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Island of the Blue Dolphins (Anniversary)
Island of the Blue Dolphins (Anniversary) | Scott O'Dell
163 posts | 447 read | 2 reading | 37 to read
Far off the coast of California looms a harsh rock known as the island of San Nicholas. Dolphins flash in the blue waters around it, sea otter play in the vast kep beds, and sea elephants loll on the stony beaches. Here, in the early 1800s, according to history, an Indian girl spent eighteen years alone, and this beautifully written novel is her story. It is a romantic adventure filled with drama and heartache, for not only was mere subsistence on so desolate a spot a near miracle, but Karana had to contend with the ferocious pack of wild dogs that had killed her younger brother, constantly guard against the Aleutian sea otter hunters, and maintain a precarious food supply.More than this, it is an adventure of the spirit that will haunt the reader long after the book has been put down. Karana's quiet courage, her Indian self-reliance and acceptance of fate, transform what to many would have been a devastating ordeal into an uplifting experience. From loneliness and terror come strength and serenity in this Newbery Medal-winning classic.In celebration of the book's 50th anniversary, this edition has a stunning new look, and an introduction by Lois Lowry, Newbery Medal-winning author of The Giver and Number the Stars.
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quote
N_Pollock

“Alone on the island, I had learned to take care of myself. I had a place to live that sheltered me from the wind and rain. I had weapons to kill the wild dogs and to protect myself from the Aleuts. I had food to eat, and I could gather more food. I was happy.“

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N_Pollock

This book would be greatly used in a classroom learning and creating a timeline creation! You can have students create a timeline of significant events in the book alongside real historical events occurring during the same period, such as the arrival of European settlers and the impact on indigenous populations.

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N_Pollock
Pickpick

In “Island of the Blue Dolphins,“ it balances fact and fiction, bringing the 19th-century tale of Karana, to life. Through vivid descriptions of the Channel Islands' environment and detailed characters, it captures the era's spirit, highlighting themes of resilience, cultural identity, and the relationship between humans and nature amidst the historical backdrop of colonization and the forced removal of Native Americans from their lands.

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JackHowley5

Great story to learn about how to survive in the wild if you were to be stranded

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JackHowley5

“I had no wish to go on, yet I did not want to die.”

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JackHowley5
Pickpick

This novel tells the story of Karana. She is a young g girl stranded off the coast of california after her tribe was forced to leave. After she is stranded she learns how to survive on her own.

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mh930121

“After that summer I never killed another otter, wolf, or cormorant. And I never again went to the reef for shellfish or wild dogs to kill them. The animals seemed to trust me.“

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mh930121

This book teaches important lessons about resilience, self-reliance, and the bond between humans and the natural world.

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mh930121
Pickpick

Set in the early 1800s, this Newbery Medal-winning book tells the story of Karana, a young Native American girl who is stranded alone on an island off the coast of California for years. Based on a true story, the book explores Karana‘s survival, her relationship with nature, and her inner strength as she learns to fend for herself and adapt to her isolation.

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ed669621

“I would not be afraid. I would not be lonely. I would not be afraid of the dark.”

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ed669621

This book can link to my teaching in the classroom by fostering discussions on survival, self-reliance, and cultural history, as well as encouraging students to connect with their own experiences of overcoming adversity.

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ed669621
Pickpick

This book was published in 1960 and is a historical fiction novel by Scott O'Dell that won the Newbery Medal. The story follows a young girl named Karana, who survives alone on an island off the California coast after her tribe leaves, facing numerous challenges as she learns to fend for herself.

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Yuki_Onna
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Eggs One of my favorites ❤️ 4mo
Yuki_Onna I just realized that this would qualify for #You'veReread too, as I read it twice in my childhood/early teens. I remember liking it a lot as well!
@Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
4mo
15 likes2 comments
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Follow.my.read
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One for me one for my granddaughter are together read! #islandofthebluedolphins#ScottOdell#NanaBookclub

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LiseWorks
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Eggs A wonderful book🩵🩵 5mo
23 likes1 comment
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AvidReader25
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Pickpick

This was a favorite of mine when I was young, and I loved reading it with my daughter this month. As an adult, I was struck by how determined, resourceful, and brave Karana is. I also researched the true story behind the book a bit and was fascinated to learn more about the history. There are some dark moments, but it led to great discussions.

emz711 This is my "I don't remember the title but it was blue" book 8mo
TheBookHippie I love this book. 8mo
See All 7 Comments
AvidReader25 @TheBookHippie It was such an important one for me when I was growing up. I feel like there were rarely books about a girl surviving on her own. 8mo
TheBookHippie @AvidReader25 I agree -it was a favorite of mine as well, I read it several times back then! 8mo
BkClubCare You are an awesome mom! 👏 8mo
AvidReader25 @BkClubCare I love seeing my girls discover their own love of reading! 8mo
36 likes7 comments
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InkedBookworm13
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#TLT
1. Island of the Blue Dolphin
2. The Secret Garden
3. The Outsiders

Honorable mentions : White Oleander, Perks of Being a Wallflower, Simon & the Homosapiens Agenda, The Princess Diaries series and the Confessions of Georgia Nicolson Series.

