Detail
Title: Island of the Blue Dolphins (Island of the Blue Dolphins #1) ISBN:Published February 8th 2010 by HMH Books for Young Readers (first published September 9th 1960) · Kindle Edition 194 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Fiction, Historical, Historical Fiction, Classics, Childrens, Middle Grade, Adventure, Academic, School, Survival
Must be read
User Reviews
karen
this may be the best book for kids ever written. it teaches young girls everything they will ever need to know in their resourceful lives: how to build a fence out of whale bones, how to kill giant squids, how to alternately befriend and defend against scary wild dogs, and how to make skirts from cormorant feathers. since i got kicked out of brownies and never got to learn All The Things That Girl Scouts Learn, this book taught me how to wilderness-survive. and now i live in queens. so - not much use for it, but still a book i have such a fondness for. and i have an old copy, too, where they used to make the page-ends colored. mine is green. i need to read this again. and find out why montambo doesnt like it...
come to my blog!Julie G
When my defiant preteen daughter stands before me in great protest to any one of my many actions or words, she often resembles Disney's Pocahontas. She has tan skin and black hair that touches her waist and dark eyes that are kept busy with a vigilant observance of the world's injustices (and her mother's shortcomings). If she's not on horseback, then she's standing before you, holding a cat or a small rodent or a dog. (Or a strange, stuffed chinchilla).
So, when this middle child of mine received the Island of the Blue Dolphins for Christmas, I thought. . . how perfect. How perfect for her. She's just shy of 10, and so ready to think herself capable of being away from adults and alone on an island, stringing beads for necklaces and communing with wild dogs.
And that's about all I remembered from this 6th grade read of mine: a girl, stranded alone on an island. Wild dogs. Abalone. (Whatever in the hell I thought that was in middle school. I'm quite sure I didn't look it up in a dictionary. Yes, we used to have things in classrooms called dictionaries).
Okay, so, stranded island girl, wild dogs, abalone. . . yes, they were all there, waiting to greet me again at my return, but I had forgotten something better. . . this book's ability to provoke some thoughtful conversations.
See, this story's not so strong on character development or dialogue (does anyone even speak??), but our island girl, Karana, is faced with many predicaments. Karana's story provides many opportunities to turn to an interested tween and ask with ease, “What would you do?”
My daughter was absolutely riveted by the story, from beginning to end, and the most beautiful part for me, in this read-aloud was when the lonely Karana ends up being ushered home by a school of dolphins:
a swarm of dolphins appeared. They came swimming out of the west, but as they saw the canoe they turned around in a great circle and began to follow me. They swam up slowly and so close that I could see their eyes, which are large and the color of the ocean. Then they swam on ahead of the canoe, crossing back and forth in front of it, diving in and out, as if they were weaving a piece of cloth with their broad snouts.
Dolphins are animals of good omen. It made me happy to have them swimming around the canoe, and though my hands had begun to bleed from the chafing of the paddle, just watching them made me forget the pain. I was very lonely before they appeared, but now I felt that I had friends with me and did not feel the same.
My daughter sat up after this passage, and, with tears in her eyes, announced, “Mommy! It was the ancestors! The ancestors sent those dolphins to Karana in her darkest moment, to bring her joy. And that's what animals, do, Mommy, they bring us joy.”
And, by the story's end, Karana feels the same way, when she makes the decision to stop killing animals for their hides, feathers and teeth. The island girl realizes that the animals have been her sole companions on this long stretch of isolation and decides that “animals and birds are like people, too, though they do not talk the same or do the same things. Without them the earth would be an unhappy place.”
It is a simple story, with very little action or dialogue, but a whole lot of deep thinks and feels for those tricky preteens.
Luffy
It was only when I finished reading the book did I get to know that it was based on a true story. The sequel might be worth reading too.
Such tragedy followed by sweet tales worthy of Mowgli, but what indubitably would have been a life of work and loneliness. I thought that since the beginning the author wanted to share his story with people of all ages, and it shows.
Karana was a transparent character, by which I mean we know all her thoughts. Yet we don't know her reasons for her acts of mercy towards the animals on the island. We do get an explanation, but still the adventures of a survivor lend themselves to tragedy, loneliness and instinct.
Ahmad Sharabiani
Island of the Blue Dolphins (Island of the Blue Dolphins #1), Scott O'Dell
Island of the Blue Dolphins is a 1960 children's novel by American writer Scott O'Dell.
Island of the Blue Dolphins tells the story of a 12-year-old girl named Karana, who is stranded alone for years on an island off the California coast.
