Island of the Blue Dolphins, Scott O'Dell

Based on a true account, Island of the Blue Dolphins traces the life of a remarkable Native American woman who lived alone on an island off the coast of California for eighteen years in the mid 1800s. Aboard ship with her entire village and bound for the mainland, she discovered that her younger brother was not on the ship. After she jumps ship and swims ashore, the story follows her amazing courage as she faces formidable obstacles, including the death of her brother.

Related Readings

A Mother's Yarn—traditional Saami folktale

California Sea Otters—natural history by Richard Wolkomir

from Daring the Sea—nonfiction adventure by David W. Shaw

The Fish—poem by Elizabeth Bishop

pete at the seashore—by Don Marquis

Alone—poem by Maya Angelou

Study Guide (PDF)