Flip! Flip! You are reading your favorite book. You flip through the last few pages and finish. You ponder on which book to read next, but you can’t decide? Don’t worry! I have a suggestion for you!

Island of the Blue Dolphins is a book about a girl named Karana. She is a Native American and lives with the Native American tribe. Because her father trusted a white stranger, he and many warriors ended up getting killed. She now is an orphan. Karana also lives with her younger brother and older sister. One day, the Native Americans decide to leave their home. Karana is left behind with her younger brother. But it wouldn’t even matter if I mentioned the brother, for he gets killed by wild dogs.

Karana is now alone on the island. She decides to leave the island, but then turns back once the canoe starts to leak. Karana gathers food and water, makes weapons, and sleeps on a rock. Year after year, she waits for her people to come back. But they never do. She keeps an eye out for the Aleut ship, or her enemies’ ship as well. Karana survives on the island. (I am surprised that she does.)

One day, Karana sees a wild dog who must have been the leader of the dogs. She sees him wounded and takes care of him. Soon, Karana names the dog and becomes best friends with him. She isn’t lonely anymore. However, the sad part is that everyone has to die. The wild dog dies, but Karana becomes pals with a younger wild dog that was born. Karana wants to leave the island, and she sets sail with her young wild dog.

This is a great book! I recommend it to people 10 and up. I also recommend it to people who like historical fiction and adventurous books. This book was written by Scott O’ Dell. He also wrote The Black Pearl. This book has a John Newbery Medal and a movie as well. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and read Island of the Blue Dolphins!!!

Written by Kruti Patel