Island of the Blue Dolphins Reviews

• Karana: Tenacious and Hopeful Hero

  
  By A3FVAWZNKW9GX on 2005-06-23
  As a child, my grade school librarian wore out from me asking to borrow so often. Later, as a private tutor, my students chose this again and again. "Island of the Blue Dolphins" lives up to its reputation as one of the greatest children's book ever.
  
  Libraries are good for borrowing books, but some books should be on the shelf of any young reader. Scott O'Dell's magnificent "Island of the Blue Dolphins" is just that. Save your librarian some grief and buy a copy.
  
  "The Island of the Blue Dolphins" is not the story of a foolish young girl who missed the boat when the island was being evacuated. Far from it. Karana was on the boat. Her playful little brother, Ramo, wasn't. He was only 6 years old and could never survive alone. She jumped off and headed to shore to save him. The boat left.
  
  Every little girl or boy has been alone, frightened without a clear way of finding his or her way home. Often, the problem is fixed by turning the next corner, finding out it is the same neighborhood it has always been. In the case of "The Island of the Blue Dolphins," Karana's home never changes. Everyone she knows and loves, however, leaves.
  
  For 18 years Karana took care of herself, and she grows from a preteen child into a woman just entering her 30s. This is that story, filled with adventures similar to "Robinson Crusoe," another true story set to fiction. Fans of "Swiss Family Robinson," will likewise enjoy this.
  
  Karana's ingenuity to survive is surpassed by her tenacity and hope. Weathering hard circumstances, such wild dogs, storms and the constant need to find fresh food and good water. She uses what she learned from her parents and other villagers before the left, and what she learns by trial an error.
  
  As exciting as "Treasure Island," only with a female protagonist, the book is more than a tale of heroics. Scott O'Dell's keen sense of description separates this from the rest of the bookshelf. Although sensitive that his reader is younger, he still manages to place to reader in the story, imagining the smell of sea or hearing the not-so-far off bark of wild dogs.
  
  Like other classics as "Old Yeller" and "My Brother Sam Is Dead," not everything comes easily to Karana. There are somber times when people leave, when her brother dies, or when things look bleak. O'Dell tells the story as realistically as he can, which makes the happy times happier.
  
  I fully recommend "Island of the Blue Dolphins," by Scott O'Dell. It won "The Newberry Medal for Best Children's Book" for good reason.
  
  Anthony Trendl
  editor, HungarianBookstore.com
  
  

• I liked this book so much!

  
  By A1DFCBLP5LG8MB on 2000-02-25
  I read the book "Island of the Blue Dolphin" The author is Scott O'Dell who won the Newbery Medal for this book in 1961. He has written so many kinds of books for teenagers and is one of the most popular authors for young people. In 1976 the Children's Literature Association named this riveting story one of the ten best American children's boos of the past two handred years. The story is about a twelve-year old American Indian girl,Karana. O'Dell wrote the real-life story of that litle Indian girl. One day a ship came to take the Indians off of the island, which looks like the blue dolphin. In all the excitement, they didn't make sure that everyone was on the ship. So they didn't notice that Karana's little brother wasn't on the ship. She jumped ship to stay with her little brother, who had been abandoned on the island, but he dided shourtly thereafter, adn she had to live alone on the island for 18 years. After that she had to wait a long time for them come back and get her. So she made weapons, built shelter, found good and fought wild dogs by herself,but also she made wonderful friend to talk with. She became a very strong person during those 18 years. This story written primarily for children. So if you like books about survival adn adventure read this book. It's a good book that touches your heart. I loved it!
  
  

• Island of the Blue Dolphins

  
  By on 2001-10-17
  If you like heart breaking,touching,and sad books,you should definitely read the Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. It's about an Indian girl who gets separated from her family and is stranded on an island. Now she needs to survive.

  Difficult challenges face Karana. For an example,she needs to find a way to hunt so she can eat. She makes a spear out of wood and carves a rock in a shape of a triangle and catches fish to eat. This book made me feel sad for kids who are orphans and who live on their own.

