Island of the Blue Dolphins

Summary

Karana lives on Ghalat-at, the island of the blue dolphins, with her brother and the rest of her family and village. A war breaks out with a group of hunters from another island and many warriors are killed, including their chief, Karana's father. The new chief decides that the tribe should leave the island. Karana and her brother are accidentally left behind. Karana's brother is killed by wild dogs that live on the island. Time passes and she realizes that the others may never come back for her. She builds herself a house, makes tools and weapons, and not only survives, but thrives. She fights and nearly kills, then befriends the lead dog in the pack of wild dogs. He becomes her companion and defender. After eighteen years, she at last leaves the island.

Instructional Activities

• Karana survives, mostly by herself, in the wilderness. Compare her character with the boy in Hatchet . How were they alike? How were they different?

• Writing prompt: What do you think was the hardest thing that Karana had to endure while she was on the island?

• Map it: Students will create a map, using software or graph paper, of the area of the Pacific where the story takes place. Identify the major island chains and the coast of California.

• Students will write a character diary for Karana while reading the book. Write about what happened in the story and how she feels about it.

• Writing prompt: At the beginning of the book, Karana has opinions and traditions that are very similar to the rest of her people. By the end of the book, she has adopted a new set of beliefs and practices. Contrast Karana at the beginning with Karana at the end. How had she changed and why?

• Have students research the Lost Woman of San Nicholas, on which the story is based. How closely did the book follow the historical story? Make a chart comparing the two.

Web Resources

Scott O'Dell's webstie

California Teacher's Guide

Teacher resources