Island of Blue Dolphins Unit

~ A Novel Study ~
Island Of The
Blue Dolphins
By Scott O'Dell
A Novel Study
By Nat Reed
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Island of the Blue Dolphins
By Scott O’Dell
Table of Contents
Suggestions and Expectations ……………………………………………….. 3
List of Skills ……………………………….….………………………….…. 4
Synopsis / Author Biography …….…….…………………………………... 5
Student Checklist …………………………………………………………..… 6
Reproducible Student Booklet …………………………………………..…… 7
Answer Key ………………………………………………………….…….… 68
About the author: Nat Reed has been a member of the teaching profession for more than
30 years. He was a full-time instructor at Trent University in the Teacher Education Program
for nine years. For more information on his work and literature, please visit the websites
www.reedpublications.org and www.novelstudies.org.
Copyright © 2011 Nat Reed

All rights reserved by author.
Permission to copy for single classroom use only.
Electronic distribution limited to single classroom use only.
Not for public display.
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By Scott O’Dell
Suggestions and Expectations
This curriculum unit is meant to be used in a variety of ways. Each chapter of the novel study
focuses on two or three chapters of Island of the Blue Dolphins and is comprised of five
different activities:
• Before You Read

• Vocabulary Building
• Comprehension Questions
• Language Activities
• Extension Activities
Links with the Common Core Standards (U.S.)

Many of the activities included in this curriculum unit are supported by the Common Core
Standards. For instance the Reading Standards for Literature, Grade 5, makes reference
to
a) determining the meaning of words and phrases. . . including figurative language;
b) explaining how a series of chapters fits together to provide the overall structure;
c) compare and contrast two characters;
d) determine how characters … respond to challenges;
e) drawing inferences from the text;
f) determining a theme of a story . . . and many others.
A principal expectation of the unit is that students will develop their skills in reading, writing,
listening and oral communication, as well as in reasoning and critical thinking. Students will
also be expected to provide clear answers to questions and well-constructed explanations. It
is critical as well that students be able to relate events and the feelings of characters found in
the novel to their own lives and experiences and describe their own interpretation of a
particular passage.
A strength of the unit is that students can work on the activities at their own speed, and should
not be required to complete every activity. A portfolio cover is included (p.7) so that students
may organize their work and keep it all in one place. A Student Checklist is also included (p.6)
so that a record of completed work may be recorded.
Themes which may be taught in conjunction with the novel include the wilderness and
wilderness survival, individual perseverance when facing difficult circumstances, flora and
fauna of the California region, Aleuts, aboriginal peoples and cultures of pre-European North
America, sailing ships of the 19th century.
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By Scott O’Dell
List of Skills
Vocabulary Development
1. Using content clues 8. Use of singular / plural nouns

2. Locating descriptive words / phrases 9. Developing dictionary skills
3. Listing synonyms, antonyms 10. Identifying parts of speech
4. Use of capitals and punctuation 11. Identify an analogy
5. Identifying syllables 12. Identifying personification
6. Determining root words 13. Identifying a simile
7. Determining alphabetical order 14. Identifying alliteration.
Setting Activities
1. Identify the details of a setting

2. Investigating regional flora and fauna
Plot Activities
1. Identify conflict in the story

2. Determine the role of others in one’s personal growth
3. Develop a Storyboard
4. Identify a cliffhanger
5. Determine the purpose of foreshadowing
6. Identify the climax of a novel
7. Create a synopsis
Character Activities
1. Determine character traits 3. Relating personal experiences

2. Compare two characters 4. Understand concepts: perseverance
Creative and Critical Thinking
1. Research 4. Conduct an interview

2. Complete Observation Chart 5. Create a film review
3. Write a journal entry 6. Write a description of personal feelings
Art Activities
1. Design a collage
2. Design a cover for the novel
3. Develop a Storyboard
4
By Scott O’Dell
Synopsis
Island of the Blue Dolphins is the classic novel based on a true story of the Lone
Woman of San Nicholas Island. Karana, a 12 year old girl living on a small island off the coast
of California is accidentally abandoned by the rest of her people when they leave the island
following an Aleut raid. She is forced to survive on her own for several years. During this
ordeal she learns many valuable lessons not only about survival, but about how best to
conquer loneliness and adversity.
Many true-to-life experiences are described in rich detail by the author, Scott O’Dell. We
learn not only how one might go about surviving in such an environment without any modern
conveniences, but a great deal as well about the animal and plant life of the island.
This classic novel was voted one of the top 10 American children's books of the last 200
years by the Children's Literature Association. It won the 1961 Newbery Medal. In 1964 it was
made into a movie starring Celia Kaye, Larry Domasin, Ann Daniel, and George Kennedy.
Author Biography
Scott O’Dell
Scott O`Dell (1898 – 1989), one of the most respected authors of

historical fiction, received the Newbery Medal, three Newbery
Honor Awards, and the Hans Christian Anderson Author Medal,
the highest international recognition for a body of work by an
author of books for young readers. His many books include Island
of the Blue Dolphins; Black Star, Bright Dawn; Streams in the
River, River to the Sea; and The Black Pearl. He was born O`Dell
Gabriel Scott in Los Angeles, but when his name appeared
incorrectly on a book, he decided to keep the name Scott O`Dell.
He served in the air force during World War I. Before becoming a
full-time writer he was a cameraman and technical director.
Adapted from the publisher.
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By Scott O’Dell
Student Checklist
Student Name:
Assignment Grade / Level Comments
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By Scott O’Dell
Name:
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By Scott O’Dell
Chapters 1 – 2
Before you read the chapters:

Karana’s father is the leader of the people on San Nicholas Island. Someone once said, “Real leaders
are ordinary people with extraordinary determination”. What do you think are two characteristics of a
good leader (someone you would like to follow during a difficult time).
1.
2.
Vocabulary:
Choose a word from the list to complete each sentence.
parley cease companion enclose grasp

conceal lapping intruder ravine profit
1. We were startled to discover an in the house.
2. When we are finished building the fence, it will the entire yard.
3. My brother almost toppled into the when he rode his bicycle too close to the edge.
4. How did you expect to the truth from Principal Smithers?
5. “Please don’t expect to make much of a from your sales during the first month,”
she advised.
6. The ocean waves were on the shore.
7. The big German Shepherd was the old man’s only .
8. The leader of the Aleuts came ashore to with the islanders.
9. You will have to from making all that noise if I am to concentrate.
10. I have the feeling that my little sister still does not that concept.
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Part B
The Island of the Blue Dolphins makes mention of a number of things from that particular
environment which many readers may not be familiar with. With a straight line, match each item on the
left with the proper description or meaning on the right.
cormorant Large seaweed plants.
kelp An elevated area of land with a flat top

