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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
I was one of those kids who would hide my current book inside a textbook during class, completely lost in another world. Island of the Blue Dolphins was one of those books for me—the kind I read under desks, under covers, and again and again as a kid.
Anytime I reread it through the years, it still hit me the same way every time. Karana’s story of strength, solitude, and survival on a remote island felt so powerful to me as a child, and it still does. There’s a quiet beauty in her resilience and a timeless sense of wonder in the way nature is both her friend and her biggest obstacle.
Even after all these years, I still think about how special this book was to me.
Anytime I reread it through the years, it still hit me the same way every time. Karana’s story of strength, solitude, and survival on a remote island felt so powerful to me as a child, and it still does. There’s a quiet beauty in her resilience and a timeless sense of wonder in the way nature is both her friend and her biggest obstacle.
Even after all these years, I still think about how special this book was to me.
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Island of the Blue Dolphins is one of those quiet, powerful stories that really stays with you. I truly don't know what it was about this book, but I've loved it since I first read it and have re-read multiple times over the years. It follows Karana, a young girl left alone on an island, and her journey of survival, strength, and independence. The writing is simple but beautiful, and the way Karana adapts to life on her own is both heartbreaking and inspiring. It’s a slower read, but in a really peaceful, reflective way. If you like character-driven stories with a touch of nature and solitude, this one’s worth picking up.
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loved this book in elementary school & recently remembered that it existed so wanted to reread! I would love a map of the island, it might exist already
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
I thought my grade three book club was going to pick this as our book for the month so I bought it. They ended up picking another book but then I read Alone and it referred to this book so I decided it was destiny and that I should read it.
This is one of those classics that I think I probably should have read already, but hadn't. I found it slow and difficult at first, but after a while I felt like I was feeling the vibe. It is one of those books I almost abandoned but I'm so glad I didn't. In the end, I loved the story and found it quite similar to Alone. For example, there are times hunters come to the island, but she hides from them - just like the character in Alone does when she sees looters on the streets. As a matter of fact, in Alone, Maddie's younger brother has to do a book report on this exact book, which I thought was a strange meeting of the books. That often happens to me! I end up reading a number of books in a row that follow a theme and I have to ask myself, what is the universe trying to tell me??
This is one of those classics that I think I probably should have read already, but hadn't. I found it slow and difficult at first, but after a while I felt like I was feeling the vibe. It is one of those books I almost abandoned but I'm so glad I didn't. In the end, I loved the story and found it quite similar to Alone. For example, there are times hunters come to the island, but she hides from them - just like the character in Alone does when she sees looters on the streets. As a matter of fact, in Alone, Maddie's younger brother has to do a book report on this exact book, which I thought was a strange meeting of the books. That often happens to me! I end up reading a number of books in a row that follow a theme and I have to ask myself, what is the universe trying to tell me??
It's hard to give a star rating to this because it's meant for kids. Let's just say I'd be very happy if my kids read this and were inspired by the bravery, perseverance, respect, etc displayed in this book.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A