‘Island of the Blue Dolphins’ is a 1960 American children’s novel written by Scott O’Dell. It is based on the true story of Juana Maria, left alone for 18 years on San Nicolas Island in the 19th century.
This book narrates the story of a young girl stranded for years on an island, off the California coast. Her name is Karana, which is her secret name. Wonapalei is her secret name. Wonapalei is her common name (everyone in the village has a secret name). One day, a ship of Aleuts, led by a Russian named Captain Orlov, arrives and persuades the natives into letting them hunt sea otters in return for other goods. However, the Aleuts attempt to swindle the islanders and leave without paying. When they are confronted by Chief Chowig, Karana’s father, a battle breaks out, and lives are lost on both sides. Finally, the Aleuts leave the islands, leaving little payment for the otters they hunted. Karana’s father and many other men in the tribe, die after the battle.
This action-packed book chronicles Karana’s struggles to survive as she comes face-to-face with the island’s wild animals, violent Aleutian hunters and her own fear and loneliness.
Picture credit: google