Ages 10+1-min guideAdventureNatureClassic
Island of the Blue Dolphins
by Scott O'Dell
Good fitA good fit for most kids 10 and up. A quiet survival classic based on a true story. There is loss early on, and long stretches of solitude.
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What it’s about
Karana is left behind on an island off the California coast when her people leave. She survives alone for years, building a home and befriending animals.
The ending
What might come up
Death and lossA lotMen of her tribe are killed by hunters, her little brother is killed by wild dogs, and later her dog Rontu dies.
ViolenceSomeThe battle with hunters and animal attacks.
Big feelingsSomeLoneliness and grief.
Scary momentsA littleWild dogs.
LanguageNone
RomanceNone
Why kids like it
A girl who survives alone and makes friends with a wild dog.
Free printable quiz
- 1Why is Karana left on the island?
- 2What happens to her brother?
- 3What is the name of her dog?
- 4Is the story based on real events?
