Book Review: Island of the Blue Dolphins

Synopsis

This book portrays the courage and self-reliance of an Indian girl who lived alone for eighteen years on an isolated island off the California coast when her tribe emigrated and she was left behind.

Comments

A classic adventure story. I didn’t enjoy it as a child (I think I was bothered by all the animal violence), but it is one of my sister’s favs from childhood. Not for a very sensitive child. Be ready for some conversation about gender roles. Girl protagonist is resourceful and strong.

Language

None [?]

Sexual Content

None

Drugs/Alcohol

None

Violence/Disturbing

Brother is attacked and killed by the wild dogs. Girl vows to kill all the dogs. Description of multiple attacks on and by animals, including hunting and use of weapons to kill animals. Girl lives through earthquake and tidal wave, finds a skeleton, kills seals after hunters leave them wounded. Girl watches her father be killed.  She is anguished when her little brother is left behind on the island.

Social/Family

There are some gender lines in the tribe that girl must cross to survive (ex: making weapons). Several instances of specific gender roles within a cultural context.

Religion/Spiritual

Girl believes in several ‘gods’, who cause things to happen like earthquakes. Girl tries to talk to the dead, but is unable to.