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| Edition: | Thorndike Press (Paperback) |
| Author: | Scott O'Dell |
| Published: | February 2005 |
| Pages: | 223 |
| ISBN 10: | 0786272546 |
| New: | $9.00 (22) |
| Used: | $3.37 (23) |
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Island of the Blue Dolphins is an American children's novel written by Scott O'Dell. It was published in 1960 and won the Newbery Medal that year. It is based on the true story of Juana Maria, the "Lone Woman of San Nicolas", a Nicoleño Indian marooned for 18 years on San Nicolas Island off the California coast before being rescued in 1853.
O'Dell wrote a sequel to the story called Zia.
Plot summary
The main character is a girl named Karana (secret name is Wanapalei), who is marooned for 18 years. Her people live in a village called Ghalas-at on the island, gathering roots and fishing to supply the tribe. One day, a ship of Aleuts, led by a Russian Captain Orlov, arrive and persuade the natives into letting them hunt sea otter on the island in return for other goods. However, the Aleuts lie to the islanders and try to leave without paying them. When they are confronted by Chief Chowig, Karana's father, a battle breaks out, taking lives on both sides. The tribe is devastated by the battle while the Aleuts leave the island, leaving little payment for the otters they hunted.
Later, an elder tribe member leaves the island for help. Eventually he is able to send a ship to bring his people to the mainland. Although Karana urges the captain to wait for her brother Ramo to return, the ship must leave before an approaching storm makes it impossible to leave. Karana jumps off the ship and swims to shore. The siblings live alone on the island for a while, hoping the ship will return.
Ramo is eventually killed by a pack of feral dogs which were left behind by the villagers. Karana must now take on traditionally male tasks, such as making spears or building canoes, in order to survive. She vows to avenge her brother's death and kills several of the dogs, but has a change of heart when she merely injures the leader of the pack. She tames him and names him Rontu, because of his yellow eyes.
Over time, Karana makes a life for herself. She builds a home, and even stocks a cave with provisions in case the Aleuts ever come back, so she can hide from them. As she explores her island, Karana discovers ancient artifacts and an octopus (which she calls a devilfish). As time passes by, she decides to hunt the octopus.
One summer, the Aleuts return, as Karana knew they would. She takes refuge in the cave she has stocked. She observes them closely, and soon realizes that there is a young woman among them who takes care of the domestic duties, including getting water from the pool near Karana's cave. Despite Karana's precautions, Karana and the young Aleut woman meet and befriend each other. Karana realizes how lonely she has been without other people.
Time goes by, and Rontu passes away. She soon finds a young pup that is clearly his son, and takes him in, naming him Rontu Aru, or son of Rontu. One day Karana sees the sails of a ship. She dresses in her finest attire and goes to the shore to meet the boat. Her rescuers realize her attire will not be appropriate for the mainland, and have a dress made for her. Though she does not like the dress, Karana realizes that this is part of her new life. The ship sails away, and brings Karana and Rontu Aru to the mission in Santa Barbara.