and sides that are usually steep cliffs.
lizard A type of fish.
toyon A very large and widespread group of

squamate reptiles.
mesa A seabird.
white bass A common perennial shrub.
Questions
1. A league is a measurement mentioned several times in the novel. Investigate the length of a
league and fill in the blanks below.
➔ A league = _______ miles or ________ kilometers
b. How far away was the coast of Santa Barbara? __________________
2. In the chart below fill in the correct ages for the three characters.
Character Age
Karana
Ramo
Ulape
3. The setting of a novel includes not only the place where the story takes place, but the
approximate time as well. From what you know to this point, describe the setting of the novel.
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4. Why had Captain Orlov and the Aleuts come to the island?
5. What is your impression of Captain Orlov? Do you think the people of Ghalas-at should trust
him? Why or why not?
6. Why was Karana shocked that her father told Captain Orlov his secret name?
b. Why do you think he did this?
7. What did Ulape discover that caused so much excitement in the village?
8. What excuse did the Aleuts give for wanting Karana’s father to share in Ulape’s find?
Why did Chief Chowig refuse?
Good to Know ~ The Aleuts

The Aleut people (also referred to as the Unangan) are the indigenous people of the Aleutian Islands
of Alaska and Kamchatka, Russia. Presently they number between 17,000 and 18,000 people. The
Aleut survived by hunting and gathering. They fished for salmon, crabs, shellfish, and cod, as well as
harvesting sea mammals such as seal, walrus and whales. Caribou, musk oxen, deer, moose, whale
and other types of game were also eaten roasted or preserved for later use.
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Language Activities
A. Investigations
Investigate one of the following three topics from Chapters 1-2. Research three interesting
facts about your choice.
San Nicolas Island

(The Island of the Blue
Dolphins)
Kelp
Santa Catalina Island

(A neighboring island)
B. Assemble the word parts below into ten compound words found in Chapters 1-2.
out west some shell four

thing ship wise my every
times fish set with other
self teen friend sun north
1 6
2 7
3 8
4 9
5 10
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C. Anagrams
An anagram is a word that is formed by changing the order of the letters of another word. For
example, the letters in the word WAS can also form the word SAW. Follow these directions to
form the anagrams:
a) read the clue in the right-hand column.
b) Using the word in the left-hand column move the letters around in any order, but you must
use all the letters. All of the words in the left-hand column can be found in the first two
chapters of Island of the Blue Dolphins.
Word Anagram Clue

brush A woody plant smaller than a tree.
ship Projections of the pelvis and upper thigh bones.
earth A vital bodily organ.
stones Beginnings.
part A tarpaulin sheet or cover.
warned Rove.
reefs Liberates.
Now find two additional words from the first two chapters which have interesting anagrams to
see if you can stump a classmate.
Word Anagram Clue
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By Scott O’Dell
Chapter 3 - 4

Putting your trust in someone (especially a friend) can be a dangerous thing to do, especially if that
person lets you down. Describe a time in your own life (or that of someone you know) when you felt
let down by someone you trusted.
Vocabulary:
Complete the following crossword puzzle using words from the Word Box on the next page. Many of
the solutions are words found in the first four chapters of this novel.
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8
10 11 12
13
14 15 16
17
18 19 20
21 22 23
24 25 26
27
28 29
30 31
32
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Down Across
1. Karana’s brother. 2. To make ready.
2 Name for one’s father. 7. The novel’s main character.
3 Harbor towns. 9. ___ Cove (where the novel opens).
4. To let go. 10. Karana’s father’s name.
5. Adjusting a musical instrument so it is 13. A large body of water.
in pitch. 14. A soldier.
6. Not old. 16 An alarm or alert.
8. A river in Africa. 17 Spooky.
9. A water craft. 19 An animal the Aleuts hunted.
10 A kind of seabird. 22 A plant or animal whose growth has
11 A mammal who lives in the sea. been hindered is ____.
12 Karana’s sister. 24 Someone from the Aleutian Islands of
15. Someone who is idle is ____. Alaska.
18. The most plentiful or crowded. 25. Captain ___.
20. A sudden attack. 27. A body of land completely surrounded by
21. Found on a shoreline. water.
22. “Is she ___ here?” 28. A primitive weapon.
23. Opposite of “don’t”. 30 Chowig was the chief of ____-at.
26. To change or alter. 31 Its homonym is “ewe”.
29. An animal skin. 32 Difficulty.
SIGNAL CORAL DO ULAPE OTTER TROUBLE

TUNING WHALE CHOWIG SPEAR PORTS SEA
RAID CANOE FULLEST PREPARATION ALEUT WARRIOR
RESTING KARANA EERIE YOU STILL BEACH
NIGER RELEASE GHALAS CORMORANT PELT RAMO
VARY ISLAND NEW ORLOV PA STUNTED
Questions
1. The author describes several differences between a sea otter and a seal. Describe three
things about the sea otter’s appearance which is different than a seal’s.
2. Why were the villagers so alert in making sure that the hunters didn’t leave unexpectedly?
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b. What three signs were noted that suggested that the hunters were getting ready to leave?
1.
2.
3.
3. According to Karana, what action did her father usually do when he was really angry?
4. Describe what happened in the battle between the hunters and the islanders.
What advantage did the hunters have?
5. Describe how this conflict might have been avoided by better planning on the part of the
islanders?
6. Do you think Karana was right in stating that she believed her father had been killed
because he told the Captain his secret name? Defend your answer.
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Language Activities
A. Foreshadowing is a literary device in which an author drops subtle hints about what will happen
later in the story. How might the concluding paragraph of Chapter 3 be regarded as an example of
foreshadowing? Explain the reasons for your answer.
B. The Sea Otter

A description of the sea otter is given early in Chapter 3. Using resources in your school library or on
the Internet, do a further investigation of this animal. Research three additional points about the sea
otter and record them below. You points might pertain to its habitat, diet, enemies, etc.
1.
2.
3.
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C. Eliminate the following letters from the puzzle to reveal the secret message which was
written by President Ronald Reagan: Z, G, J, X, Q, K
Q X P E A C E Q I S X N O T Z Q G J X K
X J Z Q J K G X J Z Q K G X J K Z Q K G
Q A B S E N C E K O F J K Z J K G J K Z
J Z X K G Q J Z X J G C O N F L I C T ,
I T G I S Z T H E G K X Z J Q K Z X J G
Z J K J G A B I L I T Y G T O X G J K Q
G H A N D L E Z C O N F L I C T J Q Z K
Z Q G B Y X P E A C E F U L Z Q G J K X
K G J X Z K Q J G X K Z Q G M E A N S Z
Answer:
D. KWS Chart ~ Sailing Ships

