Saturday, April 23, 2011

Island of the Blue Dolphins / Scott O'Dell / 192 pp.

This novel is based on a true story. After having their numbers decimated by Aleut otter hunters, the Nicoleño tribe, who lived on an island off the coast of California, was taken to live on California's mainland. However, a girl was left behind and lived 18 years alone on the island until found-again in 1853. While the novel ends with her re-discovery, the real girl was taken to the Santa Barbra Mission where she appeared to be happy even though no one could communicate with her, but then died seven weeks later.

This is a YA novel, told simply, but is an engaging and powerful story. Told from the girl's perspective, the story focuses on her time on the island and is a good survival story. I have always enjoyed this book every time I read it, and it is as enjoyable now as it was in 6th grade.

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