@dabbe

dabbe #1 reminds me of O'Dell's SING DOWN THE MOON, another fave. #2: Yes! And many consider THE OUTSIDERS to be the first “official“ YA novel written solely for teenagers. Thanks for sharing! 💚💙💚 9mo
23 likes1 comment
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Susanita
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I finished this lovely and wistful book today as part of the #FabulousFebruary readathon. Tomorrow I‘ll continue my tour of local LFLs as part of #readordonate for the year.

Andrew65 Excellent 🎉🎉🎉 10mo
36 likes1 comment
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Susanita
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1. Kinsey Millhone
2. Samwise Gamgee
3. Tagged book is a palate cleanser after the intensity of the last book I finished. It‘s also intense in its own right.
#wondrouswednesday

Eggs Love O‘Dell❣️ 10mo
32 likes1 comment
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sebrittainclark
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TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! Fantastic month!!! 13mo
38 likes1 comment
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sebrittainclark
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Pickpick

5/5

The only thing I remembered about this book going in was that I loved it as a child. It's a lot sadder than I remembered (and the real story of the woman it's based on is even sadder), but I think it still holds up really well.

Ruthiella I loved this as a child too. 14mo
Cortg I need to do a reread of this one. It‘s been on my mind and it keeps popping up in conversation lately. Weird. 14mo
Roary47 I remember my Dad in fourth grade (He was my teacher- small town life) played movies every Friday that were books. I remember this one and “Where the Red Fern Grows” the best. There is something about this one that has my heart. I finally read it as an adult. I‘m so glad you liked it. 14mo
MissyD I loved these book when I read it. Brings back some good memories. I remember the first time i read it: Sitting on my great grandparents porch, and then hiding up in the big tree where my sister couldn‘t find me. 🤣 14mo
ChaoticMissAdventures This was one of my favorite books as a kid also! It led to a ton of dolphin presents for years .... 14mo
52 likes2 stack adds5 comments
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sebrittainclark
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audiobook: Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
e-book: Dracula Daily by Matt Kirkland
nonfiction: The Milkweed Lands by Eric Lee-Mäder & The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2023 by Carl Zimmer & Jaime Green

#weekendreads @rachelsbrittain

ShyBookOwl I was OBSESSED with Island as a little kid! Does it hold up??? I'm worried it's actually terribly racist 😬 14mo
sebrittainclark @ShyBookOwl I also loved it, but remembered nothing. I'm about halfway through. It's sadder than I remembered, and it doesn't use the language we would use today for some things, but so far I haven't picked up on anything very racist. 14mo
41 likes2 comments
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hissingpotatoes
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Pickpick

3.5/5⭐ An absorbing imagining of true historical events. I appreciated the themes of colonialism, environmentalism, friendship, and respect for animals. Karana is such a competent, interesting character. It's a quiet book with an incomplete ending. It didn't blow me away, but I'm glad I read it. #roll100

TheBookHippie I enjoyed this one too. 2y
20 likes1 stack add1 comment
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cm779518
Pickpick

This book is a winner of the Scott O‘Dell award. This book is amazing. It is about a 12 year old girl who is stranded on an island and she has to find her way around and survive!

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Hannahhh7
Pickpick

Island of the Blue Dolphins is a historical fiction book written by Scott O'Dell. It was published in 1960. This novel is about a 12 year old Indian girl named Karana. Every person on her island leaves on a ship. Karana is stranded on the island alone for 18 years. This book talks about her survival throughout the years and also has a tale of natural beauty. Island of the Blue Dolphins has won the Scott O'Dell award, the Newbery Medal and more!

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oliviascrimo

Scott O‘Dell Award Book
February 8th, 2010
Island of the Blue Dolphins is about a 12-year-old that was stranded on an island and must use her prior knowledge and teach herself how to survive on this island.

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Jburns13

This story is about a young 12 year old girl named Karana who ends up all alone and stranded on an island far away where she is off of the California Coast.

Jburns13 Published: 1960

Author: Scott O'Dell

Genres: Children's Literature, Young Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction

Awards: Scott O'Dell
2y
1 comment
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Brandy522
Pickpick

Title: Island of the Blue Dolphins
Author: Scott O'Dell
Published: 1960
Genre: Children's lit. Young adult
Awards: Scott O' Dell
Summary: This is a true story about a 12 year old girl that was stranded on an island. This story talks about the many ways that the little girl had to stay alive.

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MaddieBrown3
Mehso-so

Name of Award (if applicable): Scott O‘Dell Award
Purpose of Award (if applicable): honor historical fiction best books
Title of Book : Island of the Blue Dolphins
Author of Book: Scott O‘Dell
Date of Publication: 1960
Genre: Historical Fiction
Brief Summary:
This young child was stranded on an island. She has to survive on the land. She is only there with the blue dolphins. She waits for a ship to come save her trying to survive.