It is based on the true story of Juana Maria, a Nicoleño Native American left alone for 18 years on San Nicolas Island during the 19th century.
The main character is a Nicoleño girl named Won-a-pa-lei, whose secret name is Karana.
She has a brother named Ramo, whose curiosity usually leads to trouble, and a sister named Ulape.
Her people live in a village called Ghalas-at and the tribe survives by gathering roots and fishing.
One day, a ship of Russian fur hunters and Aleut people led by Captain Orlov arrive and persuade the Nicoleños to let them hunt sea otter in exchange for other goods.
However, the Russians attempt to swindle the islanders by leaving without paying.
When they are confronted by Karana's father Chief Chowig, a battle breaks out.
Karana's father and many other men in the tribe died in battle against the well-armed Russians, who escaped largely unscathed. ...
عنوانهای چاپ شده در ایران: «جزیره دلفینهای آبیرنگ»؛ «جزیره دلفینهای آبی»؛ نویسنده: اسکات اودل؛ تاریخ نخستین خوانش سال 1974میلادی
عنوان: جزیره دلفینهای آبیرنگ؛ نویسنده: اسکات اودل؛ مترجم منوچهر آتشی؛ تهران، امیرکبیر، کتابهای جیبی، انتشارات فرانکلین، 1350، در 198ص؛ چاپ دوم 1353؛ چاپ سوم 1379؛ چاپ چهارم 1395؛ شابک 9786001216602؛ موضوع داستانهای نویسندگان ایالات متحده آمریکا - سده 20م
عنوان: جزیره دلفینهای آبی؛ نویسنده: اسکات ادل؛ ترجمه پروین (فاطمه) علیپور؛ تهران، نشر چشمه، 1378؛ در 172ص؛ شابک 9645571243؛
عنوان: جزیره دلفینهای آبی؛ نویسنده: اسکات اودل؛ مترجم نسیم سلطانزاده؛ تهران، نگاه معاصر، روشنا؛ 1385؛ در 181ص؛ شابک9647763492؛ چاپ دوم 1386؛
شخصیت داستان، دختری به نام «کارانا» است، که برادری به نام «رامو» دارد، کنجکاوی آنها هماره سرانجامش مشکلی به بار میآورد، مردمان قبیله ی او در روستایی به نام «چلسی» زندگی میکنند، و ریشه ی درخت و ماهی گردآوری میکنند، روزی، کشتی «التس» زیر فرمان ناخدای «روسی» به نام «اورلوف»، وارد شد و ناخدا از شهروندان خواست تا به آنها اجازه دهند، در ازای خرید دیگر اجناس، آنها «سمور دریایی» شکار کنند، اما او مردمان جزیره را فریب داد، و آنها را بدون پرداخت پول ترک کرد، هنگامی که آنها با پدر «کارانا» روبرو شدند، نبردی آغاز شد و جان بسیاری از هر دو سوی نبرد از دست رفت؛ در اقیانوس آرام، جزیره ای به شکل ماهی بزرگی وجود دارد، که انگار در دریا دلمشغول آفتاب گرفتن است، در پیرامون این جزیره، هماره «دلفینهای آبی» شنا میکنند، و «سمورهای دریایی» نیز به بازی دلمشغولند، و «فیلهای آبی» و پرندگان نیز، به فراوانی یافت میشوند؛ روزگاری، بومیان هم در آن جزیره زندگی میکردند؛ زمانی که آنها جزیره را به سوی شرق ترک کردند، دختری کم سن و سال در جزیره جا ماند؛ کتاب «جزیره ی دلفین های آبی»، داستان دختری بومی به نام «کارانا» را بازگو میکند، که سالها به تنهایی در جزیره ای زندگی میکرده، او در گذر چندین سال، شاهد گذر فصلها یکی پس از آن دیگری بوده، و او هماره در انتظار کشتی ای را بود، تا او را نیز با خود ببرد، اما «کارانا» در زمان چشم به راه بودن، با ساختن سرپناه و سلاح، و یافتن غذا، و مبارزه با سگهای وحشی، خود را زنده نگاه میدارد؛ رمان «جزیره دلفینهای آبی رنگ»، نه تنها ماجراجویی برای زنده ماندن، بلکه حکایتی درباره ی زیباییهای طبیعت و اکتشافات درونی نیز هست
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 04/07/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
Ɗẳɳ 2.☊
★★☆☆☆½
If this book just so happens to be one of your childhood favorites, and you notice my rating here, you may be asking yourself, “Why must I forever be soiling all the things you hold dear?” Ah, that’s a good question and one that I often ponder myself. But, in fairness, I didn’t actually hate this story. According to the GR rating, two and a half stars means it was slightly better than “okay,” but I can’t quite say that I “liked it.” How about I just say it was underwhelming and leave it at that?
