Island of the Blue Dolphins
Scott O'Dell
📚 Genre
Children's Fiction - Historical Fiction / Survival
🏢 Publisher
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
📅 Publication Year
2006
🔢 ISBN
978-0547010007
About This Book
Based on the true story of a Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island, this novel follows Karana, a young Nicoleño girl who is left behind alone on an island off the coast of California for eighteen years. She must learn to survive against the elements, wild animals, and her own loneliness while building shelter, making weapons, and finding food. The cover features an illustration of a young Native American woman standing on a rocky shore with a wild dog/coyote, alongside a prominent gold Newbery Medal seal in the bottom right corner.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
184
Edition
Paperback, Reprint Edition
Series
Standalone novel
Target Audience
Children and Young Adult (Recommended ages 8-12)
Collector Information
Condition
Good
Estimated Value
$5-$10
Rarity
Common
Historical Significance
Awarded the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1961, establishing itself as a classic of children's historical fiction and survival literature. It has been widely taught in schools for decades and remains a foundational text in youth literature regarding resilience and indigenous history.
Collector Notes
Mass market and trade paperback editions of this title are widely printed and easily accessible. This copy holds sentimental or reading value rather than high monetary collector value. To preserve, keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading of the blue cover art and store in a cool, dry environment.
Similar Books
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George, Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George, The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
Notable Features
Includes the embossed gold John Newbery Medal seal on the front cover denoting its status as a Newbery Medal winner, and text at the top indicating an introduction by a Newbery Medalist.