Reviewed by Jordan T. (age 11)
Island of the Blue Dolphins is about bravery and kindness. The story
begins when Karana and Ramo, children from the Ghalas-at tribe, were
digging for roots and sighted a large ship in the distance. They rarely
saw ships and were used traveling on water by canoe. Karana sent Ramo to
their settlement to tell Chief Chowig about the strange ship. Later, the
chief went to the shore to greet the Aleuts on the ship. It was decided
the Aleuts could stay on the island and hunt for sea otter. There were
problems that caused Karana's tribe to leave the island to live on the
mainland of what is now California. As they were boarding the ship to
leave, Ramo, ran back to get his spear and they left without him. Karana
does a very brave thing in order to help Ramo and you'll have to read the
book to find out the events of their lives.
I liked the book because it was exciting all the way to the end. The
author's writing style was interesting and the characters seemed real
throughout the whole story. Karana, the main character, was very brave
and kind to everyone.
Scott O'Dell used details that helped the reader's imagination.
You'll just have to read to find out what amazing things happen to Karana
and Ramo. I would recommend Island of the Blue Dolphins to anyone because
it is exciting and both young and old would love it.