The sailing ship that Orlov captains was quite a bit different than the ships which sail up and
down the California coast today. Imagine that you were required to research a number of
fascinating facts about this sailing ships of the early 1800s. Before doing so, you may wish to
complete the following chart to give you a starting point in this task.
What I Know What I Want To Learn Possible Sources
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By Scott O’Dell
Chapter 5 - 6

Describe a time when you couldn’t wait for something to happen - perhaps a birthday or special event.
Describe the event and how you felt.
Vocabulary:
In each of the following sets of words, underline the one word that does not belong. Then write a
sentence explaining why it does not fit.
1. decree command rule battleground
2. portion piece potion allotment
3. perish polish die expire
4. capsize shirker deadbeat goof-off
5. ample enough lots unmindful
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6. needy abound abundant swarm
7. shrouded revealed cloaked concealed
8. ponder think orate ruminate
Questions
Cloze Call
Complete the following exercise filling in the correct words from the Word Box.
east water sickness white Aleuts

Kimki hunt one night abalones
Ghalas-at fifteen Catalina harvest two
Karana found that the __________ was the most terrible time of all. Of the 42 men of the village,
only ______ remained after the fight with the Aleuts. The people wished to go to an island called Santa
__________. The new chief’s name was __________. Ulape and Karana were given the task of
gathering ___________. After some arguing, the chief decided that the men would ________ and the
women ________. After the food had been stored for autumn, a sort of ___________ came over the
village. Finally the chief decided to go to an island to the ________ of where they lived. He took
_______ baskets of water and food to last many days.
When the chief had been gone for _______ moon they began to watch for his return. The people
knew, too, that they would need to be careful of _________. The people were also fearful that the
_________ might return. Instead of these people returning, however, a ship carrying _______ men
from an island to the east landed. The ship had come to take them from __________.
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Language Activities
A. Choose ten words from these chapters with two or more syllables. Indicate the syllables by
drawing a line between each syllable. Example: al/ways.
B. Investigate:
The story mentions that abalones, the food gathered by Ulape and Karana, are shellfish that contained
dark red flesh. Using resources in your school library or on the Internet, research three other facts about
this creature.
1.
2.
3.
C. Homonyms
Homonyms are words which sound the same but have different meanings. An example is air
and heir. These chapters feature words which are examples of homonyms. In the chart
below, create sentences which show the meaning of each set of homonyms.
Homonyms Sentence
1. real
2. reel
1. sight
2. site
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D. What a Character.
So far in our novel you have been introduced to several interesting characters. These
characters share a number of similarities and many more differences.
Your task is two choose two of the characters featured in Island of the Blue Dolphins. Then
using the Venn Diagram below please record characteristics which mark your two choices –
consider both physical and personality traits. Similar traits should be placed in the intersecting
part of the circles. Be sure to record the names of the two characters in the boxes provided
for each circle.
Character 1
Character 2
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By Scott O’Dell
Chapter 7 - 8

In these chapters Karana makes a great personal sacrifice. Sometimes it is necessary to make personal
sacrifices in order to obtain a goal which is important to us. Tell about a time when you (or a friend)
made a personal sacrifice in order to achieve a particular goal which was important.
Was it worth it in the end?
Vocabulary:
Draw a straight line to connect the vocabulary word to its definition. Remember to use a straight edge
(like a ruler).
1. vain a. a black, sticky substance

2. confusion b. pole
3. pitch c. a narrow point of land
4. gust d. to move quickly
5. mast e. narrow valley
6. comfort f. serious
7. spit g. den
8. scurry h. turmoil
9. gorge i. soothe
10. lair j. light wind
11. ravine k. proud
12. solemn l. to swallow greedily
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Questions
1. Karana considers her sister, Ulape, vain. What two statements of proof does she offer to
support this?
2. Why do you think that Ulape laughed at Nanko and teased him, even though she was in love
with him?
3. These two chapters describe two huge crises in the life of Karana. Describe what these two
events were.
4. Describe how it came about that her brother got left behind.
b. Why do you think the ship did not return right away for Ramo?
5. Why didn’t Ramo care if the ship returned to get them?
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6. What discouraged Ramo from wanting to become chief?
7. Describe Ramo’s fate?
Good to Know ~ Sea Elephants

The author mentions the fact that Ramo wore a string of sea elephant
teeth around his neck. Sea elephants (or elephant seals) are very large,
oceangoing earless seals which take their name from the large
proboscis of the adult male (bull) which resembles an elephant's trunk.
This proboscis is used to produce large roaring noises, especially
during mating season. Elephant seals spend about 80% of their lives in
the ocean and are able to hold their breath for about 100 minutes.
Elephant seals can dive to 1,550 meters (5085 feet) below the ocean's surface.
Language Activities
A. Plurals
Write the plural of the following nouns from this chapter. Careful – you may wish to consult a
dictionary for some of these words.
Singular Noun Plural Noun

foot
fish
canoe
man
valley
person
sinew
life
woman
chief
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B. Alliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of the first consonant sound in a phrase. An example is: she sells seashells
by the seashore. An example from Chapter Eight: a short silence start up again. A shorter example
would be Coral Cove.
Create your own alliterations using the following ideas:
a) The sound of the waves crashing against the rocky shore.
b) Describe the sound of two dogs barking.
c) Invent your own idea here!
C. Simile
A simile is used to compare two things, usually with the words “like” or “as”.
a. An example from Chapter 8 is: the spit that thrust out like a fishhook into the ocean. In this simile
what two things are being compared?
b. Create your own simile using an object from your classroom as the subject.
c. Keep your eyes open for other examples of a simile as you read the novel. When you find another
example of this literary device, come back to this question and enter it below.
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By Scott O’Dell
Chapter 9 - 11

Henry Rollins wrote, Loneliness adds beauty to life. It puts a special burn on sunsets and makes night
air smell better. Loneliness, however, can be very difficult. For the remainder of the novel Karana
struggles with loneliness. Describe a time in your own life when you felt lonely. Try to think of the
good and bad about such a feeling.
Vocabulary:
Choose a word from the list that means the same (synonym) or nearly the same as the underlined word.
secure lair trinkets stunted shaft crevice

befell skirted chafing slinking clamor sinews
1. The trees which grew on the island were very undersized.

