Island of the Blue Dolphins

Bibliographic information: 
O’Dell, Scott.  Island of the Blue Dolphins.  Dell Laurel-Leaf, 1960, p.197.

Brief plot description:
How would you feel to be left alone on an island for many years?  This story is about Karana who is left on the Island of the Blue Dolphins.  The story begins with an Aleut ship coming to Coral Cove as Roma and Karana are digging for roots.  The Aleuts are there to hunt otter, but they are to split the profit with Chief Chowig.  Something happens, and Chowig dies along with most of the village.  Chief Matasaip prepares the village for a return of the Aleuts, but the past chief Kimki sends a boat to collect the survivors.  Roma misses the boat and Karana goes after him.  An accident then happens and Roma dies.  Karana is left alone on the island.  She leaves the village to burn and moves to a new location.  Rontu, a wild dog whom she injuries, becomes her pet.  What will happen to Karana while she is on the island and will she ever leave?            

Brief review:
I liked this book because it tells of a girl that overcomes all the odds to survive on an island all by herself.  I also like it because it shows how one can survive on the food around them and how weapons can help.  I think this book could be used in fourth through sixth grades.  It could be used when talking about adventures or when talking about islands.  I think that the main idea in this story is to never give up on living.  Karana goes through many things but she never gives up.  I really enjoyed the story and I believe others will too.

Genre label:

Adventure

Reading level/interest level:

4^th – 6^th

Similar materials in style content, theme or characters:
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Truth is a Bright Star: A Hopi Adventure by Joan Price
A Way of His Own by T.A. Dyer

Awards:
Newbery Award

Character names/descriptions:
Roma is twelve years old
Karana is twenty-four years old
Chief Chowig- Roma and Karana’s father; chief of the village of Chalas
Chief Kimki- first replacement chief
Matasaip- replacement chief for Kimki
Orlov- captain of ship
Aleuts- people on the ship; come to hunt otters