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Hcecrle

This chapter book is about a young native American girl who lived 18 years alone on an island of the coast of California waiting for a ship to pick her up. Along her journey, she learns how to survive on the island with the resources that the island provides. I would recommend reading this story to any age group as a read-aloud. This story won the Scott O'Dell Award.

Hcecrle Historical fiction
Published in 1960
(edited) 2y
1 like1 comment
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rubyslippersreads
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One of my favorite books as a kid. In this special edition, I found out #Betsy-Tacy author Maud Hart Lovelace had something to do with that.

She and her husband Delos encouraged Scott O‘Dell to write this for kids rather than adults, and to make other changes, based on their expert knowledge of the children‘s book market at that time.

Thanks for the tag @alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 😘 #AlphabetGame #LetterI

Tagging anyone who wants to play! 😊

LeahBergen That‘s a cool “fun fact”! 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you for playing! 2y
jlhammar Oh, interesting! This was one of my favorites too. 2y
kspenmoll I loved this too! 2y
MemoirsForMe I just saw this. Fascinating trivia! 🙌🏻 2y
45 likes4 stack adds5 comments
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ElleMNOpe
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Pickpick

Reread of a childhood favorite & I still loved it. A female, tropical version of Hatchet, the plot was adventurous & atmospheric. I also learned it was based on a real person. There is a lot of nostalgia attached to my rating, but I still found it to be a fantastic middle grade read with a strong female protagonist. The writing isn't overly complex, but fits the story well. There are a lot of good lessons & I think it holds up really well.

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Kay Spencer

It's nice to see that Karana has made some friends, and even though she couldn't exactly talk to them, she had ways to communicate. Karana is such a strong character, and she leaves impact on me. She makes me want to be as strong as her.

2 likes1 stack add
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Kay Spencer

This book is really sad to be honest. The main character Karana has been living alone for an immensely long time. I try to place myself in her shoes but it's hard. she has lost her family, her brother is killed by a ferocious dogs, and she is handling it to the best of her abilities. The memories of ones who are gone makes her stomach turn, and eventually she burns her village to the ground, starting over. It's a rather interesting book.

MrsBabki Needs editing. 3y
4 likes1 comment
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BeckyWithTheGoodBooks
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1. In our camper!
2. Camp Anawanna
3. The tagged book is a favorite from my childhood
3. Finish 2 books

#litsysummercamp #litsysummercampreadathon #saluteyourshorts

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sblbooks
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Pickpick

Both of these novels were very popular when I was a middle grade reader.
4.5⭐ Island of the Blue Dolphins Karana is left to survive on her own. While the rest of her tribe is relocated to another Island. A blast from the past.

3⭐ Dear Mr. Henshaw The first epistolary novel I ever read. Leigh writes his favorite author Mr. Henshaw, almost daily. Divorce was a huge deal in the 80s.

@megnews #MGMarch #MiddleGradeMarch

Soubhiville I loved both of these! 4y
megnews I‘ve never read this one but love Cleary. And epistolary novels. I agree about divorce being a big topic at the time. And missing kids. 4y
SaturnDoo Great review. I just ran across a copy of Island of the Blue Dolphins. Seems like I remember that being a movie too. Way back in the 70s. 4y
sblbooks @SaturnDoo I didn't know there was a movie, I may try to find that. 4y
SaturnDoo @sblbooks Yes, it looks like the movie was released in 1964. I remember watching it when I was a kid in the 70s 🤣 but I can't remember what I did 5 mins ago. 4y
47 likes5 comments
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Ruthiella
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As far as I‘m aware, San Nicolas off the coast of California is currently still uninhabited. And as an adult, I see this book much differently than when I first read it. But as a child, I loved it and I so admired Karana and her self sufficiency.

#LitsySpringBreak. Island

sarahbarnes Wow, I loved this book as a kid! ❤️ 4y
Ruthiella @sarahbarnes Me too. I remember being enthralled. 4y
TheKidUpstairs I loved this one, too! Would be interesting to reread 4y
Ruthiella @TheKidUpstairs I should reread it! As an adult, the loss of her family would hit me hard. As a kid, that kind of thing didn‘t phase me. Only animal deaths made me cry as a child. 4y
43 likes4 comments
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Emiranda
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Pickpick

This HF Newberry award winner is a popular book read in elementary school. This book is a story about a 12 year old girl called Karana who is stranded on an island and has to work out how to survive. The book is very captivating. This book would be a great author study as Scott O‘dell has written many notable books and established an award for historical fiction books.

Emiranda https://www.readingrockets.org/howto EL 29 is used in an author study as they would research using many different materials. UDL 3.2 is used while they are highlighting the author. #UCFLAE3414SP21 4y
5 likes1 comment