Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell, winner of the Newbery Medal in 1961 joins our recommended list of books, because of the example of resourcefulness the young girl, Karana, shows in surviving alone.

Stranded by herself on an island off the coast of California for 18 years, Karana relies on her inner strength, courage and skills to cope and grow.

The author shares what island flora and fauna could be like and this reader was immersed in the pictures of the environment seeing the daily struggles and challenges right along with Karana.

Scott O'Dell, (1898-1989), was a prolific 20th century author. Island of the Blue Dolphins" was written for children, but he also wrote fiction and nonfiction for adults. Growing up in Southern California he enjoyed the ocean and being outdoors.

Coming back to modern times and the elementary school classroom for a moment, a student faced with academic challenges has an opportunity through reading Karana's story of coping and thriving, to see that there is more than one way to learn and grow in life. The story gives hope.

It is a particularly appropriately book to read aloud to kids, with the rich description of images.

I feel that when one door is closed there is probably another that is opening that makes use of different learning skills, and Island of the Blue Dolphins is a great example.

Details - for upper elementary reading level in 192 pages; published by Yearling; ISBN: 0440439884.

To order from Amazon.com go to

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell

All reviews in the Learning Library