Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

Paperback Edition

I remember first reading Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell back in elementary school some 30+ years ago!! I remember liking this novel back then, so decided to reread it again as an adult.

After rereading Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell, I still enjoyed this novel very much even as an adult and also have a greater appreciation for this novel even more now.

I loved the leading female character, a young Native American girl named, Karana, who is left alone to live by herself on one of the Channel Islands off the coast of California. The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell is told from Karana's perspective. I liked how the passage of time was conveyed by the passing of seasons rather than by years. I also like hearing what life was like for Karana while she lived alone. I enjoyed hearing how she domesticates two of the wild dogs and some of the birds. I also enjoyed hearing how she helps to rehabilitate a sea otter and also how she makes canoes, clothing, finds food and builds a home of her home on the island. I also liked reading about Karana's experience living through an earthquake and interacting with an Aleut girl who visits the island.

Plus, I enjoyed reading Karana's thoughts on saving wildlife... There are two different points in this novel where Karana expresses her concern about wildlife. Near the beginning of Island of the Blue Dolphins, Karana expresses concern regarding the Aleuts killing of sea otters. She's concerned that the Aleuts may have killed too many sea otters that would their numbers may not bounce back. Later in Island of the Blue Dolphins, Karana decides not to kill any more sea otters and many other animals, which I found interesting. For me the take away of these actions was conservation and sustainability.

I am giving Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!