Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

A. Bibliography


Scott O'Dell. Island of the Blue Dolphins. Houghton Mifflin Co.. 1960. ISBN# 0-395-06962-9.

Scott O'Dell. Island of the Blue Dolphins [sound recording]. Listening Library. 1995.

B. Plot/Summary

Based on a true events and set in the mid 1800's. Karana, a native American, lived on an isolated island of the coast of California for 18 years by herself. This is a great story of adventure, suspense, heartache, loneliness, and pure survival.


C. Critical Analysis

The characters in this story are realistic and intriguing. When there is dialogue, the language is true to form and appropriate for the characters and setting. Karana's emotional growth is amazing as she has to find a way to survive many elements including hunters, wild dogs, weather, and hunting for food. She discovers just how strong she really is, that she can survive on her own, and how to overcome loneliness in the most lonely of situations.

The story was very engaging for the reader because it leaves the reader on the edge of their seat wondering what is going to happen next. Especially when listening to the audio book because during the intense or high action scenes, suspenseful music is played to cue the reader of the building of the climatic parts. The story leaves the reader wondering, "WOW, I wonder if I could have survived all of that?"

The setting of the place and time period are accurate and documented in the back of the book. The setting definitely adds to the story by making the reader feel like they are part of the story or they are the main character going through the events. O'Dell does an excellent job with the descriptions of the island, characters, and events that the reader can envision in their heads exactly what is going on.

I really love the theme of this book, that when being put in any situation, you can survive. We all have survival instincts that make us stronger and wiser. This theme only emerges after the reader has completed the book and reflects on the events. I think this book is great for young adults because as they are growing up and trying to become independent, some might have fears if they can survive and take care of themselves. I would hope that they could get from this book that everyone has the same survival instincts and would be able to take care of themselves no matter what happens to them.

The cultural aspect of this book is absolutely wonderful. O'Dell does an amazing job with the cultural details without overloading on too many details. Not to mention, what is presented is accurate and without stereotyping.

This unabridged version of the Island of the Blue Dolphins was performed on 4 CD's by one female reader using multiple voices. The quality of the reading was high because she read with an appropriate speed and clear pronounciation. I really enjoyed the performance of the reading because the music in the background during the intense or climatic parts really added to the story plot. Listening to the book while following along in the text really helps me with my comprehension and gives the book more character.

D. Awards/Review Excerpts

Newberry Medal, 1961

Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature) "Her survival story--fighting the wild dogs and loneliness, hunting for food, and hoping to be rescued--is spellbinding."

E. Connections

*other survival adventures

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
Thorn by Betty Levin
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

*other books by Scott O'Dell
Zia
Streams to the River, River to the Sea: a Novel of Sacagawea
Sing Down the Moon

* curriculum ideas
Students can read the book and watch the film, using a Venn Diagram, compare and contrast the two media's.