2. Darlene avoided the room where the men were playing cards.
3. I felt very safe when the policeman was nearby.
4. My cat fell into a crack in the rocks.
5. The thief went sneaking through the neighborhood.
6. There was so much noise, I did not hear the alarm clock.
7. The chest was filled with knickknacks.
8. The muscles of a dog are not usually as developed as that of a wolf.
9. What happened to your sister at the game?
10. The handle of the auger broke under stress.
11. Karana tracked the dogs to their den.
12. The new pair of shoes was rubbing his ankle.
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Questions
1. After reading Chapter 9, give it an appropriate, creative title.
2. Why did Karana no longer like living in the village?
b. Why do you think she burned the village, instead of trying to salvage some things
(i.e. building materials, food, weapons…)?
3. When Karana decided to make weapons, what dilemma did she face?
4. What was in the chest, and what did Karan do with the contents?
5. Why was it difficult for Karana to make a bow?
6. Why did the first storms of winter end Karana’s hopes of a ship coming for her?
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7. Describe how Karana’s attempt to escape the island failed.
8. Why did she decide not to build her house near the sea elephants?
b. Complete the following sentence from Chapter 11: I could not live without a
_________ or a place to store my __________.
10. Why did she have to build a fence?
Language Activities
A. Place the following words from this chapter in alphabetical order.

silent
speaking
stored
small
spearheads
smallest
sandspit
showing
sea
ship
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B. Personification is giving human qualities to something that is not human. Here's an
example from Chapter Nine: Fog crept in and out of the empty huts.
Describe how the fog is personified in this example.
Create your own example of personification.
As you continue to read through the novel be on the lookout for other examples of this literary
device. If you should find one, come back to this question and enter it below.
Your Thoughts
Describe how you would be feeling if you were Karan at this point in the story. Please provide as much
detail as possible to describe your feelings.
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Extension Activity
A Comic Strip
This activity is especially for students with an artistic flair or who love comic books! It can be
done for any event up to this point in the story. The first step is to decide on the length of your
comic strip (6 to 9 frames is suggested); next consider what events you will include. You may wish
to highlight a brief incident or include the highlights of the novel to this point. A quick sketch of
the comic strip can first be accomplished in a storyboard format before a final, good copy is
attempted. The strip should include a title, dialogue, and color. It should be neat and imaginative.
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By Scott O’Dell
Chapter 12 - 13

Karana proves to be a most enterprising and creative girl. Explain why these character traits might be
very important for someone in her position.
Vocabulary:
Solve the following word search puzzle using the words from the Word Box. Remember – the words
can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal. They may be forward or even backward!
Word Box: (15)
GNAWED TUMAIYOWIT MUKAT EMBERS GRUEL

SECURE UTENSILS BASKET PROWL ELEPHANT
JEALOUS DISPLEASE WADDLE FORBADE PURSUER
A S D F G H J T N A H P E L E
Q G W E R T J E A L O U S T M
Z X N C V B N M Q W E R T Y B
T U M A I Y O W I T P O I U E
L K J H W G F D S A E M N B R
D I S P L E A S E Z L X C V S
F G H J K L D P O I D U Y T R
E C V E D A B R O F D R E T E
R Z X C V B N M H J A K A E U
U T E N S I L S E R W K O K S
C L K J H G F D S A S Q W S R
E C V B N M L L E U R G E A U
S P R O W L J H M G F D S B P
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Questions
1. What did Karana use to make her fence?
2. Give two reasons why it took her longer to build the house than she had planned.
3. Karana makes a number of things to help her survive on this island. List three things
she makes in Chapter12 and describe how each one would be useful to her.
4. Why did she wish to kill a bull sea elephant?
5. In order to get rid of the wild dogs, Karana decides she needs three things.
What were they?
6. Describe how the cow and bull sea elephants are different in appearance.
7. Why did Karana choose the young bull as the one she would attempt to kill?
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8. Earlier, Karana’s father had told her that if a woman were to make a bow, it would be sure to
break when she used it. Why do you think the men of the village would give such a warning
to the young women of their community?
Language Activities
A. Rewrite the following sentences putting in the correct capitalization and punctuation.
the people from karana’s village, ghalas-at, left to live on the island of santa catalina
tumaiyowit and mukat were two gods of the cahuilla people
why didn’t roger and bernice go with carrie when she flew to paris
B. Cliffhanger
A cliffhanger is a literary device in which a novel contains an abrupt ending, often
leaving the main characters in a precarious or difficult situation. How might it be said
that Chapter 13 ends in a cliffhanger? Why do you suppose an author uses this device?
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C. Journal Entry
The last few weeks have certainly proved most difficult for Karana. Briefly review the
events of the last few chapters with a friend, then compose together a journal entry as
Karana might have written it. Be sure to describe not only the events, but also the
emotions which Karana is feeling at this time.
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By Scott O’Dell
Chapter 14 – 16

Bobby Unser once said, “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet”. How might this be
especially true of Karana in her particular circumstances?
Vocabulary:
Write a sentence using the following words. Make sure that the meaning of the word is clear in your
sentence.
venturing
fetch
stalking
prowling
paces
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fortunate
abandoned
overtake
lapping
matted
Questions
1. At the beginning of Chapter 14, why did Karana have to leave her home despite her
injured leg?
2. Why did Karana decide to make the cave into another house?
b. What did she find on the walls of the cave?
3. What did Karana discover had happened to the old bull and to its body?
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4. At the beginning of Chapter 15, what two reasons are given for the pack of dogs
becoming bolder?
5. Where had the leader of the pack of dogs probably come from?
6. Describe the events which led to Karana and Rontu becoming friends.
7. What was the main benefit Karana enjoyed from having Rontu with her?
8. What place reminded Karan of the gods Tumaiyowit and Mukat?
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Language Activities
A. An Interview
With another student do an imaginary interview with Karana. Together create at least
six interesting questions to ask her, and then put together possible answers to each of
the questions. You may also wish to enact the interview in front of the class.
B. Investigation
A number of interesting plants and animals are mentioned in this novel. In Chapter 16, for instance, we
meet the devilfish for the first time. This animal is most likely an octopus. Using resources in your
school library or on the Internet, research four interesting facts about this creature. You may discuss its
appearance, diet, habitat, or some other fascinating topic.
38
By Scott O’Dell
Chapter 17 - 19

Karana realizes in these chapters that it is sometimes necessary to stay back and not interfere in the life
of someone else, even when you feel you might be able to help them through their immediate situation.
Why might this sometimes be necessary? If possible, support your answer with an example from your
own experiences.
Vocabulary:
Choose a word from the list to complete each definition.
warily lure fierce entangled haunches

prey faggot braiding prying stalked
1. The thunderstorm was so that several trees were uprooted during the night.
2. My cousin spent several hours her hair the night before her wedding.
3. Karana had the feeling that she was being by the pack of dogs.
4. Sandy crouched on his while he shucked the corn.
5. He approached the old, dilapidated house most .
6. The of the frying fish was most strong.
7. She lit the with a twig from the campfire and held it out before her.
8. When stalking his , the wolf is a merciless, determined animal.
9. Robin’s ankles became in the ropes from the tent, causing her to cry out in frustration.
10. “I don’t like our new neighbors,” Caroline said. “They are always into matters which
are none of their business.”
39
Questions
1. Describe the spear Karana made to hunt the devilfish.
2. In Chapter 17, why did Karana become worried about Rontu?
3. Why didn’t Karana stop the fight between Rontu and the two dogs? Do you feel
this was a gamble she should have taken? Why or why not?
4. Why do you think the dogs divided into two packs after the fight?
5. Why do you think Karana adopted the two baby birds? What did she name them?
6. Describe how the gulls managed to eat scallops?
40
7. Write a short synopsis of Karana’s battle with the devilfish.
6. What hint do we have in the story that Karana felt her battle with the devilfish wasn’t worth
the effort?
Language Activities
A. Conflict Dissection
Island of the Blue Dolphins features a number of dramatic conflicts – like the one between Karana and
the devilfish, the Aleuts and the islanders or even between Karana and Rontu. Choose one conflict
described thus far and complete the Conflict Dissection Chart below with as much detail as possible.
Characters Involved Setting

