BOOK BRIEF

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Scott O’Dell
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Island of the Blue Dolphins

Fiction | Novel | Published in 1960

Book Brief

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Scott O’Dell

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Fiction | Novel | Published in 1960
Book Details
Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

San Nicolas Island • 19th century

Publication Year

1960

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

1000L

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Super Short Summary

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell follows the life of a young girl who becomes stranded on an isolated island off the California coast. The narrative explores her courage, survival skills, and resilience as she navigates solitude and the challenges of living in the natural world.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Scott O’Dell’s Island of the Blue Dolphins is widely praised for its evocative writing and strong, resourceful protagonist, appealing to both young and adult readers. The novel’s depiction of survival and self-reliance is compelling, though some find its pacing slow and the portrayal of Native American culture overly simplistic. Overall, it remains a beloved classic.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Island of the Blue Dolphins?

A reader who enjoys Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell is often captivated by survival stories, historical fiction, and strong, resourceful protagonists. Fans of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen and My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George will appreciate this novel’s themes of resilience and connection with nature.

Book Details
Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

San Nicolas Island • 19th century

Publication Year

1960

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

1000L

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