  This book was so terrific the I read it in only two days! I would recommend this book to people of ages 8-150. And I think girls and boys would like this book because it is not too scary, it is just the perfect book to read. I read it, my mom read it,you should read it too.
  
  

• I loved this as a young teenager...

  
  By A1AXHNRDJEQ0B on 2005-03-05
  Around the age of 12 - 13, this was one of my favorite books. When buying it now as a grown up, I was fascinated to discover this book was actually based on a true story.
  
  A young girl, Karana, is living with her tribe on the Island of the Blue Dolphins (the island is apparently based off the coast of California). After increasing contact with white men (some with tragic results), the tribe is evacuated from the island. At the last moment, Karana jumps off the boat since she discovers her younger brother is left behind. The brother is killed very soon afterwards, and Karana is left to take care of herself - not only to provide herself with food & shelter, but also to fend off a pack of ild dogs wich roams the island, with the threat of unfriendly white men constantly hanging in the background.
  
  

• This book is about a girl who learns life's not always easy.

  
  By on 1999-11-15
  This book is one of the best books I have ever read. It's about an Indian girl named Karana who is stranded alone on the Island of Blue Dolphins. She learns to defend herself and make her own weapons. Island of the Blue Dolphins is sad at times, but is still an awesome story for grades 4-7. Give it a try!
  
  
• Island of the Blue Dolphin
  By A3DE0UGXYX0RZQ on 2002-01-28
  You Know what a good book is? Island of the Blue Dolphins. Scott O'Dell does a wonderful job telling this girls story of survival, physically and emotionally. This young girl's tribe is forced to leave their island after the Alutes came and killed most of the men in their tribe. The day they are set to leave, this girls little brother is not on the boat and the boat is already pulling away from the cove. So she jumps off and swims to the island to stay with her brother. Soon after she is abandoned, her brother is killed by a pack of wild dogs. Now she is all alone on the Island of the Blue Dolphins.
  Scott O'Dell does a wonderful job with this book. This young girl is truly pushed to the limits. Seeing as she is living on her own for years. Her character is such an inspiration. She over came many obstacles to survive. She definitely faces conflict when her brother dies. This was probably her biggest obstacle.
  I personally enjoyed this book. I found it truly inspiring. I have never read any of Scott O'Dell's books before. I believe that his other books will be just as good as this one. This story has such a good story line to it. It kind of reminded me of Cast Away. The main characters both had to survive by them self's for a while before getting rescued.
  
  
• Goes beyond the typical survival book
  By A2QRB6L1MCJ53G on 2000-10-30
  "Island of The Blue Dolphins" is a classic in every sense in my opinion. After most of her people are killed by some Russians called the Aleuts, Karana has to live on The Island of The Blue Dolphins. While there, she has to learn how to survive alone by making shelter, her own food, etc. She also has to find a way to fend herself of the wild dogs should they turn to attack her, while also watching the seas to make sure the Aleuts don't come back. Will she be on the island alone forever? Will she be rescued by a ship? Karana has to find a way to survive long enough to find out.

  "Island of The Blue Dolphins" is one of the best books I've ever read. Unlike many stories of survival, the author, Scott O'Dell doesn't ever sympathize much with what Karana has been through. In the end, it makes the book even better that he didn't reflect too much on Karana's losses. Once you get to a certain point in the story, it will grip you into reading it and not let go until the book is over. There's a lot of things about the book that you probably won't ever forget once you read it. It's pretty much a great and unforgettable book about survival and it couldn't have been written any better if you ask me.

  I recommend anybody who likes great books that are about survival to get "Island of The Blue Dolphins." It's so good that it goes beyond the typical survival book, and you'll know what I mean when you finish reading it. It has elements of many other kinds of stories, and it's very compelling. It's a 5 star book without a doubt.
  