(Time, Place)
Problem Solution/Resolution
(Details of the Conflict)
41
B. Digging Deeper.
A number of interesting topics have been mentioned in this novel. These have included
dolphins, sea elephants, devilfish, Aleuts, pelicans, shellfish, Tumaiyowit
and Mukat, kelp, whales, the red star called Magat, sea gulls, etc.
Suppose you were asked to research one of these topics (or another from this
novel which has been approved by your teacher). A useful tool to begin such a
research project is an organizer, like the one featured below. Place the topic of
your choice in the middle balloon, then in the connecting balloons choose subtopics which
would help you to do a thorough investigation of the topic.
For example: if your topic was cats, a subtopic could be diet, or breeds.
5. 1.
Topic
4. 2.
3.
42
By Scott O’Dell
Chapter 20 - 21

In the next two chapters Karana must contend with the return of the Aleuts to her island. Predict what
you think will happen.
Vocabulary:
Synonyms are words with similar meanings. Using the context of the sentences below, choose the best
synonym for the underlined words in each sentence.
1. The cormorants roosted on Tall Rock.

a) fought b) perched c) hid d) waited
2. Karana was most curious about the hawk.
a) indifferent b) talkative c) disinterested d) inquisitive
3. The water lapped against the walls.
a) splashed b) ran c) disappeared d) crashed
4. Selema was seldom at her workstation.
a) often b) rarely c) never d) usually
5. All she could find in the shoe box were images of the queen.
a) carvings b) imaginings c) likenesses d) stamps
6. It was fortunate that her older brother appeared on the scene.

a) advantageous b) sad c) untoward d) adverse
7. Rontu was sprawled at the mouth of the cave.
a) eating b) standing c) sitting d) slumped
8. She made a sudden gesture.
a) noise b) motion c) whimper d) cough
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Questions
1. Why did the abalones have to be guarded? What ingenious method did Karana use to
accomplish this?
2. What did Karana wish to use the cormorant feathers for?
3. Describe what it was about the Black Cave that made Karana so upset and terrified.
b. Why did she have to stay in the cave longer than she would have liked?
4. Even though it was hard work, Karan hid her canoe each day. Why did she go to all
this trouble?
5. Describe a couple of the precautions Karana took when she spotted the Aleut ship
heading toward her island.
6. Why was she particularly afraid that the Aleut girl would find her?
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7. Describe the dress that Karana made in Chapter 21.
8. As Chapter 21 concludes, what did Karana find by the entrance to her cave?
b. Why might this be considered a cliffhanger?
Language Activities
A. Copy out any three sentences from this chapter and underline the verbs.
B. Beside each of the following words from the novel, write its root word.
shining unguarded
skinned carefully
getting disappeared
hurried dragging
45
C. The word “fork” can be used as a noun or a verb, depending on the sentence. Use your
imagination and write sentences to illustrate how this word can be used as both a noun and a verb.
FORK
Noun
Verb
D. Observation Chart
How careful an observer are you? Island of the Blue Dolphins is rich in sights sounds
and smells. Review the chapters you have read thus far and collect as many examples
of the five senses as you can find. These examples should be listed in the chart below.
An example of sound is found in Chapter 16: “Rontu had been barking – at the
cormorants, the gulls, the seals ....” Try to find at least one example for each sense.
Sight Sound Touch Taste Smell
46
By Scott O’Dell
Chapter 22 - 23

In this section of the novel Karana finds it difficult to trust Tutok, the Aleut girl. Do you think it is
generally a wise thing to be distrustful of strangers? Defend your answer.
Vocabulary:
Antonyms are words with opposite meanings. Draw a line from each word in column A to its antonym
in column B. Then use the words in column A to fill in the blanks in the sentences below.
Column A Column B
secret praise
prow unlucky
reproach whisper
strange inhabited
deserted despise
admire dull
glossy known
bellow stern
squint familiar
fortunate open
See next page for sentences ...
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1. “I didn’t think you would ever a person whose behavior was so
repulsive,” she said.
2. “It is very that she was able to see the signal flare, otherwise she may never have
been found,” the police officer said.
3. The boat’s was already under water when the rescuers arrived.
4. We were pleasantly surprised to find the beach when we got there.
5. It was no that Julia liked him.
6. The bright glare from the sun made him .
7. The of the sea elephant startled the tourists.
8. The principal found it necessary to Veronica for her bad behavior.
9. Considering what we knew about him, his conduct seemed more than .
10. The photographs had a texture.
Questions
Indicate whether the following statements are True or False.
1. Tutok left a necklace of black stones by the entrance to the cave. T or F
2. Krana decided that the word wintscha meant “pretty”. T or F
3. Karana regretted that she never did tell Tutok her secret name. T or F
4. Karana gave Tutok a circlet of olivella shells. T or F
5. After Tutok left, Karana found the island to be very quiet. T or F
6. Sea otters wound a strand of kelp around their bodies for warmth. T or F
7. Two fish per day was all the injured otter was able to eat. T or F
8. Karana called the wounded otter Mon-a-nee, which means Little

Girl with Large Eyes. T or F
9. When Karana was not able to leave fish for the wounded otter for
three days, it left the pool. T or F
10. The only thing the Aleuts had harmed was the fence, which Karana was
able to mend. T or F
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Language Activities
A. Find three examples of the following parts of speech from these chapters.
Nouns Verbs Adjectives
B. Interview at least three other students for their views of this novel thus far.
(Try to get both
positive and negative comments.) Write a brief report putting these views together.
49
By Scott O’Dell
Chapter 24 – 25

Karana experiences loss several times in the novel. The next two chapters record another instance
where Karana loses someone close to her. William Cowper once wrote, “Grief is itself a medicine”. Do
you agree or disagree with this statement? Defend your answer.
Vocabulary:
Analogies are equations in which the first pair of words has the same relationship as the second pair of
words. For example, stop is to go as fast is to slow. In this example, both pairs of words are opposites.
Choose the best word from the word box to complete each of the analogies below.
bind dusk survive scarce

teeter hobble fledgling nuzzle
1. Inexperienced is to as picture is to photograph.

