader, Island of the the Blue Dolphins: The Complete Reader's Edition has mostly and indeed appreciatively, fortunately been a both wonderful and enlightening reading experience, pairing Scott O'Dell's narrative (even if it is a first edition with some minor changes from the commonly published versions of Island of the Blue Dolphins) with in my opinion both interesting and also necessary detailed academic analyses regarding for example questions of how Native Americans are depicted and presented by the author, if one can and should consider main protagonist Karana a female Robinson Crusoe and how modern archaeological expeditions of San Nicholas Island have shed light on the older more anecdotal accounts about the Lone Woman of San Nicholas and Scott O'Dell's own research methods (not to mention that the detailed annotations and footnotes are an absolute academic delight and further augment and increase the learning and educational value of Island of the the Blue Dolphins: The Complete Reader's Edition).

Now I perused editor Sara L. Schwebel's introduction to Island of the the Blue Dolphins: The Complete Reader's Edition in order of its appearance, namely BEFORE I read the actual story of Island of the Blue Dolphins (which immediately follows Schwebel's introduction). And while I did debate whether I should read the actual novel text first so as not to be influenced in my reading by the content and themes of the introduction, I finally decided against this since I had read Island of the Blue Dolphins often enough in the past for me (at least in my humble opinion) not to be unduly influenced by Schwebel's analyses and considerations (but I do still leave the caveat that readers might indeed want to consider first reading the actual narrative of Island of the Blue Dolphins and then going back and tackling Sara L. Schwebel's introduction).

With regard to what is contained in and written, proposed by Sara L. Schwebel in her introduction to Island of the the Blue Dolphins: The Complete Reader's Edition, I do very much appreciate that while the problems with paternalism, the so-called noble savage and the supposedly disappearing, doomed Native American are featured and rather meticulously and minutely analysed (and which are definitely all present in Island of the Blue Dolphins and while I do appreciate Carole S. Goldberg calling Island of the Blue Dolphins more a story of Native American power and persistence, I do think that especially for the author, for Scott O'Dell, the doomed and vanishing Indian trope was and remains what he first and foremost had in mind), there is also fortunately not ever a demand made in the introduction to in any manner absolutely reject Island of the Blue Dolphins out of hand, to no longer have it read at school etc. (as in my opinion, especially how Native Americans are portrayed by author Scott O'Dell in Island of the Blue Dolphins is certainly and indeed a perfect discussion vehicle). And well, I have also never agreed with attitudes of across the board rejection let alone banning, censoring of literature for whatever (and even possibly good) reasons anyhow unless (perhaps and even then I tend to have my doubts) said literature is truly and utterly horrible and violently offensive (which I really and totally do not think Island of the Blue Dolphins ever can and should be considered as being, even with its problematic issues regarding how Native Americans are being depicted and presented, as really and all things considered, Karana is absolutely and utterly positively and yes lovingly, gracefully portrayed by Scott O'Dell).

And furthermore, I am also glad that in the introduction to Island of the Blue Dolphins: The Complete Reader's Edition Sara L. Schwebel points out what I have personally always tended to believe with regard to Island of the Blue Dolphins, namely that while one can and should first and foremost consider the novel as a survival story, Karana is also not really in any manner a female edition of Robinson Crusoe (even if Scott O'Dell himself might have called her that). For Karana is not stranded in a strange and new world, as for her, the island is her actual home and that of course also makes her survival a bit easier, since she already is familiar with San Nicholas since her early childhood; Karana knows its flora and fauna. And indeed, Robinson Crusoe (just like many if not most of the other main characters in the so-called Robinsonades based on Daniel Defoe's original) is sadly also someone who actively tames and subjugates the island where he has been shipwrecked, where the island, its flora, fauna and yes, its potential human inhabitants are in fact always seen and described as lower, as something to be feared and then at best domesticated and subjugated (which also in my opinion does not all that much happen in Island of the Blue Dolphins either, as even when Karana gentles the wild dog Rontu, he and she become friends and companions on a pretty much equal level, not with her as master/owner and Rontu as her devoted servant so to speak).