  

• a beloved favorite
  By A2RNJE499JJ6FA on 2005-12-27
  This was one of my favorite books as a child. I was an avid reader, and my mom tried to keep up with my insatiable appetite for books. This was one of my many-times-read books, and I have even read it once or twice as I've gotten older. I love the story, and about how this young girl has to make a life for herself. I particularly love Rontu and Rontu-Aru, names that I have used for pets on occasion. I recommend this to any young reader or parent to buy for their children!!
  
  
• One of the best books in the world!
  By on 1999-11-03
  I have read this book and it is one of the best ones I have ever read! It is based on the true story of Karana, a twelve year old Indian girl left alone on the island of San Nicholas after her people leave... It is a wonderful, touching, exciting book and I love it and reccomend it to everyone. Three cheers for Scott O'Dell!
  
  
• A beautiful edition!
  By ACEA95FQS1AVP on 2008-01-30
  Even years after reading it, I still remember how this book resonated with me. The story of a young girl left alone on an island when her people are relocated seems so simple. However, the story is much deeper than that. She must find food, shelter, create tools - in short, she must survive. After reading this I finally understood the phrase, "triumph of the human spirit." She triumphed, and I imagined all the things I could accomplish if she could do that. Everyone should read this book, old and young. A true classic, in every sense of the word.
  
  This hardcover edition is especially beautiful, and I think the best presentation of the novel I have seen. The book has several full-page, full color illustrations throughout that will help even a reluctant reader get into the story. They are done in the same artistic style as the image on the cover. The illustrations, combined with a sturdy binding and a lovely dark blue dust jacket make for a collector quality publication. The retail price of $22 is a little high, but most stores will offer a discount that makes it worth while. Highly recommended!
  
  
• Enduring Childhood Literature
  By ALYN8B7WZ3CXG on 2000-12-28
  I first read this book as a young girl in the early 60's and still gravitate towards the same copy I read in my children's elementary school library when I visit. When it was made into a movie and played at the local drive-in, I begged my parents to see it more than once. My oldest daughter, now 20, has read the book and when my youngest daughters, 5 & 7, are old enough, they'll read it also.

  I'm not certain what there is about Island of the Blue Dolphins that continues to draw me back to it over and over; I find myself scanning book lists for the title even though I already own it and have read it more times than I can count. It's the one I say is my favorite when anyone asks what's your favorite book of all time. My most vivid memory of the story is the hate Karana had for the wild dogs and the ironic love she developed for one of the pups who became her companion and defender.

  It's a wonderful story and belongs in every family library.
  
  

• This is one of my favorite books!
  By on 2007-11-23
  The Island of the Blue Dolphins, by Scott O'Dell, is about a young Indian girl, Karana, who accidently got left alone on an island with her little brother Ramo. Karana learned to survive by herself with bravery all the time believing that her people would return for her.
  The author skillfully painted pictures with words helping the reader be able to see the story in his or her head. I really admired how Karana was brave, courageous, and strong and how she never gave up even when things got scary and bad. I would like to be like her, but I felt very sorry for her having to live by herself.
  There were some really sad things that happen to Karana that children may not want to read alone at night -- especially in chapters 9 and 10. Anyone who loves adventure would love this book!
  By Siobhan O'Donnell
  Age 9
  
  
• Wonderful Adventure for Girls 12 to 14 !!!
  By A192KJRH1NLKUN on 2004-01-22
  I first read this book when I was 12 years old and absolutely loved it! The memories from the story stayed with me all these years, and helped shape me into who I am. When I recently found it hidden in a box in my parent's basement I was overjoyed and pounced upon it again. Re-reading it as an adult, the story went much faster (I was able to re-read the entire thing in one day), but even as an adult it still had poignant imagery and was written well enough to keep me heavily engaged. I even cried at one point when re-reading it.

  The author did a wonderful job elaborating on a true story and bringing it to life. It's a story of survival and finding strength within yourself. It's an adventure story for young ladies, based on reality, with a similar premise as the adult movie "Cast Away" (just replace westernized Tom Hanks with an indiginous young girl and it's the same basic idea). As a 12 year old, I found parts of the book very scary and parts of it very sad, but mostly I found it extremely inspirational. The idea that even as a young lady, you have the strength inside you to survive no matter what.