2. Run is to as white is to ebony.
3. Stabilize is to as perfect is to faulty.
4. Caress is to as silly is to inane.
5. Loosen is to as wretched is to delighted.
6. Withstand is to as often is to constantly.
7. Tardy is to early as dawn is to .
8. Obese is to scrawny as abundant is to .
50
Questions
1. What did Tainor and Lurai use to build their nest? What difficulty did this cause?
2. How had the baby gull hurt itself? What did Karana do about it?
3. How did Karana come to realize that she had mistaken Mon-a-nee’s sex?
What did Karana rename the otter?
4. Describe how the sea otter opened an abalone.
5. At the end of Chapter 24 it mentions that Karana refused to kill four different animals.
What were they?
6. Speculate as to why the Aleuts never again returned to the Island of the Blue Dolphins.
7. Why do you think Karana became less interested in keeping track of time as her stay on the
island lengthened?
8. What do you think caused Rontu’s death?
51
Extension Activities
A. Collage
Make a collage from magazine pictures illustrating a scene from these
chapters, or events and characters from the entire novel.
52
B. Talk Show
With two or three other students prepare to participate in a television talk show
featuring characters from this novel. Choose an interesting character from the book
(it doesn’t necessarily have to be Karana). Prepare about a half-dozen questions to
ask and possible answers.
53
By Scott O’Dell
Chapters 26 - 27

In these two chapters Karana experiences two natural disasters – a tsunami and an earthquake.
Describe how such events might be disastrous for Karana.
Vocabulary:
Choose a word from the list to complete each sentence.
pitch frisked glimpse graceful tsunamis

vanquish crest victor currents shimmer
1. Rontu-Aru ran with a ___________ stride.
2. I barely caught a of the thief before he escaped over the fence.
3. The sea otters together in the pool by the cliff.
4. In the heat of the afternoon, the sunlight began to on the lake surface.
5. “I will all challengers,” the wrestler proclaimed over the P.A. system.
6. Karana filled the cracks in the canoe with a black .
7. The are most powerful over by the east end of the island.
8. Benjamin mounted the of the hill with his toboggan.
9. People who live by the ocean need to be alert for destructive .
10. To the goes the spoils.
54
Questions
1. Why didn’t Karana venture out onto the reef at all that winter?
2. List the three different ways that Karana tried to capture the wild dog in Chapter 26.
1.
2.
3.
3. Describe what Karana made to protect her eyes from the bright sun.
4 Describe what startled Karana when she was asleep under the canoe.
5 Describe the destruction caused by the tsunami and earthquake.
55
Language Activities
A. Personification and Simile

Once again the author uses the literary device, personification in Chapter 27. One example is: The
earth seemed to be holding its breath. With a classmate, see if you can find another example of
personification from this chapter.
b. Create your own simile using an object from your classroom as the subject.
B. Investigation.
Investigate one of the following three topics from the last few chapters, researching three interesting
facts about your choice.
xuchal
cormorant
smelts
56
By Scott O’Dell
Chapter 28 - 29

Before you begin reading the novel’s final chapter, would you read another novel by the author, Scott
O’Dell (i.e. The Black Pearl)? Why or why not?
Vocabulary:
Choose a word from the list to complete each definition:
anchor trousers seams ancestors hasten

planks thereabouts wreckage ornament unsettled
1. A house builder will usually use a number of _________________ in such a project.

2. To ___________________means to hurry.
3. The joints of a canoe refer to its ________________________
4. A ship cast upon the rocks leaves behind a _____________________
5. If someone has an ________________ feeling, that person is probably feeling out of sorts.
6. A person’s grandparents would be included in a list of that person’s ________________
7. A device used to make sure that a ship doesn’t drift away is an __________________
8. An attractive adornment is an _____________________
9. ________________________ indicates about or near that place or time.
10. Some people refer to a pair of pants as ______________________
57
Questions
1. After the tsunami and earthquake, what did Karana consider her biggest loss?
2. Why was it important that Karana build another canoe?
3. What had the great storm washed ashore which really helped her in building another canoe?
4. When Karana spotted the ship in Chapter 28, how did she know it was not a ship of the
Aleuts?
b. What caused her to miss being rescued by this ship?
5. Write a brief synopsis of how Karana came to be rescued.
58
6. The climax of a story occurs when the main problem of the story is solved. When does the
climax of this novel occur?
7. What had happened to the ship that took the other people from Karana’s island many years
before? What does the novel tell us about the fate of the passengers?
8. Describe your feelings about this novel. What was one thing you really enjoyed, and
something you think that the author might have improved?
59
Extension Activity
A. Create a book cover for Island of the Blue Dolphins. Be sure to include the title,
author, and a picture that will make other students want to read the novel.
60
B. Storyboard
A storyboard is a series of pictures that tell the main events of a story. A storyboard can tell the story of
only one scene – or the entire novel.
Complete the storyboard below illustrating your favorite scene from Island of the Blue
Dolphins. You may wish to practice your drawings on a separate piece of paper.
1 2
3 4
5 6
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C. Lights, Camera, Action!
Island of the Blue Dolphins was made into a movie in 1964. It starred Celia Kaye as Karana and
featured the famous actor, George Kennedy as the Aleut ship captain.
Complete either Part A or B.
Part A.
Find a copy of the video, Island of the Blue Dolphins and after viewing the film
write a review. This review can be posted on a website such as www.amazon.com.
Your review should contain a brief synopsis of the movie (without giving away the
ending), and state your impression of the movie (positive and negative). You may
also wish to compare the movie with the novel – what was the same and what
changes were made by the producers. Your review should be at least a half-page in length.
Part B.
You are the casting director for a project designed to put together an updated version of Island of the
Blue Dolphins. Who would you cast for the principal roles:
• Karana –
• Chief Chowig –
• Captain Orlov –
• Ulape –
• Ramo –
• Tutok –
• Father Gonzales -
You may wish to choose Hollywood actors for this task, or for some fun, limit your choices to people in
your school (teachers and students). Beside each selection write a brief explanation for your choice.
62
D. The Story Pyramid
The story pyramid gives the creator an opportunity to summarize points in a story using only a
certain number of words. By limiting your options in this way, it will give you the opportunity to
stretch your thinking because of the small number of words required at each level of the
pyramid. It is also a great opportunity to gather the most important information when writing a
summary.
Write a story pyramid following these instructions.

