Alone on the Island of the Blue Dolphins

The Story Behind the Famous Children's Book

Every November, nearly half a million 4th graders read "Island of the Blue Dolphins". For many, this is their first real reading experience, their first 'chapter book.' Educators selected Scott O'Dell's novel because it's a very exciting story of survival and empowerment, sort of a female Robinson Crusoe. Overall, almost 10 million copies have been sold.

The book tells the story of a 12 year-old Native American girl who was left alone for 18 years on San Nicolas Island, the most remote of California's Channel Islands, during the 19th century. She survived with her dog for 18 years before being 'rescued' and brought to Santa Barbara. She died there and is buried in the Santa Barbara Mission.

The true story that inspired the book is even more extraordinary than the fictionalized retelling. ALONE ON THE ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS travels to the island, visits her campsite and cave, and visually captures the adventure that she experienced all those years ago. Alone on the Island of the Blue Dolphins does this.