  It's too bad that the reprint doesn't have the same cover as the original softcover I have. The original cover art captured the tone of the story better. A picture of a young girl and her dog on the top of a windswept hill, completely and utterly alone. It evoked a much more wistful feeling than the current cover art does.
  
  

• Great movie
  By on 2000-12-07
  Lived near where this was filmed. Read book when I was very young then came the movie... So good. Good family movie. A real bitter sweet movie I loved it then and now, 20 years later.
  
  
• FOR ADULTS, A SPIRITUAL SEEKER'S SURVIVAL GUIDE
  By on 2000-07-15
  Reviewer: Cory Giacobbe

  As vortexes of parents and children whirl through the latest Harry Potter book, I wanted to honor a less-publicized gem. Mr. O'Dell's classic work seems to have attracted a quiet pool of devoted readership, including adults.

  Unless grammar school students are worked with closely, this true story's beauty will evade most of them. This is due to the deceptive simplicity of style. Mr. O'Dell has an amazing gift for sophisticated subtext.

  In some prior reviews, children call the book "dull." They rebel against, what they see as, ridiculously inane actions by the main character: spearing dinner, going for a swim, etc. They see her offering little emotion, plot.

  In reality, what a powerful world Scott O'Dell is evoking!

  The main character spends much time, traumatized. Mr. O'Dell uses common activity, to mask overwhelming emotions the young girl has trouble confronting -- initially she runs away from each problem, by fastening to familiar actions that first comfort her. Gradually, they provoke her into creative-thinking, evolving the storyline.

  The gist: For eighteen years (1835 - 1853) from age twelve to thirty, Karana (public name, Won-a-pa-lei) the main character, must fend for herself on an abandoned island.

  I was never aware of Mr. O'Dell's books, when I was a pre-adolescent girl. I love the subtle craftwork: the author's masterful use of the passive voice, as counterbalance to each trauma it is veiling; his weather-descriptions tracking many characters' inner turmoil or serenity; the minimal use of thought-processes, his letting each character's -- even the wild dogs' -- physical action reveal intense emotion.

  It requires time to absorb content.

  For example, the author delicately lets drop one same phrase, throughout various scenes. The girl keeps returning to the thought, that she is able to scare away some dogs, "but not the leader ...." She even accomplishes killing a few dogs, "but not the leader ...." Those repetitive, hypnotic words become her meditative koan, an obsession, initially concealing her vengeful, murderous state of mind, her goal of attack. This mindset is at odds with the quiet, constructive work of building a home, appreciating nature, in which she is otherwise engaged.

  Because feelings are understated, one rare, overtly dramatic moment is unexpected and memorable --

  I first came upon the book a few months after my dog of over 20 (human) years had died. The story was cathartic. Even years later, Chapter 25 moves me. Karana's love for her dog resonates. There's that one outpouring of anguish, the most explicitly emotional, explosive line in the whole book, "Rontu ... oh, Rontu!" It still puts a lump in my throat.

  Even more than its indirect, magnificent plea for respect to all creatures, the text explores this ironic theme, the gift of loss. Karana must confront her anger at not just the choices by others, but her own, impactng her life.

  One must read between the quiet lines to see that her father is a mirror-image of the gruff, selfish Russian captain, his interloping foe. Preoccupied villagers, their successive leaders, lack empathy and foresight. They dismiss the sufferings of wounded otters; of neglected pet dogs forced to turn wild; of a distressed sibling of Karana, where they even try to prevent her from helping.

  Thus, no nurturing models exist for Karana, motherless even as the book opens. The village women, including her sister, act venomously. In battle, rocks are flung "from many places along the cliffs." It's a subtle hint. Earlier the author has already revealed, these are the hiding-places of the women. This passive-assertive aggression Karana must learn to purify, re-direct towards higher purposes, afterwards.

