Title: Island of
the Blue Dolphin
Author: Scott O’Dell
Publisher & Year of Publication: Hufflin Mifflin Harcourt, 2010 50th Anniversary Edition
Genre: Fiction
Recommended Audience: Ages 9-12
Summary: Karana is the daughter of Chowing, who is the chief of the people of Ghalas-at. She has one older sister Ulape, and younger brother Ramo. They live on the Island of the Blue Dolphin; however one day a Russian leader, Captain Orlov, decides his tribe is going to hunt on the island. This causes conflict and Chowing is killed. Kimki replaces him and he feels the tribe should relocate. When this time comes, the tribe has to quickly get on the boat because of a storm. Ramo does not make the boat, and when Karana realizes this she jumps off and swims back. Ramo and her live together for a period of time, but then Ramo is killed by a pack of dogs. Eventually Karana seeks the dogs as companions. After living by herself for many years, she eventually decides to leave and board one of the boats that dock on the island.
Evaluation/Reflection: I love this book because it is a survival story, based on a young girl. It is has historical value and is based loosely on a Native American girl from southern California.
Memorable Literary Element: The use of preserving the environment and forgiveness is thought provoking theme found throughout the text. This is a book that leaves you wanting to make a change for the better.
Illustrations: None, just cover illustrated.
Review: "Island of the Blue Dolphins has the timeless enduring quality of a classic." -Chicago Tribune
Promotion Idea: I would promote this book in conjugation with a unit on Native Americans. A brochure highlighting the book, Native American tribes along the California coast, and facts known about the lost girl of San Nicholas island.
Acquisition: Public library, Scholastic book fair, or available on Amazon for $14.21 (hardcover).
Author: Scott O’Dell
Publisher & Year of Publication: Hufflin Mifflin Harcourt, 2010 50th Anniversary Edition
Genre: Fiction
Recommended Audience: Ages 9-12
Summary: Karana is the daughter of Chowing, who is the chief of the people of Ghalas-at. She has one older sister Ulape, and younger brother Ramo. They live on the Island of the Blue Dolphin; however one day a Russian leader, Captain Orlov, decides his tribe is going to hunt on the island. This causes conflict and Chowing is killed. Kimki replaces him and he feels the tribe should relocate. When this time comes, the tribe has to quickly get on the boat because of a storm. Ramo does not make the boat, and when Karana realizes this she jumps off and swims back. Ramo and her live together for a period of time, but then Ramo is killed by a pack of dogs. Eventually Karana seeks the dogs as companions. After living by herself for many years, she eventually decides to leave and board one of the boats that dock on the island.
Evaluation/Reflection: I love this book because it is a survival story, based on a young girl. It is has historical value and is based loosely on a Native American girl from southern California.
Memorable Literary Element: The use of preserving the environment and forgiveness is thought provoking theme found throughout the text. This is a book that leaves you wanting to make a change for the better.
Illustrations: None, just cover illustrated.
Review: "Island of the Blue Dolphins has the timeless enduring quality of a classic." -Chicago Tribune
Promotion Idea: I would promote this book in conjugation with a unit on Native Americans. A brochure highlighting the book, Native American tribes along the California coast, and facts known about the lost girl of San Nicholas island.
Acquisition: Public library, Scholastic book fair, or available on Amazon for $14.21 (hardcover).