Karana is stranded on an island off California's coast. As a 12 year old girl, her tribe sailed off in hopes to find a better place to live. As unfortunate as this sounds, Karana was forgotten and stranded on the island. As she waits for her tribe to return and save her, she decides that there's nothing else to do except survive on her own. Over time, we learn about her determination on survivability, to see her thrive and live on.
Personally, I've first read this book in elementary school. I remember enjoying it quite a bit, as it was one of my favorites at the time, especially with the incorporation of dolphins (which was my favorite animal!). If you're up for reading survival-based stories, I can ensure you will enjoy this quite a bit!

Karana used to live with her tribe on an island off the coast of California. When they sailed off to live somewhere else, Karana was left behind.

The only company that she has is the animals and the nature around her. Karana awaits her tribe's return, hoping someone will rescue her… but she must learn to survive on this island on her own.

It’s a beautiful book based on a true story about coming of age, survival, and friendship that will leave you satisfied.

An incredibly tale based on a true story retold by Scott O'Dell in a warm, detailed and rich manner leaves the reader captivated by the young woman left on the island alone.
Her manner of handling the unbelievable circumstance she's in are breathe taking and instill a resourcefulness and perseverance rarely seen in our day. An absolutely excellent read.

A classic tale of one person's ability to survive and thrive alone on an island. This is a story of ingenuity, strength, and determination. A must read!

Off the coast of California is a small island known as the San Nicolas Island. The island is filled with wildlife and it is the home of the Native Indians. Until one day the Indians leave, leaving behind a young girl, Karana. Each day she waits for the ship to come back, but it never does. Then she realizes that if she wants to see her family again she must find a way to go to them or live on the island alone. This book was very good and I highly recommend it. It isn’t a very popular book, but It is very good. The Island of Blue Dolphins has won the John Newbery Medal. I think that this book also teaches important life skills and lessons that everyone should know. It is a great girl power book that teaches you about the lifestyle of the Native Indians. Anyone ages ten and older should read this book. Rating- 5/5 stars @readit12 of the Teen Review Board of the Hamilton Public Library

I read this book as a child and have been obsessed with learning about wilderness survival ever since. I now realize that I am probably not as capable as I wish I were but I think we often underestimate our true strength.

I love this book. I've read it a couple times already. A true story that teaches survival and friendship.

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I love this book because it teaches about survival and life skills over all I think it was a great book.

One of my favorite books. A great survival story.

This book held my attention as a sixth-grader and as a reread just this last year, it was still excellent. Very loosely based on a true story.