  In examining her heritage, and the culture of strangers, she realizes she must carve her own way. She reminds me very much of long-time seekers. Many of us grasped with mingled fear and sadness, even anger, then with freeing awareness, that our legacies, Eastern or Western, including modern New Thought, may exhibit rigidity.

  From two centuries past, here is Karana, reminding us that this fresh minted millennium is calling for resilience and courage.

  From her to us is the gift of the secret name.

  The author lets her blurt, to us, her own hidden name, Karana. She is bonded to us; she is our mirror. Her challenges, our (inner) ones.

  The author also implies that, only when Karana drops pride, is the girl able to sense that the secret name for loss is: blessing-in-disguise. She is proud that she is not so vain as her sister. Yet she herself, after diving from the ship, lets her basket of precious ornaments and tools, her prized, fancy yucca skirt, drag her down, almost drowning her, until she realizes only if she lets go, will she rise.

  Even the island has a secret name.

  It has been known to the world by Spanish explorers since 1602 as Isla de San Nicholas. Karana cherishes its private label, Island of the Blue Dolphins. The name gives her hope, strength, for she considers dolphins her friends.

  How ironic. An island, that reportedly became a secretly titled naval base, for defensive military maneuvers/experiments, once was graced by the presence of Karana. She had set aside her own defenses, and experienced oneness with her world. Her story reflects the very code of Franciscan harmlessness, integral to the path of the friar, she later meets.

  Mr. O'Dell never explains what the personal name, "Karana," might be. For me, the book illumines that there is a secret name for each of us: one dominant, beautiful quality of soul radiating, that defines who you are. In some way, Karana's secret name must surely mean "compassion."
  
  

• excellent family movie
  By on 2000-04-03
  I Love this movie and the book. Filmed near my childhood home. Saw this movie first when I was very young, now I want it for my granddaughter. And dont forget the Kleenex.
  
  
• The Island of the Blue Dolphins
  By on 2002-10-23
  The Island of the Blue Dolphins
  By: Scott O'Dell
  September 20, 2002

  The Island of the Blue Dolphins was one of the best books I read! It had had excitement in it, some action, and a lot of adventure. This story takes place on a island near California. There is a girl named Karana who lives with her tribe including her brother, sister, and father who was chief of the tribe. Karana was a girl that liked adventure. Her brother also like adventure but he like action too. Their father was a man that liked peace and fairness. My favorite character in this book is Karana. She is my favorite because she brave and adventurous. She also loves to help and care for animals. I liked this book a lot. It had a lot of interesting parts in it, and the author , Scott O' Dell, made it very detailed and desciptive so it was easy to understand. I think Scott O'Dell's purpose for writing this book was to show how the indians had to live. I also think he wants the readers to learn how they survived a long time ago. He also wanted the readers to learn that the indians didn't like the white men because they killed animals.

  There are a lot of important events in this book. One of my favorites was in the beginning of the book. It started when Karana saw a big ship coming to the island that day. Finally when it got to shore the people from the boat started talking to her father. She soon learned that they were Aluets and they came to hunt otter. The captain said that he would give one part to the chief and then the Aluets would get the other 2 parts. They all started fighting and many men died including Karana's father. When the Aluets left they left behind nine chests of beads. My favorite quote in this book was "Dolphins rose out of the sea and swam before the ship." I liked it because it was at the end of the book and added to the happy ending.

  I thought this was a great book! I liked it because it had a lot of adventure and also because Karana had to live alone for many years on the island and even break some rules. The type of reader that would like this book would have to like Historical-Fiction and a lot of adventure. I would recommened this book because it is fun, adventurous, and it is a hard book to put down!
  
  

• Island of Blue Dolphins
  By on 2000-01-17
  I love it! I first saw this movie when I was younger. I'm in my 40's now and still love it. Every time I watch it I need a box of Kleenex and I have a 9 year old Akita which I named "Rontu" after the dog in the movie!
  
  
• My students were able to compare the video with the book.
  By on 1999-04-10
  I teach fourth grade and this book is a core literature selection in my district. I find the video a valuable tool to use with my class after reading the selection. I have the students view the video critically. They are to determine if the video was faithful to the novel. Most of my class liked the novel much more than the video.
  