The story is that of a twelve-year-old girl who, through a series of unfortunate events, winds up marooned on a deserted island. For fear of spoiling things due to the shortness of the novel, I’ll leave out the particulars which led to her isolation.
The writing style is fairly simplistic. I walked here; I paddled there; I made this; I caught that; I built a shelter; I watched for ships; the winds blew heavy; the stars shined bright; the seasons turned; the years passed. And some of the day to day activity was rather monotonous, but she had a few fun adventures and gathered up a few animal companions along the way.
One of the highlights, for me, was her battle with the devilfish. Frustratingly though, the details were scarce. What became of the devilfish after the fight, or her pet birds after the Aleutians arrived, or the dozen other nagging little questions I had that were never answered?
Not only were the details in short supply, but the seasons flew by at a staggering pace. Years were whisked away in a single sentence. “After two more springs had gone, on a morning of white clouds and calm seas, the ship came back.” And some of the terminologies seemed outdated or flat out wrong. What was that about a “swarm of dolphins?” I believe a group of dolphins is known as a pod—they’re not insects, man! Or, what about that “devilfish” business? That’s a rather generic term, don’t you think? Shouldn’t you specify whether it was a squid or an octopus? They’re entirely different species, for Pete’s sake!
Typically while reading, I highlight passages to use in a review or simply to save for later musings, but not so here. There was nary a passage of note which caught my eye. However, if you pause to consider that this story was written for children (at least I hope it was), with a message to empower young girls to believe in themselves—believe that they’re more than capable of fending for themselves even in the direst of situations—then I think the story deserves the benefit of the doubt and warrants the rounding up of my rating to three stars. There’s really no need to besmirch its good name any further.
Lastly, there was an interesting author’s note at the end of the book which details the inspiration behind the story. It’s stated that O’Dell attempted to recreate the historical account of “The Lost Woman of San Nicolas” - an Indian woman from the nineteenth century who lived alone, on a small island off the coast of California for eighteen years. His story stayed true to much of the known history.
Read as part of another Non-Crunchy Cool Classic Buddy Read.
Bren fall in love with the sea.
“More than anything, it was the blue dolphins that took me back home.”
― Scott O'Dell, Island of the Blue Dolphins
Sigh. I never read this as a kid. At least I don't think I did.
And I have long had it on my TBR. Survival stories are not usually my thing but I am aware how this beautiful story and I wanted to check it out.
I cannot say with honesty I loved it. I am sure I would have, had I read it as a kid. What I CAN say is I can see why it is considered a classic.
I had heard of Robinson Cruso. And I am not 100 percent sure I did not read it as a kid. There are so many books I read in my long ago youth. I very well may have.
I struggled with a rating. I did not just want to rate it a five because of its status as a classic. But I couldn't give it a low rating either.
Things I loved....the animals, the pet dogs, the birds and that dang fox! The little red fox made its mark on me! I love red foxes.
I felt all the animal death was a bit much. Yes, I am a wuss and do not like that even in children's books! I actually felt a bit bad for the devil fish!
I loved the sea and the beauty and tranquility of the island.
And I loved the protagonist who is a heck of a lot more gutsy then I'd ever be in that situation!
But the real reason it gets a four....and almost a five...is the unforgettable, to brief, sequence with the dolphins. That was just....I cannot even express how exquisite that little part of the book was. I do wish it had been longer.
Words cannot express how I adore dolphins....along with seals and otters and sea lions. I still have so many pictures of them taken on various vacations.
If one could be an animal for a day...wouldn't it be fun to be a dolphin? Or a sea otter? Such playful and joyous creatures.
The school of dolphin that surround, befriend and help Karana in this story were adorable and so exquisite to read about. Such a lovely story.
So I do think if this is one you've missed as a kid, you may want to do a read. Particularly if you like dolphin!
Jason Koivu
Back in the '70s and early '80s teachers liked to make their students cry, and so they forced them to read books like Island of the Blue Dolphins, which is just the kind of good old fashioned heartbreaking stuff to do the trick!
It starts of great this story of a Chumash (local natives to the Santa Barbara, California area) tribe taken by surprise by fur hunters and then taken from their island, accidentally leaving behind a brother and a sister. There is sorrow a'plenty. The tale trots along, even stepping it up to a steady canter for about the first quarter or third. Then the narrative devolves into a Robinson Crusoe style listing of things done by or to the main character, Karana, while she's stuck alone on an island. As short as Island... is, it grinds on through the middle to a dull (yet somehow still sorrowful!) finish.
