Island of the Blue Dolphins, By Scot O'Dell
     This book begins by introducing the people who live on the Island of the Blue Dolphins in the village of Ghalas-at. Karana, also known as Won-a-pa-lei, is gathering food with her brother, Ramo, when a large ship comes to the island. The ship belongs to the northern Aleut people who want to hunt for otter. They make a deal with Karana's father, the chief about compensation. Before the Aleut leave, they go back on their part of the deal and this causes a battle that kills Karana's father and many others on both sides. Eventually, the tribe decides it would be safer for them to move to another place for fear of the Aleuts. They depart in ships during a storm. Karana wants to go get her brother who is not on the ship yet, so she dives into the water to swim where he is. The ship leaves them behind and they are alone on the island. The wild dogs on the island kills Ramo the next day and Karana is truly by herself. The story recounts her survival tactics and how her hope to be saved diminishes as does her fear of the Aleut return. The Aleuts do return and she meets and befriends a woman who was with them without the men knowing she is there. However, her new friend leaves and she feels alone. She tames and befriends many animals on the island which help her not feel as lonely. Another ship comes to look for her, but she misses this ship and is once again alone. However, after a few seasons pass, the ship comes again. The book ends when these people take her with them to where they are going. She takes the dog and birds that she has tamed. They inform her that her people drowned in a storm long ago. There is an author's note in the end that describes the real historical figure upon which Karana is based. This book has won the Newbery Award.
     This book would be most appropriate for third and fourth-grade students. It would also be great to have in the classroom library or as a read-aloud every week. What makes the story even more interesting is that it has a true historical basis. Because of this, students could extend the story by writing their own historical fiction based on mysterious historical events. For example, after students learn about the lost city of Roanoke, they could see how O'Dell took facts to create his story and do a similar process to write what happened to the people who lived in this village. This allows students to connect more deeply with history instead of just having them memorize facts. This also teaches them how to research appropriately. This story is also a fantastic demonstration of grit, an important character trait for anyone to have. Karana never froze in panic, but rather, she persevered even when she was injured, cold, or tired. She was never guaranteed that she would ever see people again or be reunited with her people, but she still made herself survive. Sometimes, she even surpassed surviving by creating recreation and a life for herself on the island. She is a fantastic example of perseverance in trials and making the best of her circumstances.