Finally, there have also been over the years questions raised with regard to how well or how badly Scott O'Dell might have conducted his primary and secondary research about the Lone Woman of San Nicholas (on whom Island of the Blue Dolphins is based, with Karana being or at least representing the Lone Woman of San Nicholas). And while I do not think that Scott O'Dell's research was likely as thorough and as meticulous as the research done by many if not most historical fiction writers of today, after having read René L. Vellanoweth's information in Island of the the Blue Dolphins: The Complete Reader's Edition on recent archaeological expeditions to and finds on San Nicholas (and how they seem to mirror the older and more anecdotal 19th and early 20th century published information and accounts about the Lone Woman of San Nicholas and of which Scott O'Dell made ample use for his Island of the Blue Dolphins), I for one do tend to believe that O'Dell did a reasonable and decent enough job with what evidence there was available to him at the time (and that fabrications and embellishments seemingly were mostly used to fill in gaps that O'Dell's research did not cover or indeed perhaps showed with wrong information in the original sources). However, yes I do have both personal and linguistic, academic issues with the artificially constructed Native American language of the protagonist and how Scott O'Dell sure makes it seem in Island of the Blue Dolphins as though this is supposed to be Karana's actual mother tongue. For I know that I certainly believed the latter to have been the case as an eleven year old, when I was reading Island of the Blue Dolphins for the first time (and indeed, a totally artificial Native American language for me also kind of puts Karana and her story of survival a bit into the realm of fantasy, and thus in my opinion, Scott O'Dell probably should have used an extant Californian Islands Native American language from the same area and then mentioned in his author's note that Karana's language no longer exists but might be well related to other Native American languages of the area).

Five stars for the supplemental information included in Island of the the Blue Dolphins: The Complete Reader's Edition (for the enlightening introduction, the detailed annotations and the interesting articles on archaeology as well as the musings about whether Island of the Blue Dolphins could perhaps be considered more than just a tale of disappearing and doomed American Indians) and a high three star ranking for Scott O'Dell's actual story, for his narrative of Karana and her story of survival on San Nicholas Island, ergo an average ranking of four stars for Island of the the Blue Dolphins: The Complete Reader's Edition(as while as I have certainly enjoyed Island of the Blue Dolphins as much now as when I read it as decades ago as an eleven year old, the issues with how Native Americans are depicted, how Karana is presented by the author as being oh so noble and perhaps even a member of a disappearing and doomed people, and in particular that Scott O'Dell ended up using an artificially constructed by him language to portray Karana's mother tongue, this does indeed rather bother me a trifle, but still not all that much, as I do think that Island of the Blue Dolphins is a wonderful story in and of itself and in my opinion also absolutely and fully deserving of its Newbery Award, even though I do understand and realise that the novel is and remains somewhat controversial).

[Karen J · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved this true story in the 1800s a young Karana is alone on the Island of Blue Dolphins for 18 years.
The story is incredible especially all the trials and tribulations Karana had to encounter to survive.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

a children's book, this is my all time favorite. based on the true story of a young woman who had to survive alone on an island for more than 20 years. typical me...i love stories about strong women. i promised myself that when i "grew up," i would visit the grave-site of the woman who inspired the book. when i lived in california, i finally made my way to the mission in santa barbara where she was buried. for a moment i was able to flash back to my childhood self looking into the future...and i was moved that i kept the promise.

[stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

man, fourth grade was a good year for reading! this is another one, and fed my urge to be able to survive on my own even further. this is beautiful because it's based on a true story (she leaves the island with her skirt of cormorant feathers, which is on display at mission santa barbara) and because she was alone for eighteen years, and hid from russians, and dealt with wild dogs, and the loss of her brother.

it is beautiful, haunting, and a story of survival. it's also very much a story of california - the earthquake, the seal hunting, etc. i can appreciate now why ms. hart assigned this to us - at the time, i was simply thrilled i got to read about binding whale bones with seal sinew to make a fence.

[Chantal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book for a while now, but I never had the opportunity because of time constraints. I also didn't know this was based on a real story in history. The book was very easy to read, I enjoyed it. It was at times slow and predictable, but it was an okay read for all ages. Don't expect a super book, but I would read it again, so there for it gets 3 points



This book is in the 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up challenge I am doing.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surviving on the Island

Karana is a young native woman from two centuries ago who survived on her own when forgotten by her family during a mass evacuation. Karana is very young in the story, still a child, but old enough that she had been doing many of the chores required by her family to sustain them. That along with skills she taught herself helped her to manage her life alone on an island.

I read this book for the first time when I was probably the age of the girl in the story. It stayed with me for my entire life, reminding me of what an engaging story it was and that I needed to read it again and again.

This is a story than runs the gamut of your emotions from sadness and loneliness to triumph and joy. I believe this is probably a young adult story, but it’s a good story for anyone to read. This is an absolute five star.

