Island of the Blue Dolphins

This book is classic reading for every 4th grader in California. I crack up because I read this as a four grader in public school 30 years ago, and now all three of my kids have read it as fourth graders in private school. I really like this particular edition because the font is very easy to read, the pages aren’t easily ripped because the publisher used quality paper, and the book is not heavily. Our kids’ backpacks are already so heavy, so ounces easily become pounds. I also really appreciated the next day shipping, as my 10 year old informed me on Saturday afternoon that he had to have it for school on Monday.

When I was in grade school, we had a program where every month we could take home a two page list of books to buy. It was like gold to us as children for during the entire year it was the only things we were ever allowed to purchase and the only gifts we got besides Christmas. I was an inveterate reader and wanted to expand my little library. One month I selected after much perusal, " The Island of the Blue Dolphins," the story of a little girl, left alone on an island to spend the winter months and what she did to survive step by step and how she felt, her emotions of despair and fear, and hope. To me, it was the first book I had ever read that did not treat me like I was Dick and Jane and Spot. I was treated as young reader who could understand the emotions of a young girl my own age and how she did something and survived through what I thought I could never do. It was my most memorable book ever, the bridge into womanhood and to solid reading. I told my own two girls about this precious book when they were in grade school and one day my youngest came home from school with it. She had found it in the school library ! She also had her opportunity to buy it at her school, and when I looked for it on Amamazon , there it was! I had to have my own copy again, to reread the precious book of my youth and also to have thee book that changed my reading habits forever and I needed to own it, to complete my now large library. I recommend this beautiuful story, this wonderful, exciting adventure of a young girl to everyone of every age. You will love this story. The book came in perfect condition and very quickly.

Wife loves this story.

Island of Blue Dolphins Book Review In the book Island of Blue Dolphins I liked how the book always had something adventurous happening. It never came to a stop nor did it get boring. I enjoyed having it this way because I wanted to read more every time I finished a chapter of the book. I always wanted to see what happened next. In addition, I was really intrigued by the main character, Karana, because of her love of animals and her vibrant personality. She became very independent when she was stranded on the island because she became determined to survive. It was very impressive that she fought dangerous animals, created her own weapons, built a canoe, found her own food and built a house out of whale parts. I enjoyed getting to know her character through all of her challenges and her determined yet caring spirit. The descriptive words in this book are also so vivid. It makes me feel like I am right there on the island with Karana. Although it was a great book, I did not like how it was so repetitive. There were multiple events in the book that happened two or three times. For instance, when the Aleuts invaded the island. The invasion of the Aleuts happened two times plus the invasion of a different tribe. I did not like this because when I would read it I would feel like I already knew what would happen next. Despite the repetition in the book it would be a great novel to read. I recommend the Island of Blue Dolphins to people who enjoy reading books about adventure and nature. The setting for this book is on an island and the author is very descriptive about the challenges and adventures on the island. This is a great book about survival. The main character, Karana -- a young girl, has to learn how to survive alone in the wilderness. Also, this would be a good book choice for people who are animal lovers and appreciate the beauty of nature. Overall this book is great for any middle school student interested in finding a great novel.

Great kids gift who loves to read

Exactly what I ordered.

I remember reading this book when I was much younger. And I don't know that it hit me the same when I was younger as it did now. The book was beautiful. It was amazing how a book with one character and mostly only animals to socialize with could hit so hard. The character was very strong to live by herself for so many years. The things she was able to do and accomplish was impressive. I would recommend this story.

The lady (whose name I have forgot) who read the story, had the most beautiful voice! She was extremely easy to listen to as she read this beautiful story. The music between chapters was very pleasant and just enough in length. The story is one I will read again and again. There is so much information about the way of life of the indigenous people, how they used what nature provided them, and how they learned and applied these crafts and knowledge from many generations. Island of the Blue Dolphins was well written. I was able to visualize the details of all that I heard. I wanted the story to keep going. And, I would have preferred a different result. Just like all indigenous people, she was made to wear clothes that others felt were “more appropriate and to their liking.” I am Caucasian, but I have, as long as I can recall which is many years now, had a deep, deep interest in the way of life of the early native peoples. Also, I am ashamed of how we just took what we wanted from these people. In summary, WE took what was not ours to take! Instead of living peacefully side by side, and to learn from each other, and respect each other.