Island of the Blue Dolphins is an intriguing tale of survival and unlike many other classics with a similar theme, the protagonist is a young girl. Young readers will likely enjoy the unfolding tale of Karana's survival on her own and her resourcefulness in taming animals, protecting herself and meeting her needs. The mood is not lonely or desperate; rather it is one of strength, endurance and a life of contentment despite difficult circumstances. Some readers will enjoy the descriptions of the island, of Karana's environment and of the animals she befriends. Others will enjoy the slow, lyrical description of this solitary life. Still others, however, will find this slow paced tale rather tedious, though the quality of writing may nonetheless keep readers reading until the tale's end.
There are just a few areas of potential concern to parents. The author is cognizant of the young age of his readers and avoids gory details, but some situations, like the death of a father and brother, may in themselves be unsettling for some readers. Hunting and eating animals may be an issue for some, and the tribal worldview, while not persuasive, may warrant some discussion, especially among younger readers.
This book is dearly loved by many. It won the Newbery award and other prestigious honors. Personally, our children didn't care for it much, and I found it mildly interesting, but certainly not a top favorite.