  
• Truly Captivating, Endearing, and Emotional
  By A2GKRUT7M1TWZO on 2004-01-12
  Island of the Blue Dolphins, by Scott O'Dell is definitely a book that won't lose your attention and will be a challenge to put down. It is a partially fictionalized, partially non-fictionalized book about a young, twelve-year-old girl who, through a domino effect of life-changing events, is left stranded on an island, separated from her family and loved ones. This Native American girl, Karana, is so strongly determined to live that she spends the next eighteen years of her life on that very island, everyday hoping a ship will come to her rescue and reunite her with her family.

  The island Karana and her family all once lived on together, resembled a dolphin, only known to the few people and numerous animals that inhabited it. The people on this island called it "Island of the Blue Dolphins" because of the beautiful and stunning Blue Dolphins that were just as plentiful as the waters surrounding the island. And just as the dolphins were at peace and harmony with each other and the water, so were the Native Americans inhabiting the island at peace and harmony with each other and the land they lived on. But as time inevitably passes and changes, it too changed the "dream-like life" these Native Americans were living. The peacefulness these people experienced was taken from them the moment a red-flagged ship, belonging to the Aleuts, was spotted off shore, heading towards the Island of the Blue Dolphins. That moment, an irreversible and unavoidable fate, unbeknownst to the tribe, was bestowed upon them. Unfortunately, the only means of escaping this fate was to flee either by boat or by death.

  The day the Aleuts - the white men - arrived, they only came to hunt otters, but something went terribly wrong. A small battle broke out between the Aleuts and the natives, leaving more than 75% of the Indian men were left dead, the chief being one of them, as the Aleuts sailed away with the otter skins. There was not one person of the tribe who did not lose a husband, brother, father, or son.

  Sometime later, a ship returns with white men on it, and bring these natives to another land. However, through a turn of events, Karana and Ramo are the only ones left on the island - l their family and relatives gone. Their first instinct was to collect food and build a shelter from the wild dogs that inhabit the island. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes after only three days on the island - Karana awoke that morning to find Ramo gone. Throughout the eighteen years Karana spends on the island, she learns how to build her own "house" and becomes friends with and observes many of the animals on the island.

  I really enjoyed O'Dell's writing because this book is based on a true story, and O'Dell had to fictionalize most parts and make it sound believable, which he carried out remarkably. The true parts of this story are that there really was a girl stranded on an island, left behind to voluntarily stay with her brother who did not make it to the ship on time. He did die at the teeth of the wild dogs and she was left to forage for herself for eighteen years. She was "rescued," you could say, by two white men who came upon the island by ship. She willingly returned with the white men back to the white men's land, but when she tried to explain her story, no one could understand her language. Not even any of the natives around could understand her dialect, leaving her story to be much of a blank. She was never reunited with her family because she did not know what island the ship traveled to.
  
  

• The Subtle Art of Storytelling
  By on 1999-12-03
  In her subtle way, Karana narrates a story of an island culture along with many truthes of life in this classic young adult novel. Scott Odell creates a paradise and a romanticized situation that continually draws readers in, generation after generation. A story of endurance and survival, Karana's story reflects the story of Santiago in The Old Man and the Sea. In every new experience, Karana learns more about her world and more about herself. Part of the artistic quality of this book is the fact that Karana nver tells readers what she has learned, she shows them. At one point in the book, Karana refers to Rontu's howl as "the sound of many things that I did not understand." Karana shows great wisdom even in the things she does not understand. Because of the removed way she tells her own story, the reader gains an even stronger sense that something very important and extraordinary has occurred. Young adult readers can find an escape from their the difficulties of their own world when they travel to Karana's world. Her inner strength continues to be a souce of fascination and inspiration. Centering this story on a native island culture, odell preserves many customs and mannerisms of these people through Karana. Karana, in turn, gives them to us so that we can preserve them in our minds.
  
