Island of the Blue Dolphins

By: Scott O'Dell

Narrated by: Tantoo Cardinal

Length: 3 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

In the Pacific, there is an island that looks like a big fish sunning itself in the sea. Around it blue dolphins swim, otters play, and sea birds abound. Karana is the Indian girl who lived alone for years on the Island of the Blue Dolphins. Hers is not only an unusual adventure of survival, but also a tale of natural beauty and personal discovery.

©1960 Scott O'Dell (P)1995 Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, a Division of Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Newbery Medal Winner, 1961

"Narrator Tantoo Cardinal more than succeeds in delivering a lovely listening experience. Her accent and pronunciation are first rate. The music adds to the story with an ethnic sound. When the Russians invaded the island, many islanders were killed or fled. Some, like the young girl, Karana, were accidentally left behind. Karana's survival in remote isolation is moving and unforgettable. Both the text and Cardinal's style make the listener feel...part of Karana's isolation and maturation." (AudioFile magazine)

The language and wording are perfect

I really liked everything about the book and I title is really cute and the story is amazing

Childhood favorite

I could listen to this story Everyday. Absolutely love it. very Heartfull and sad. enjoy the adventures and just everything about this story.

The story

I love this book it was amazing. I rate it all stars because this book makes me fill I'm in the book like, I know how she fills.this is a great book.

One of my childhood favorites

his book has stayed with me since I first read it more than 50 years ago. I listened to it with my 8-year-old granddaughter and was thrilled to see her enjoy it as much as I had at her age. Perhaps 50 years from now she might share it with her own grandchildren.

Classic Children's Literature at its best!

Would you listen to Island of the Blue Dolphins again? Why?

Being a fourth grade teacher in California, reading Island of the Blue Dolphins with my class is a tradition. Being able to listen to it on tape and follow along with a book, the children get a lot out of the story. As long as I am a fourth grade teacher, I will be listening to Island of the Blue Dolphins. It is the best of classic children's literature based on California's history.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Island of the Blue Dolphins?

There are so many memorable moments in the story, but I think the most memorable is when Karana jumps off the boat in stormy seas and swims back to the island to be with her brother who was left behind.

Have you listened to any of Tantoo Cardinal’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to any of Tantoo's other performances, but I have seen her in movies such as Dances with Wolves and Legends of the Fall. Two iconic movies that I have watched more than once, and plan on seeing again!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Stranded on a deserted island for 18 years, a young Indian girl shows us how to survive.

Any additional comments?

This book is a must read for all Californians, young and old.

Great Book!!!

Island of the blue dolphins was a great book. The audio version went perfectly with the story. (word for work) It was a great resource for differentiated instruction.

Always enjoyable

This book has always been a favorite for me. I loved it when I was young and now my daughter loves it. I downloaded this book for the both of us to enjoy :)

Great book

I loved this book so much I am reading it two times. I think this is a book for 10 and up. I highly recommend this book.

I love this book

I think it's an amazing book I love this book it's good quality and I think they did a good job

I love this audible it was great she sounded like she

She sounds like she is Karana I have the book but I need help reading chapter books.