Island of the Blue Dolphins

Island of the Blue Dolphins

By Scott O'Dell

127 ratings 184 reviews 216 followers
Interest LevelReading LevelReading A-ZATOSWord Count
Grades 4 - 8Grades 10 - 9V5.440531

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.

Publisher: PUFFIN
ISBN-13: 9780141368627
ISBN-10: 0141368624
Published on 7/7/2016
Binding: Paperback

Book Reviews (181)

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anteater 9 anteater 9

i love island of the blue dolphin!!! it is the best book ever!!! i love it so much!! This book has so much adventure and i never wanted it to end. It leaves you with great questions. Karana is such a strong character. The author uses so much detail. I feel like i was on the island with Karana. READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

babyblue9 babyblue9

I would recommend this book to anyone. It's a Newbery Award winning classic by Scott O'Dell, and the best children's book ever! Scott O'Dell describes it so well that I felt like I was watching the story happening right in front of my eyes! The story will get you jumping up and down for more as you read about her sad and emotional life. It's also SUPER touching to the heart and might make you cry (like I almost did). It also is happy, and is a beautiful story.

doglover9 doglover9

I would strongly recommend this book. After reading one page, it grabbed me. After finishing the book, I wanted to read even more! Another thing I thought was exciting was that you couldn't predict what was going to happen next. Really love it!

chefh9 chefh9

if you need a great book to read, pick island of the blue dolphins. It is a true story and it is about how she grew up and lived alone and survived.Also cause she has a great love for animals.

potao wait potao wait

I would strongly recommend the book Island of the Blue dolphins to a friend. It is an award winning classic. It is a great adventure book about a girl who is stranded on an island. Best of all, it is based on a true story.

R2D2James bond9 R2D2James bond9

IT IS SAD AND VIOLENT AND THE MAIN CHARACTER IS WEIRD(island of the blue dolphins)

lokionmathflas9 lokionmathflas9

it can be a bit far fetched and violent and it makes no sense though it's a interesting book at least

Kat9 Kat9

Island of the Blue Dolphins is an amazing book. I would recommend it, let me tell you reasons. It has an adventure, a lot of action and excitement, leaves you with questions, has many twists that are unpredictable. Scott O'dell uses a lot of detail to help us visualize and feel what it's like.

kitkat coolcat9 kitkat coolcat9

Is an awesome amazing book. I totally recommend it. This book has lots action including natural disasters, battle scenes, and hunting. Best historical/classic book like ever!!!!! Cute adorable animals. You people are crazy if you don't read it. A story about survival.

Dodger9 Dodger9

After reading the book Island of the Blue Dolphins, I would recommend it because it is a very suspenceful and thrilling book.I also liked reading about how she survived on the island.

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