Line 1: One word, stating the name of the main character (Karana)
Line 2: Two words, describing this character
Line 3: Three words, describing the setting at the beginning of chapter 28
Line 4: Four words, stating a problem faced in Chapters 28-29
Line 5: Five words, describing one event from these chapters
Line 6: Six words, describing a second event from these chapters
Line 7: Seven words, describing a third event from these chapters
Line 8: Eight words, describing another character from the novel
63
E. The Five W’s Chart
Choose a major event from these chapters and then complete the following chart with
the important details.
What happened?
Who was there?
Why did it happen?
When did it happen?
Where did it happen?
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F. A News Report
Imagine you are a newspaper reporter at the time and place of Karana's
adventures. You are asked by your editor to write a short summary of these
events for your interested readers.
65
G. A Book Review
Now is your chance to share the novel with others. Write a review of Island of the
Blue Dolphins describing in no more than one paragraph an outline of the plot, and
then in another paragraph how you enjoyed the novel (or didn’t) and why. (Please don’t
give away the ending!) This review can even be posted on www.amazon.com.
66
H. Sequence Chart
List the main events of Island of the Blue Dolphins in the order which they occurred.

First
Next
Next
Next
Next
Next
Next
Next
Last
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Answer Key
Chapter 1 - 2
Vocabulary:
1. intruder 2. enclose 3. ravine 4. conceal 5. profit 6. lapping

7. companion 8. parley 9. cease 10. grasp
cormorant A seabird.
kelp Large seaweed plants.
lizard A very large and widespread group of squamate reptiles.
toyon A common perennial shrub.
mesa An elevated area of land with a flat top and sides that are usually steep cliffs.
white bass A type of fish.
Questions:
1. A league = 3 miles or 4.8 kilometers . b. 20 leagues.

2. Karana – 12, Ulape – 14, Ramo - 6
3. Answers will vary. Probably in 1800’s (sailing ships). On Ghalas-at Island off the coast of California.
4. To hunt sea otters for their pelts.
5. Answers will vary.
6. If a secret name was used too often it would lose its magic.
b. Answers will vary.
7. More than a dozen white bass trapped on the rocks.
8. They were tired of eating dried fish. He refused because he had the needs of his own people to
consider.
Activities
B. without – everything – sometimes – myself – northwest – friendship – shellfish – fourteen –

otherwise – sunset
C. shrub – hips – heart – onset – tarp – wander – frees
Chapter 3 - 4
Vocabulary:
Answers on the next page.
68
R P R E P A R A T I O N
K A R A N A O E U E
M I C O R A L N W
C H O W I G A T E I U
O H E N S E A N L
R W A R R I O R S I G N A L
M L E E R I E P
O E F S O T T E R
R B S T U N T E D A
A L E U T L I O R L O V I
N A I S L A N D A D
T C L E G S P E A R
G H A L A S E Y O U
T R O U B L E
Questions:
1. He has a shorter nose, small webbed feet instead of flippers, and thicker, more beautiful fur.
2. If they left unexpectedly the islanders wouldn’t be paid.
b. The Aleut woman was cleaning her skin aprons; the Captain was trimming his beard; and the
Aleuts
who sharpened the long spears stopped and gave all their time to skinning the otter.
3. He pulled his ear.
4. The Captain and Karana’s father argued over the payment of the hunters for the pelts. The
Aleuts tried to take the remainder of the pelts and there was a battle on the beach in which many
from both sides were killed. The Aleuts had a cannon aboard their ship which fired on the
islanders.
5. Answers will vary. Perhaps they could have been paid at the end of each day.
Activities
C. Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.
Chapter 5 - 6
Vocabulary:
1. battleground 2. potion 3. polish 4. capsize 5. unmindful 6. needy 7. revealed 8. orate
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Questions:
Karana found that the night was the most terrible time of all. Of the 42 men of the village, only
fifteen remained after the fight with the Aleuts. The people wished to go to an island called Santa
Catalina. The new chief’s name was Kimki. Ulape and Karana were given the task of gathering
abalones. After some arguing, the chief decided that the men would hunt and the women harvest. After
the food had been stored for autumn, a sort of sickness came over the village. Finally the chief decided
to go to an island to the east of where they lived. He took two baskets of water and food to last many
days.
When the chief had been gone for one moon they began to watch for his return. The people knew,
too, that they would need to be careful of water. The people were also fearful that the Aleuts might
return. Instead of these people returning, however, a ship carrying white men from an island to the east
landed. The ship had come to take them from Ghalas-at.
Chapter 7 - 8
Vocabulary:
1–k 2–h 3–a 4–j 5–b 6–i 7–c 8–d 9–l 10 - g 11 – e 12 - f
Questions:
1. She had two boxes of earrings and put a blue mark on her face indicating she was
unmarried.
3. Being abandoned on the island; the death of Ramo.
4. Ramo returned to the village for his fishing spear and missed the boat.
b. Answers will vary. (i.e. the bad weather.)
5. It was more fun with just himself and Karana on the island.
6. The initiation rites.
7. He was killed by the wild dogs on the island.
Language Activities:
A. feet - fish – canoes – men – valleys – people – sinews – lives – women - chiefs
Chapter 9 - 11
Vocabulary:
1 – stunted 2 – skirted 3 – secure 4 – crevice 5 – slinking 6 – clamor

7 – trinkets 8 – sinews 9 – befell 10 – shaft 11 – lair 12 – chafing
70
Questions:

2. There were too many memories associated with living there.
b. Answers will vary.
3. The traditions of her people discouraged women from making weapons.
4. Trinkets. She flung them into the ocean.
5. Wood of the proper strength was not easy to find on the island.
6. The weather during winter was too bad.
7. The canoe she used was old and when she had partly sailed to a nearby island, it started to come
apart, so she returned to Ghalas-at.
8. They were too noisy.
9. I could not live without a roof or a place to store my food.
10. To keep out animals like the small red foxes.
sandspit - sea – ship - showing - silent - small - smallest - speaking - spearheads - stored
Chapter 12 - 13
Vocabulary:
T N A H P E L E
G J E A L O U S M
N B
T U M A I Y O W I T E
W E R
D I S P L E A S E L S
D D R
E E D A B R O F D T E
R A A E U
U T E N S I L S W K K S
C S S R
E L E U R G A U
S P R O W L M B P
Questions:
1. Whale ribs.
2. It rained many days; wood was scarce.
3. Answers will vary. (i.e. a stone knife – cutting poles for the house; utensils to cook in; tight
baskets for holding water; lamps for light; a heavier spear and sharper arrows for hunting.)
4. Its tooth would make a spear point.
5. Heavier spear, sharper arrows, larger bow.
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6. The bull’s nose has a large hump; its body is rougher and looks like wet earth.
7. He did not have a herd of his own and would be less wary.
8. Answers will vary (i.e. maintain power).
Chapter 14 - 16
Vocabulary: Answers will vary.
Questions:
1. Her water was running low.

