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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell has been one of my favorite children’s books since I first read it in elementary school. I loved it even more after reading the archaeological report a college professor gave me about the real woman the story is based on. This time I listened to the audiobook that is beautifully narrated by Tantoo Cardinal, a Métis of Cree and French descent. Her native intonations bring the words to life in the voice or Karana, the last woman of Ghalasat, otherwise known as The Island of the Blue Dolphins.
Another book I read for school. I remember really liking this one.
Twelve-year-old Karana lives on an island near California with her tribe. After a bloody conflict with greedy Aleut otter hunters, her tribe's population is no longer at a sustainable level and their chief arranges for them to leave the island.
However, when Karana's six-year-old brother misses the rescue boat, she dives overboard to be with him. The boy is killed by wild dogs the next day, leaving Karana all by herself on the island...for 18 years.
This was a very compelling tale of her life of solitude, and her resourcefulness and survival skills. Sometimes I wish I could go 18 years without seeing another person...ehhhhh....nah. But it's really nice to read about. This book takes place away from any kind of modern technology, so it manages to not be dated, even after 50 years. I will definitely recommend it to younger teens who want to read an adventure or survival story.
However, when Karana's six-year-old brother misses the rescue boat, she dives overboard to be with him. The boy is killed by wild dogs the next day, leaving Karana all by herself on the island...for 18 years.
This was a very compelling tale of her life of solitude, and her resourcefulness and survival skills. Sometimes I wish I could go 18 years without seeing another person...ehhhhh....nah. But it's really nice to read about. This book takes place away from any kind of modern technology, so it manages to not be dated, even after 50 years. I will definitely recommend it to younger teens who want to read an adventure or survival story.
I vividly remember loving this book as a young girl. It made a very strong impression on me, and I sought other books of strong girls (and still do, as a matter of fact).
i love this book - the book on tape is fantastic as well.
i also went on 2 field trips to Santa Cruz Island, her island, with my daughters. It gave me even greater respect for the trials she faced.
i also went on 2 field trips to Santa Cruz Island, her island, with my daughters. It gave me even greater respect for the trials she faced.
adventurous
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Reread, last time i read this was when i was like 10. It emotionally destroyed me and traumatized me then and now. She really couldn't catch a break huh
Some minus points for not being written by an Indigenous author and the mistakes that come with it. Weirdly rushed ending.
Some minus points for not being written by an Indigenous author and the mistakes that come with it. Weirdly rushed ending.
Read this in paperback. This was OK. I loved it as a kid, but it's pretty slow. Surprised it was based on a real story though. That's cool.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Nice story, cute book. Didn't have the substance I was looking for, but this would be a great book for a young adult to read.