An Introduction to
“Island of the Blue Dolphins”
Making Predictions : Identify what you already know about the novel. You can look at the cover, read the back of the book, and discuss it with your classmates. Write your responses in your notebook.
1. After reading the title, Island of the Blue Dolphins, what do you think the book will be about?
2. What did you learn from the back of the book?
3. You already know Karana will be stranded on the island. How do you think Karana is left behind?
4. When do you think this story takes place?
5. Compare this novel to another book that you have read.
About the Author . . .
Visit the site below and look around - read the front page
And “More About” page - be sure to take notes!
“Many of my books are set in the past, but the problems of isolation, moral
decisions, greed, need for love and affection are problems of today as well.”
Scott ODell
After reading, write in your notebook:
Intro to the novel and the setting
Read page 10 and 11 of Introducing the Novel and The Time and Place http://www.glencoe.com/sec/literature/litlibrary/pdf/island_blue_dolphins.pdf
In your notebook:
1. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what would you do to survive ?
2. Describe the setting of “IBD”.
3. Using direct quotes from the text, how do you predict that the setting will affect the story?
The Aluets
In your notebook:
1. What is the Aluet’s native land?
2. List 2 reasons why they may want to come to the “Island”.