ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS by Scott O'Dell

Bibliography

O'Dell, Scott. 1960. ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS. New York, NY. Dell Publishing Co. Inc. ISBN 0440439884


Plot Summary

Karana and her brother are left alone on their home island when a ship comes to take her people away. Her brother is killed by a pack of wild dogs and Karana is left to fend for herself. She hunts, gathers, builds, and makes a new life for herself. In her mission to kill the pack of dogs who killed her brother, Karana finds a friend in one of the dogs she wounded. He becomes her constant companion. Karana lives on the island alone for many years. A ship comes once and she meets a girl a little older than herself. This is when she realizes how very lonely she really is. The ship and the girl leave and Karana is on her own again. Her dog, Rontu, dies of old age and Karana captures and tames a dog who she believes to be Rontu's son. Karana is eventually saved from the island by another ship and learns that her people all drowned on the first voyage many, many years ago.


Critical Analysis
O'Dell tells a story of survival akin to ROBINSON CRUSOE; a story full of suspensful sequences and innovative planning. The book is written as if you are inside Karana's head, getting to hear all of her thoughts and memories as she reminices about the past and looks forward to the future. Karana's ability for compassion is apparent in her forgiveness of the wild dog's who killed her brother and her decision to not kill any animals after she befriends an otter. It is interesting how Karana makes herself beautiful clothes and walks around the island in them showing off for noone but her dog. As the book covers a time period of 18 years, we are able to see Karana grow and change throughout.

Review Excerpts

Newberry Medal Winner

Hans Christian Anderson Medal

Nene Award
Starred Review in Library Journal: "a haunting and unusual story"

Review in Booklist: "A moving and unforgettable story"

Review in Publisher's Weekly: "An almost unbearably moving story"


Connections

*Discuss dealing with loneliness

*Discuss survival, using resources around you, problem-solving

*Research information about "The Lost Woman of San Nicolas"

*Discuss Karana's decision to jump off the boat to be with her younger brother