Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Can Karana Make it on Her Own?


Twelve-year-old Karana lives on an island in the Pacific. The Aleut people come to her island to hunt sea otter in exchange for goods. Once her village realizes that the Aleuts are not being honest, a battle breaks out and many lives are lost. Most of the people in the tribe die, including Karana’s father, the chief. A new chief takes over and leaves the island for a place he feels will be safer for all of them. Karana and what is left of her tribe are rounded up to travel by boat to their new home. Unfortunately, her brother is trying to get his fishing gear and isn’t ready to leave. The boat cannot wait for him, and Karana jumps off to be with her brother, Ramo. Back on the island there is not much left for Karana and Ramo to use to survive, since their tribe had packed up all of the important weapons and food. A pack of wild dogs makes life even harder when they take Ramo’s life. Now, Karana is on her own and can rely on no one for help. She is on a path to self-discovery and the obstacles won’t be easy. Does she have what it takes to make it? How will Karana survive? Is there anyone who will be able to keep her company, and is there any way for her to be saved? Find out how strength, independence, and perseverance can see you through life’s darkest days.

What a wonderful book! If you haven’t read Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell I highly recommend it for both boys and girls. This book is perfect for anyone in third grade and up. Not only will you learn ways to be resourceful, but you will be amazed at the ways Karana learns to believe in herself. When I read it, I had no idea that this book was based on a true story. After I found out that Scott O’Dell used the story of Juana Maria as the inspiration for Karana I was even more impressed. I think that the author did a fantastic job creating a main character that everyone can relate to in some way. I was able to connect with Karana and loved watching her change and grow throughout the book. You don’t want to miss this one!

Has anyone else read Island of the Blue Dolphins? Or have you read another book by Scott O’Dell? What did you think?

Happy Reading!
~L
Posted by DMS at 6:00:00 AM

27 comments:

  1. Jemi FraserFebruary 20, 2013 at 7:25 AM

    LOVE this book!! Karannna is such a great character! I've read a few of his other ones too - Sarah Bishop, Lay Down the Moon, but Blue Dolphin is my fave! :)

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    1. DMSFebruary 22, 2013 at 2:22 PM

      Hi Jemi, It's such a great story. We were happy to share it with you! Thanks for stopping by : ) ~ F

      Delete
  2. Kelly HashwayFebruary 20, 2013 at 7:36 AM

    I won this book when I was in middle school. It was at a special giveaway they were doing for books and other things. It was one of the first times I won a giveaway. :)

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    1. DMSFebruary 22, 2013 at 2:23 PM

      Hi Kelly, That's so cool! A great story to win : ) Great to hear from you! ~ F

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  3. CiaraFebruary 20, 2013 at 8:43 AM

    I've never read this book, but I think I need to.

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  4. Cherie ReichFebruary 20, 2013 at 10:31 AM

    I've seen this book on the shelves of the library so many times, but I haven't read it yet. It sounds so good.

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    1. DMSFebruary 22, 2013 at 2:24 PM

      Hi Ciara and Cheri, Yes! Please check it out! It's a great story. Thanks for stopping by : ) ~ F

      Delete
  5. cleemckenzieFebruary 20, 2013 at 11:16 AM

    What a great book to feature! I think I still have my original copy. Loved it.

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    1. DMSFebruary 22, 2013 at 2:25 PM

      Hi C. Lee, Thanks! It truly fits the spirit of the week : ) ~ F

      Delete
  6. Mary WeberFebruary 20, 2013 at 7:18 PM

    I read this in middle grade because the real Island of the Blue Dolphins is right off the coastline from where we live. I have such a fondness for this book (although I also have a distinct sense of tragic loss attached to it as well due to the loss of her brother).

    LOVED that you reviewed this one!!!!!!

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    1. DMSFebruary 23, 2013 at 4:26 PM

      M. Christine- How cool that the real Island of the Blue Dolphins is right off the coast of where you live. There is definitely sadness with this book, but so much change and growth, too. So glad you enjoyed the review. :) ~L

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  7. Anna MariaFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:18 PM

    I haven't read it but it sounds fascinating since it's based on a true story, a favorite genre of mine. The message that,"strength, independence, and perseverance can see you through life’s darkest days" is one we should all take to heart.

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    1. DMSFebruary 22, 2013 at 2:27 PM

      Hi Anna Maria, So true! You would enjoy this classic. Thanks so much for stopping by! ~ F

      Delete
  8. https://booksthoughtsadventures.comFebruary 20, 2013 at 9:33 PM

    What a great book! It would be a great teaching tool!

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    1. DMSFebruary 22, 2013 at 2:27 PM

      Hi Patty, It definitely is a good teaching tool- and entertaining! Always lovely to hear from you : ) ~F

      Delete
    2. DMSFebruary 22, 2013 at 2:27 PM

      Hi Patty, It definitely is a good teaching tool- and entertaining! Always lovely to hear from you : ) ~F

      Delete
  9. Yanting GuehFebruary 21, 2013 at 12:13 AM

    One of my students had this book and I often stared at it while waiting for him to write his essay. Haven't read it yet though I've heard it's right up there as an MG classic. I love what Anna Maria quoted on!

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    1. DMSFebruary 22, 2013 at 2:29 PM

      Hi Claudine, You would love this story! Karana is a great character to follow along with. Thanks so much for popping by : ) ~ F

      Delete
  10. Carina OlsenFebruary 21, 2013 at 7:02 AM

    Great review :D Never heard of this book before.. But it does sound pretty amazing :) Glad you loved it ;)
    Thank you for commenting on my mailbox. <3
    Love, Carina @ Carina's Books

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    1. DMSFebruary 22, 2013 at 2:29 PM

      Hi Carina, It's a wonderful story. I think you would enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by : ) ~ F

      Delete
  11. Felicity Grace TerryFebruary 21, 2013 at 7:42 AM

    Always a good thing to find a book suitable for both sexes, thanks for recommending this.

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    1. DMSFebruary 22, 2013 at 2:30 PM

      Hi Petty, You are welcome! Thanks for stopping by : ) Great to hear from you ~ F

      Delete
  12. DMSFebruary 22, 2013 at 2:26 PM

    Hi Heidi, It's an excellent book to dig out. Karana is a very spirited character ; ) Thanks so much for stopping by! ~F

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  13. Adriana @ BooksOnHerMindFebruary 22, 2013 at 4:56 PM

    I've seen this book around since I was a kid and I didn't know what it was about until now. I heard it was sad at parts so I'm a little worried but I do love that this book has a Native American protagonist. It sounds like a book I would like. Something like My Side of the Mountain which I love. I like when books are able to show you ways to be resourceful it makes me dream of a time where I can use it to go hiking or camping in the future.

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    1. DMSFebruary 23, 2013 at 4:28 PM

      Adriana- If you enjoy books with a Native American protagonist- then you will love Island of the Blue Dolphins. It is sad, but there are hopeful parts, too. Definitely in the same category as My Side of the Mountain! I hope you get to read this one soon! :) ~L

      Delete
  14. UnknownFebruary 24, 2013 at 7:41 PM

    I've not read this, but what a fun storyline.

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