Island of the Blue Dolphins

Blue Dolphin Wrap-up

10/24/2013

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The following sites can be used to support and enrich the Book Club unit for Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell.

About the Author and the Book

Interview with Scott O'Dell — This site offers an interview with Scott O'Dell from 1984 which was published in theThe New York Times.
Reading Matters — Find a review put together by "Reading Matters" and read further comments about the book.
Common Sense Media — This review of the book gives it 4 out of 5 stars. See also user reviews and details about the book.

Learn about the Physical Location of the Novel

Channel Islands of California — San Nicolas Island is part of California's Channel Islands. This site includes an overview of all the islands and a slideshow of San Nicolas Island.
Cave found on San Nicolas Island — At this site read an article by the Los Angeles Times about a cave found on the island. Navy archaeologists believe it to be the cave that most likely sheltered Karana for eighteen years.
Channel Islands National Park — The park encompasses the islands of San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara. The site offers information about the ecology and wildlife of this region, which lies just north of San Nicolas Island. Read also about the The Lone Woman of San Nicolas and native inhabitants.

Investigate the Marine Life and Wildlife of the Setting

Abalone — This site offers a factual and formal explanation of the abalone, its production, and its natural history.
Red Abalone — A photograph of the red abalone and the facts are given at this site.
Bottlenose Dolphins — The dolphins found off the California coast are fully examined, from their diet and behavior to their physical characteristics. Diagrams are included.
Cormorants — A quick description of the cormorant species most commonly found in North America is presented on this site.
Giant Squid — The description of the giant squid at this site bears a strong resemblance to the devilfish of the novel. Scientists' continued speculations about the giant squid are also explored in this article.
Sea Elephants — Although not located on San Nicolas, the sea elephants (also known as Seal Elephants) pictured here create a vivid impression of the animals' strength, size, and physical features.
Sea Otters — This section of the "Defenders of Wildlife" website provides a wealth of information about sea otters' behavior, habitat, and history as a hunted and then protected marine mammal.

Find Out about the Characters of the Novel

The Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island — The true story of the woman who lived on the island for eighteen years is told by a senior curator of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
Aleut Woman — Illustrations support this brief article on Aleut culture and history, which focuses on the role of women in the society.
Aleut — This short article features a map of the Aleutian archipelago and a photograph of an elaborate hunting costume worn by an Aleut man.

Big Theme Questions

What things does a person really need to survive? How are these things different from what a person might want?

What personal qualities can help people cope with difficulties or dramatic changes in their lives?

What role do animals play in the lives of human beings? Consider both tame and wild animals.