Island of the Blue Dolphins

Scott O’Dell

Cover of Island of the Blue Dolphins

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Scott O’Dell

Reading Level 4-5 9LE Ages 13+ Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

Karana races along the rocky shore, her heart pounding as she spots shadows moving in the trees. Alone on a wild island with no one to help, she must find a way to survive. But what dangers lurk just beyond the next cliff?

Quick Assessment

This classic novel tells the story of a young Native girl stranded alone on a remote Pacific island, where she learns to survive using her wits and courage. Suitable for ages 9-12 and up, it explores themes of resilience, independence, and connection to nature. Parents should note some moments of mild peril and solitude, but overall the story offers valuable lessons in self-reliance and empathy.

For Parents

Content Intensity

9LE — Light — Emotional
Emotional
Light
Physical
Light
Social
Clear
Thematic
Light

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

3/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
5
World Scope
10
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

184 pages
ISBN
9780881030273
Pages
184
Publisher
Turtleback Books
Published
October 1999
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Social IssuesClassicsSurvivalPeople & PlacesUnited StatesNative AmericanAction & AdventureIndians of North AmericaIslandsNewbery MedalSurvival SkillsBrothers and SistersCurriculaSurvival StoriesWilderness SurvivalYoung WomenGirls & WomenLarge Type BooksIndians of MexicoCaliforniaChumash WomenDolphinsHuman-animal RelationshipsNewbery Medal BooksIslasIndios De América Del NorteNovela JuvenilJóvenesFicción JuvenilShipwreck SurvivalSupervivenciaNovelaMarine AnimalsAmerican FictionTranslations Into ChineseLanguage ArtsSan Nicolas IslandWater SecurityForeign RelationsBibliographyAward:Newbery_awardLexile:1000Lexile_range:1001-1100Age:min:8Age:max:11Grade:min:3Grade:max:7Water Resources DevelopmentDiplomatic RelationsEconomicsStrategic Aspects of Individual PlacesEconomic AspectsPolitical AspectsStrategic AspectsCriticism and InterpretationIsland of the Blue Dolphins

People

Juana Marie (-1853)

Places

CaliforniaChannel Islands (Calif.)Channel IslandsSan Nicolas IslandSan Nicolas Island (Calif.)