  
• Warm and Fuzzy.
  By A1796BFN7L774T on 2001-01-30
  Island of the Blue Dolphins is absolutely delightful. A young Indian girl jumps ship to be with her abandoned brother as her tribe evacuates an island. He dies anyway, and she is not rescued for eighteen years. The book is a classic island survival tale in the vein of Robinson Crusoe and Swiss Family Robinson. The female protagonist is constantly challenged by weather, wolves, her brother's death, loneliness, and the basic necessities of life: food, clothing, water, and shelter.

  The book is aimed at younger readers and is brilliant in that O'Dell employs an writing style of understatement, simply telling the story without a lot of emotional embellishment, allowing young readers' imaginations to flesh it out and visualize the adventure and suspense themselves. The result is a moving tale that stays with a young reader for a lifetime. Read it. --Christopher Bonn Jonnes, author of Wake Up Dead.
  
  

• read this book
  By AOR2RN88KL28W on 2008-02-22
  We are a group of third grade students and we have read the book Island of the Blue Dolphins. The boys in our group would give this book 4 ½ stars and the girls would give it 5 stars. The boys would give it a 4 ½ because of the slowness at the beginning and because of the sadness throughout the book because most of the people die. Overall, though, the boys say it's a good book. The girls give it a 5 because it's sad and exciting at the same time. The main character is a girl and in many other books the main character is a boy.
  
  
  
  This is a book about a girl named Karana and her survival by herself on an island.
  
  It is based on a true story that happened in the mid 1800's.
  
  
  
  If you like animals, then we recommend that you read this book because it has a lot of animals in it. The beginning is kind of slow and a little bit sad but the book does become exciting. In this book, a lot of characters die, but that shouldn't be too scary to people unless they're under the age of eight or nine. If you don't like really sad books, this may not be the best pick, but it's a really good book in part because Karana leaves her fears behind and goes on with her life in an exciting, inspiring way.
  
  
  
• My Organized Review
  By on 2006-12-21
  Island of The Blue Dolphins
  
  This book is called Island of The Blue Dolphins. It is by Scott O' Dell. The book is about a girl who lives with an Indian tribe and she lives with them on a beautiful island. One day a tribe called the Aleuts come and their lifestyle changes. Then they get a new leader and set off with his other people. The main girl in the book's dad was the leader then he wasn't because of the Aleuts master mind ideas and plots they had on him. The only people that didn't get to go with the leaders people was the main girl and her brother. What happens next? You have to read the book.
  The main theme of the book is loving your family and survival. But the main idea is to care about what you do in your life and take care of your family, tribe, or, community. And love where you are wherever you are because that's your home.
  I personally loved this book! It's an easy read and you can understand it so well. I hope everyone in the world will read this book once or twice. Expect to like this book because it's a fantastic book.
  By,
  Lauren
  
  
• Amazing Adventure by ST from North Boulevard
  By on 2006-12-16
  This book I am reviewing is Island of the Blue Dolphins. It is written by Scott O'Dell. This book deserves 4 stars because it is a very exciting adventure story and it is well written. This book is about a girl named Karana who has an amazing adventure. It starts when her tribe leaves the island and forgets her brother Ramo. So she swims back and her and her brother are the only ones on the island. Then soon Ramo is killed by wild dogs. Karana has to live on the island alone for a really long time. She gets pets and makes friends with the wild dogs. Then Aluets come to the island to hunt seals. There is one girl in the tribe. Read this book to find out what happens to Karana and the Aluet girl
  
  I recommend this book to 5th or 6th grade. This is a very good book. Also we think it is based on a true story. That's my review.
  
  
  
  
• An Ausome Book!
  By on 2006-12-16
  This book always left me hanging. I could connect this book to Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix because you never know what's going to happen and it's a mystery. When my mom introduced me to this book I loved the cover. It had dolphins on the front and I love animals. When I started reading it, it got better because the story inspired me to think about the people who have to find their own food and make it eatable. When you start reading this book you will be walking with the Indians until the last page folds. Good Luck!
  
