Island of the Blue Dolphins

O’Dell, Scott. 1960. ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS. New York: Yearling.

O’Dell creates a remarkably engaging story of doing what is necessary to survive on a deserted island. Refusing to leave her brother alone on the island, Karana jumps from the ship taking her people to a new land. After the death of her brother, Karana is left alone on the island to learn to find water, create a shelter, find food, and defend herself from wild dogs. Karana spends many years alone, with only a self-tamed dog for a friend, before being rescued by people of the “others.” O’Dell includes notes at the end of the story that give the historical background on the Island of the Blue Dolphins, the Indians from this island, and Robison Crusoe (The Lost Woman of San Nicolas), a girl who lived alone on the island from 1835 to 1853. With engaging text, the reader will be captivated with the story. O’Dell does a remarkable job of describing the setting while still entertaining the reader. This story would be easily paired with other survival stories.