Scott O'Dell's Island of the Blue Dolphins receives widespread acclaim for its powerful, poignant storytelling and its strong, resilient protagonist. Critics praise the novel's vivid descriptive language and compelling depiction of solitude and survival. However, some point out a slow narrative pace and limited character depth as minor drawbacks. Overall, it's cherished for its emotional depth and engaging plot.

Readers who enjoy survival stories, historical fiction, and coming-of-age tales would appreciate Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. Fans of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen or My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George will find similar themes of resilience and self-reliance.

Originally published in 1960, Scott O’Dell’s Island of the Blue Dolphins is a middle grade historical fiction/adventure novel. Twelve-year-old Karana is left alone on her island when her tribe leaves and must learn to survive while facing wild dogs, natural challenges, and years of isolation, ultimately finding companionship in animals and awaiting rescue. The book contains several deaths and descriptions of dead and injured animals.

Melancholic / Adventurous / Contemplative / Inspirational

Scott O'Dell

Middle grade

Novel

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore Island of the Blue Dolphins reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Island of the Blue Dolphins | SuperSummary

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Overview

O’Dell’s middle grade classic explores survival, nature, and friendship. Read an expert-written summary and analysis of Island of the Blue Dolphins.

Island of the Blue Dolphins Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary

Background

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Island of the Blue Dolphins Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-7

Island of the Blue Dolphins Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-14

Island of the Blue Dolphins Chapters 8-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-20

Island of the Blue Dolphins Chapters 15-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-29

Island of the Blue Dolphins Chapters 21-29 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Island of the Blue Dolphins Character Analysis

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Themes

Island of the Blue Dolphins Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Island of the Blue Dolphins Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Island of the Blue Dolphins Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Island of the Blue Dolphins Essay Topics

Island of the Blue Dolphins Teaching Unit

Introduction

Island of the Blue Dolphins Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

Island of the Blue Dolphins Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Island of the Blue Dolphins Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

Island of the Blue Dolphins Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Island of the Blue Dolphins Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

Island of the Blue Dolphins Activities

Essay Questions

Island of the Blue Dolphins Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Island of the Blue Dolphins Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Island of the Blue Dolphins Exam Answer Key

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Island of the Blue Dolphins?

Reading Age

Book Details