I figured this weekend was as good time as any to read this while I was visiting Santa Barbara, since the real life story it's based upon happened on one of the islands just off the coast. What would've made this infinitely more compelling would've been the simple adding of motive. If O'dell has suppled Karana a fervent desire to get off the island and get back to her people, that would've given the reader something to pull for. But he did not. I don't know the real story well enough to say, but from what I recall I have a feeling the author was trying to stay true to the actual account. All I have to say for that is, leave that to the biographers and historians. You're writing fact-based fiction here, my friend. You're allowed a little leeway.
Rating Note: 3.5
Debbie
It is my daughter's favorite childhood book (she's 37 now)! A great read-aloud to Grade 3 students; if only I can control my tears!
emma
i hate being outside for prolonged periods of time, and i cannot be alone with my thoughts, and i have no handiness or survival skills, and i sunburn like it's my job, and i don't always love animals (although i do typically like them), but i believe i could flourish in an Island of the Blue Dolphins scenario.
it's just my opinion.
part of a series i'm doing in which i recall books i read a long time ago and call it reviewing
Ashley Marie
You know a book will stay with you forever when you reread it after probably 20 years and still hear your elementary school librarian's voice in your head as you read.
Nenia ✨ I yeet my books back and forth ✨ Campbell
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The copy I read is from the 1960s and features a very white-washed version of the Native heroine and a blurb from the New York Times book review that refers to her as "primitive." Oh, history, you racist scamp, you.
I had to read this book for school and thought it would be fun to revisit it as part of my reviewing project. It falls under this branch of children's literature that I think of as "kiddie disaster lit," including titles such as MAROO OF THE WINTER CAVES and THE CAY. Is this book authentic? Who the hell knows. It's written by a white guy and was published in the 60s... so I'm sure he took some, ahem, liberties.
Our heroine, Karana, is part of a Native tribe living on an island (I believe off the coast of California). White people come to hunt otter but after one of them screws over her tribe, they attack and her father is killed. Then one of the scouts goes off somewhere to find them somewhere else to live and on the day it's time to leave, Karana's idiot brother misses the boat, so she jumps overboard to save him.
Idiot brother is murdered shortly soon after by wild dogs, leaving Karana with the run of the place. She's a consummate bad-ass, hunting squid, making her own weapons and clothes, killing the wild dogs who killed her brother and then taming the leader as a pet. Books like this made me realize that I wouldn't be cut out for wilderness life but I kind of enjoyed the vicarious journey although to answer your question, YES the dog dies after she tames it because what the fuck, 1960s children literature. You certainly had a hard-on for killing animal side-kicks, didn't you? If a vintage kids' book has an animal side-kick in it, there's like an 80% mortality rate. I see you, OLD YELLER, THE RED PONY, THE YEARLING, and WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS.
I guess this aged okay and there's a replacement dog that takes the place of the dead one, so yay? I guess if you read this, take it with a grain of salt.
3 stars
Wanda Pedersen
***Wanda’s Summer Carnival of Children’s Literature***
Well, this was a blast from the past! I remember reading this (probably several times) during grade 5 or 6, maybe both. Funny what I remember from those childhood readings—my take away from it was that girls could do whatever they needed to and just as well as anyone else.
Looking at it now through adult eyes, I see a lot more of what the author was trying to do. His wildlife conservation message is “thump you on the head” obvious to me now. I can also admire how he took a historical fact (an Indian woman who had lived alone on a small island off the coast of California for 18 years) and filled in quite believable adventures for her to experience.
I can see where nature-loving mini-me would have been captivated by her taming of wild dogs, Western Tanagers and sea otters. Being a child with no playmates of my own age living close by our farm, I also spent a lot of time adventuring alone and could relate to her solitude.
For me, this one stood the test of time.
Brina
My friend’s choice for me for our group’s first quarter book swap. I told her to pick me something short and her selection was a middle grade kids book that I may or may not have read in my youth. Any story that features a Swiss Family Robinson way of life and dolphins as well as a strong female protagonist is going to hold my attention and O’Dell’s masterpiece certainly did just that.
🐬 3.5 stars rounded up
Kimberly Dawn
A beautiful, true survival story of a resilient young girl who was stranded alone on an island for 18 years. Karana’s remarkable story is not to be missed. A story that is as enjoyable for adults as it is for older children!
da AL
A beautifully told historical account of a strong Native American girl. Audiobook version does it justice.