Island of the Blue Dolphins :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

Island of the Blue Dolphins

2008-01-30
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O' Dell was the best book that I have ever read. I just couldn't put it down. It was filled with drama. I do not recommend this book for anyone under the age of 8. They might not understand the story. A teenage girl, Karana, living with her Native American tribe on an island off the coast of California experiences some big changes. This happens when some Russians come to the island and offer to take the tribe to the mainland. Karana's brother is left behind so she jumps off the ship and swims to shore. They live together happily until her brother is eaten by a pack of wild dogs. Karana must now defend herself. She chooses to go to the mainland when the Russians come back to pick her up. She lives the rest of her life on the sandy beaches of California.

Wonderful story of history

2007-11-09
This is a very touching story based on the small amount of factual information preserved on the Lone Woman of San Nicholas Island. It has been a fantastic jumping-off point for explorations into Chumash culture and history, visits to the graveyard where the woman is buried and Santa Barbara history. O'Dell has incorporated the known facts into a well-written and engaging book, with a very touching ending, as most readers would know that the woman died some weeks after being brought to the mainland, probably because of eating food to which she was unaccustomed. Although all members of her tribe had died by the time she arrived and no one was able to speak her language, she was so happy to be among people that she welcomed many visitors before her death, communicating her stories the best she could. By all accounts she was a very sociable and pleasant woman. This book inspires children to play at "survival" games and adults to ponder European treatment of Native Americans.

It was okay.

2007-06-05
I thought the book was okay. It was kind of predictable because you know somehow that the tribe was going to get killed and she would be the only one on the island. The explanation in the beginning kind of gives it away.

Island Of Blue Dolphins A review by Karen,Erynn,Jessie,Devon, and April

2007-03-13
Enemy wild dogs stalking you, icy winds whipping your face, unknown creatures lurking among you in the bushes, as you close your eyes and fall asleep, hoping to wake up alive. Imagine enduring these circumstances every day for 18 years in a row. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O' Dell is a tale of hope, adventure, survival, and discovery based on a true story. When a tribe of Indians is offered to flee from their island in search of a safer place to live, a girl named Karana escapes from the boat in order to save her brother from being left behind. Only the tables turn on Karana, and she is left behind with her brother. While on an adventure, her brother is soon killed by wild dogs. Through threats of wild animals, natural disasters, and invaders, Karana learns to apply her skills towards the challenge of keeping herself alive. Through many challenges and various hardships, Karana remains intent, not only on survival but also in making a happy life for herself. Karana wasn't lonely; eventually she befriends and tames various wild animals, including the leader of the wild dogs. After years of hating the dogs, she slowly comes to realize that it is easier to live in peace then to be constantly at war. This is a gripping story of battling wild dogs and sea elephants, simply telling a suspenseful story of survival and up-lifting adventure. This book was awarded a Newbery Award in 1961; in 1976 The Children's Literature Association named this riveting story one of the 10 best American children's books.

Still a true classic

2005-12-30
This classic was voted one of the top 10 American children's books of the last 200 years by the Children's Literature Association. Although modern readers may find it a little dated in some ways and the pacing a little slow, it's still an absorbing and beautiful story about how a resourceful Indian girl survives alone on an island off the California coast for 18 years.

The story is a lot like Robinson Crusoe only told from the girl's point of view, but that's okay. (Coincidently Crusoe was rescued after 17 years on his island, if I remember correctly).

The book is still worth reading today by young readers and O'Dell does a great job of telling this resourceful young woman's story. The story was inspired by true events, when the girl's people were evacuated from the island of Ghalas-At and she jumped ship to stay behind with her abandoned brother (who tragically dies shortly thereafter, leaving, Karana, the girl, all alone).

Overall, still a great classic and worth your child's time and effort.

Karana: Tenacious and Hopeful Hero

2005-09-26
This is the story of Karana, the Indian girl who lived alone for years on the Island of the Blue Dolphins. Year after year, she watched one season pass into another and waited for a ship to take her away.