Island of the Blue Dolphins

Title: Island of the Blue Dolphins
Author: Scott O'Dell
Publisher: Hougton Mifflin, 1960
Reading Level: 6th and up
Pages: 184
Genre: Non-fiction









Summary:

Wonapalei, also known as Karana lives with her people the Ghalas-at. They live a peaceful life gathering roots and fishing, One day, a ship with the Aluets came, and they told the natives they would pay them if they would let them hunt the otter. However, they lied and went to leave without paying. They run into Chief Chowig, Karana's father, and a battle breaks out, taking lives on both sides, including Chowig's. The Aluets leave the natives in despair, and they elect a new chief, Chief Kimki. He leaves the island to find help, and he comes back with a ship to take everyone to the mainland. However, Karana's brother is not there yet and they can't wait because of a storm. Karana jumps off of the boat and swims back to the island, and when her brother returns they live together hoping that the ship will return one day. Some dogs that were left behind eventually kill Ramo, the brother, and Karana is left to learn how to do male jobs like hunting and making spears and canoes. She vows to avange Ramo and she kills several dogs, but when she meets the pack leader, she has a change of heart. She names hiim Rontu, and eventually she also tames some birds and an otter. The animals are the only inhabitants on the island beside herself. She builds a home inside of a cave and stocks it in case the Aluets come back. Eventually they do return, and Karana hides in her cave. She notices that there is a girl with the Aluets and they eventually befriend. The friend, Tutok, and Karana give eachother gifts and become great friends. However, the Aluets eventualy leave and Karana is left by herself. She realizes how lonley she is without people. One day Rontu dies, but Karana finds his pup and names him Rontu-Aru. She sees a ship come to her island, but it leaves. After two years it comes back, so Karana dresses in her finest clothes and goes to meet them. They give her a dress that will be like the ones on the mainland. She doesn't love it, but she realizes that it is how she will hve to dress from now on. The ship sails away, and takes Karana and Rontu-Aru to the mission in Santa Barbara, California.



My Reaction:

I loved this book! I couldn't put it down! I loved following Karana as she changed with every situation that came to her. It is a sad story, but it is definitely one that is awe-inspiring.

Potential Problems:

The war that breaks out at the beggining with deaths. Also, how the Aluets lied to the natives about paying them for the otters.

Recommendations:

I would definitely recommend this to everybody!!! For younger children somebody could read aloud to them, and older children can read it on there own if they want to. I think it's a great book to show people how some people had to live their lives sometimes.