  
• Island of the Blue Dolphins
  By A1BU1ALCY97M0U on 2004-12-01
  This book was an excellent example of how to find strength from within and have enough courage to survive against all odds. Karana, a young Indian girl, was left behind on an island, which had been deserted by her fellow villagers. She had to learn how to do all things for herself. Since it was forbidden for women of her tribe to do any kind of work that was considered "man's work," Karana had to disregard all the traditions of her people and do all the work in order to survive. Also, Karana had to fight off wild dogs, learn how to hunt and fish, navigate the waters and brave the weather. Karana was rescued after some years, but regretted leaving the land where she had become so independent and self sufficient. Karana's story is one of strength, hope, integrity, and life, for if she did not have all these, she would never have survived on the Island of the Blue Dolphins.
  
  
• A story reverently told
  By A27VJVE1SKAU8C on 2002-06-05
  I have always been fascinated by stories of people who live close to nature and away from civilization. As a child, I read "The Swiss Family Robinson" by Johann Wyss (which I enjoyed) and "Robinson Crusoe" by Daniel Defoe (no comment). Then I found this book. Now I can't enthuse enough.

  "Island of the Blue Dolphins" enchanted me from the beginning. It is the story of Karana, a young girl who must adapt to a life of solitude and loneliness after the departure of her tribe and the death of her brother. Yet there is nothing fatalistic or bitter about her: she has the strength to make the most of any situation and the grace to let adversity make the most of her.

  Scott O'Dell tells the story in first person, keeping Karana's voice simple and honest. This may be cliched, but the best description I have for his style is "hauntingly beautiful."

  What makes this novel different from those of Wyss and Defoe is the character's relationship to the setting. Crusoe and the Robinson family could barely look at a plant, an animal or a rock, without thinking of how they could use it to practical advantage. In this, they resemble all the hunters who, at different points in the novel, come to the island to hunt otter and never really noticed any of its natural beauty.

  In contrast, Karana was intimate with her island. She took what she needed for food, shelter, protection, even companionship--but somehow also gave back to the island and to the ocean. She did not change her surroundings and remain unchanged herself. "Island of the Blue Dolphins" has many themes, but my favorite is the transformation that occurs when one lives at peace with nature and with circumstance.
  
  

• BLUE DOLPHINS
  By on 2001-12-18
  This book is a 4 out of 5. This girl named Karana lived with her dad, her brother, her sister, and alot of Aluets. But when her dad died she had to take care of Ramo(her brother)But one day the ship left without Ramo, so she jumped off the boat and she swam to shore.She found Ramo and they had to stay on the island of the blue dolphins. But when Ramo left while Karana was sleep, the wild dogs killed Ramo. When Karana woke up she saw he was gone so she went out looking for him. She saw some foot steps so she followed them. She saw Ramo lying on the ground on his back, so she walked up to him and saw he was dead.She carried him to where they slept and laid with him.Will Karana survive on her own? Read the rest of the book to see if Karana will survive or not.THE ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS IS A VERY GOOD BOOK SO READ IT AND ENJOY!! THE END!!
  
  
• Wow! A Powerful Novel.
  By A17W60N2EFSY44 on 2001-06-18
  Karana, who lost her mom at a young age, and watched her father die in a battle, can't bear to leave her brother running along the shore line as her and her people leave on a ship to a different land. She swims back to the island to take care of her brother and wait for the ship to return...After losing faith in the returning ship and in her ability to get to the different land, she establishes permanent living conditions on her native island. She makes many animal friends such as a wild dog, Rontu, a seal and it's family, and two pet birds. She builds weapons to protect herself and a house to shelter her and her new family. She does things that a woman of her tribe would have never attempted before and is successful... After losing so many people in her life, this ending of a friend is pretty emotional...
  
  
  

• The Black Pearl (Newberry Honor Book)
• From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
• Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh (Aladdin Fantasy)
• Where the Red Fern Grows
• A Wrinkle in Time