[Allison boozy bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can I be honest? I read this back in school, probably in 5th or 6th grade. (At least I think I did.) I just finished it at the age of 29 and I found myself fighting to get through it. When I started it in June, I was excited but I couldn't keep up the enthusiasm past a few chapters. It was incredibly boring. It just plodded along and didn't get better. How do middle grade children get through this book? I don't think it's a classic because it truly failed to engage me. The 2 stars are for the relationship the MC had with the wild dog. That was the only part I enjoyed. Just being honest.

[✨faith✨trust✨pixiedust✨ Dead Account; Not Coming Back · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book that I ever really loved. I first read it when I was about 10 or 11, and I fell in love with Scott O'Dell's writing, getting my hands on any of his books that I could find at my elementary school library. It really made me into a reader. But I hadn't read it in about a decade, and I was curious how well it would hold up to my adult mind.

IT WAS EVEN BETTER!!!

I originally rated this 4 stars, rather arbitrarily, but this reread proved that this is truly an amazing piece of historical fiction, especially for children. Even for its time, it does a great job at portraying Native American peoples in a humanizing light, as well as young girls (which is amazing, because Scott O'Dell was clearly a white adult male).

It's compelling and action-packed, and extremely educational. I really felt for Karana as she lives abandoned on an island for the majority of her life, missing her family but feeling unable to leave her home. Making new friends and losing them. Growing and changing as a woman. It's short but it's excellent, and I highly suggest it.

[Era ➴ · Rating 3 out of 5]

my friend once dared me to read this in half an hour to prove that I was a speed-reader, but then he had to leave and I never told him that I finished in 33 minutes. Only thing I remember is that there was island and a boat, which isn't exactly a riveting story.

[Corinne Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I read outloud to my two older children, ages 8 and 6. We LOVED IT. Here's my 8 year old daughter's thoughts:

It's about a girl a girl who is left on an island and she has to survive by herself. She makes her own weapons and she makes her own house that she makes with whale ribs for a fence. They used seaweed to tie the whale ribs together. That was my favorite part. I liked the ending, even though there were sad parts.

From my 6 year old:
I liked about how she made weapons. I liked how she made friends with animals on the island.

I love when a book fits the three of us so well. The story and setting feel expertly researched and authentic. Sometimes, when we had a chapter where we learned the details of Indian life and culture, it reminded me of Little House on the Prairie, especially when we learned how to dry food or make a skirt. There was certainly a lot of adventure, more than you'd think when a girl is living on an island by herself. Whilst reading a part where some wild dogs are having a bloody battle, my son actually gasped and yelled, "THIS is AWESOME!!!"

We all liked how many animals she interacted with - and the animals were the impetus for much of the emotion in the story. During one scene with an animal, I actually teared up as I was reading aloud. Karana (the main character) is tough and resourceful and she has to deal with way too much tragedy. Yet, part of what I liked is how she never sat like a lump and wanted to give up. Things get destroyed? Rebuild. All your food washes away/gets eaten? Collect more. She was a great example to my kids and we had some really interesting discussions about the hard things she deals with. At one point (you'll know when you read it, near the beginning), I worried that maybe it would be a bit too intense, but my kids took it in stride better than I did.

I read my kids the author's notes at the end too and we had a great talk about historical fiction. My kids wanted to know specifically what was real and what wasn't (I can relate to that!) and I could tell them, thanks to O'Dell's great notes. This one was a winner for us :)

Edit Jan 2021 - read again, outloud this time to my eight year old twin sons. Held up, 100%. They never wanted to be done listening. We marveled at the animals in her world and in her tenacity. We'd read about an animal and look up pictures and videos. A really great experience all around.

[☾❀Apple✩ Blossom⋆｡˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“More than anything, it was the blue dolphins that took me back home.”



I remember reading this book as a mandatory read in school, but I really thought it was longer ahah! Isn't it crazy how the simple fact that we have to do something makes us enjoy it 100 times less? Reading this book, I see it has everything I would enjoy as a child: the setting, the animals, the wilderness... I read so many books like this as a child and loved them, and yet I remember not particularly liking this one. Oh, well, I definitely enjoyed it now as an adult. It's a short, interesting story, even though sometimes repetitive (it is based on this young woman's struggle to survive alone, and follows the cycle of seasons, mainly focusing on her efforts to care for injured animals or trying to tame them), and I was surprised to learn, at the end, that its based on a true story. This was much more fun than I expected!