Scott O’Dell’s Newbery Medal-winning classic, Island of the Blue Dolphins, is a gripping tale of survival, strength, and courage. Based on the true story of a Nicoleño Indian girl living alone on an island off the coast of California, this book has captivated readers for generations.

In the early 1800s, Karana was stranded on San Nicolas Island, where dolphins flash in the surrounding blue waters, sea otters play in vast kelp beds, and sea elephants loll on stony beaches. She spent eighteen years alone, facing the ferocious pack of wild dogs that killed her younger brother, constantly guarding against Aleutian sea otter hunters, and maintaining a precarious food supply. Her courage, self-reliance, and grit have inspired millions of readers in this breathtaking adventure.

As Smithsonian magazine put it: “For kids all over the country, reading the book in language arts classes, Karana is a powerful symbol of their growing independence. Through her, they can imagine themselves making their way in the world alone—and thriving.”