2. She could stay there again should she get hurt or sick.
b. Cut figures in the stone; two deep basins by the entrance.
3. The bull had been killed and its bones picked clean.
4. Their leader; many of the village dogs had joined the pack.
5. The Aleuts.
6. She shot him with an arrow and then nursed him back to health.
7. Companionship.
8. The sea cave near the headland where her house stood.
Chapter 17 - 19
Vocabulary:
1 – fierce 2 – braiding 3 – stalked 4 – haunches 5 – warily

6 – lure 7 – faggot 8 – prey 9 – entangled 10 – prying
Questions:
1. When the spear struck the devilfish the head would come loose and the shaft would float in the
water.
2. He disappeared for awhile and went back to the wild dogs.
3. He had chosen that place to fight, and if they fought again the place might not be to his
advantage. Answers will vary.
5. Answers will vary. Tainor and Lurai.
6. They dropped them from great heights onto the rocks below to break open their shells.
7. She speared him in the water, and after a great fight managed to pull him up on the sand where
she and Rontu killed it.
8. She never tried to spear another one.
Chapter 20 -21
Vocabulary:
1–b 2–d 3–a 4–b 5–c 6–a 7–d 8–b
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Questions:
1. The gulls would steal them while they dried. She hung abalone shells from poles which
frightened away the gulls.
2. To make a skirt.
3. There was a row of strange figures in the cave as well as a skeleton.
b. The tide came in and she couldn’t get out the exit.
4. She was afraid the Aleut hunters would return and find the canoe.
5. Answers will vary. (i.e. she moved her things to the cave in the ravine; buried the ashes of her
fire; took down the shells she had put up to scare the gulls; put dust on the shelves; removed the
marks from her feet.)
6. The men worked on the beach or hunted in their canoes all day.
7. Answers will vary. (It was black, underneath were green and gold colors, and all the feathers
shimmered as though they were on fire.)
8. A necklace of black stones.
b. Answers will vary. (i.e. Who put it there? Why?)
B. shine – skin – get – hurry – guard – care – appear - drag
Chapter 22 - 23
Vocabulary:
secret - known; prow - stern; reproach - praise; strange - familiar; deserted - inhabited; admire -
despise; glossy – dull; bellow – whisper; squint – open; fortunate – unlucky.
1. admire 2. fortunate 3. prow 4. deserted 5. secret 6. squint 7. bellow 8. reproach

9. strange 10. glossy
Questions:
1–T 2–T 3–F 4–T 5–T 6–F 7–F 8–F 9–T 10 - T
Chapter 24 - 25
Vocabulary:
1 - fledgling 2 - hobble 3 - teeter 4 - nuzzle 5 - bind 6 - survive 7 - dusk 8 - scarce
Questions:
1. Dry seaweed, leaves and hairs off Rontu’s back. It irritated Rontu.
2. It fell our of its nest. Karan immobilized the broken leg with splints.
3. Mon-a-nee had babies. Won-a-nee.
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4. Float on its back; put the abalone on its breast and strike it with a rock.
5. Otter, cormorant, seals, wild dog.
7. Answers will vary (the passage of time became less meaningful to her.)
8. Answers will vary (i.e. old age.)
Chapter 26 - 27
Vocabulary:
1 – graceful 2 – glimpse 3 – frisked 4 – shimmer 5 – vanquish

6 – pitch 7 – currents 8 – crest 9 – tsunamis 10 – victor
Questions:
1. The bad weather caused the seas to be rough.

2. A snare; using the toluache weed in their drinking water; using xuchal in their drinking water.
3. She made shields of wood with small slits to see through.
4. A rumbling sound.
5. Answers will vary. (i.e. dead fish, lobsters and crabs were everywhere; two small whales were
stranded on dry ground).
Chapter 28 - 29
Vocabulary:
1 – planks 2 – hasten 3 – seams 4 – wreckage 5 – unsettled

6 – ancestors 7 – anchor 8 – ornament 9 – thereabouts 10 – trousers
Questions:
1. The canoe.
2. She needed it to gather shellfish.
3. Long strings of black pitch (as well as wreckage).
4. It did not have the red, beaked prow of the Aleuts.
b She took too long to go down to the beach to meet the people from the ship, and they left.
5. Answers will vary. (i.e two years after the ship which came in Chapter 28, another ship arrived;
she left a fire burning by her house and two men followed the smoke, found Karana and rescued
her from the island).
6. When she is rescued.
7. It was wrecked in a storm. Although the story does not say explicitly, it seems that all the people
of her village were drowned.
74

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What is the novel about?

What is the novel about?

What challenges does Karana face living alone on the island?

What challenges does Karana face living alone on the island?

~ A Novel Study ~

Suggestions and Expectations ……………………………………………….. 3

List of Skills ……………………………….….………………………….…. 4

Synopsis / Author Biography …….…….…………………………………... 5

Student Checklist …………………………………………………………..… 6

Reproducible Student Booklet …………………………………………..…… 7

Answer Key ………………………………………………………….…….… 68

Copyright © 2011 Nat Reed

Suggestions and Expectations

• Before You Read

Links with the Common Core Standards (U.S.)

1. Using content clues 8. Use of singular / plural nouns

1. Identify the details of a setting

1. Identify conflict in the story

1. Determine character traits 3. Relating personal experiences

Creative and Critical Thinking

1. Research 4. Conduct an interview

Scott O`Dell (1898 – 1989), one of the most respected authors of

Adapted from the publisher.

Assignment Grade / Level Comments

Before you read the chapters:

parley cease companion enclose grasp

1. We were startled to discover an in the house.

4. How did you expect to the truth from Principal Smithers?

6. The ocean waves were on the shore.

7. The big German Shepherd was the old man’s only .

8. The leader of the Aleuts came ashore to with the islanders.

9. You will have to from making all that noise if I am to concentrate.

cormorant Large seaweed plants.

kelp An elevated area of land with a flat top

toyon A very large and widespread group of

white bass A common perennial shrub.

➔ A league = _______ miles or ________ kilometers

b. How far away was the coast of Santa Barbara? __________________

b. Why do you think he did this?

Good to Know ~ The Aleuts

San Nicolas Island

Santa Catalina Island

out west some shell four

a) read the clue in the right-hand column.

Word Anagram Clue

Word Anagram Clue

Before you read the chapters:

SIGNAL CORAL DO ULAPE OTTER TROUBLE

B. The Sea Otter

D. KWS Chart ~ Sailing Ships

What I Know What I Want To Learn Possible Sources

Before you read the chapters:

1. decree command rule battleground

2. portion piece potion allotment

3. perish polish die expire

4. capsize shirker deadbeat goof-off

5. ample enough lots unmindful

7. shrouded revealed cloaked concealed

8. ponder think orate ruminate

east water sickness white Aleuts

➔ A league = _ miles or __ kilometers

_ or a place to store my __.