Description
Karana, twelve-year-old daughter of a chief, lives with her people on a small island off the coast of California. One spring a ship, carrying Aleut otter hunters, arrives at the island. The Russian captain asks permission from Karana's father to hunt sea otters in the waters around the island and to camp on the island while they hunt. When the time comes for them to leave, they refuse to pay in full. There is a brief fight, and when the Aleuts escape with the otter pelts, 27 men from Karana's tribe, including her father, lie dead. The remaining people decide that they no longer wish to live on the island surrounded by the memories of their slain fathers, sons, and brothers. Kimki, the new chief, paddles a canoe to the mainland and sends back a ship to take the whole tribe to a new home. Accidentally left behind, Karana must learn to survive many years alone on the island, while keeping alive the hope of an eventual rescue. A classic tale of strength and solitude.
Island of the Blue Dolphins Digital Download Literature Study Guide
Formatted with your Middle School grade student in mind, Progeny Press language arts study guides divide the book into writing assignments and lessons that strengthen their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and refine their critical analysis and writing skills. Each Progeny Press novel study accomplishes all of this without busy work that can drain the fun out of reading and literature! Kids have loved using Progeny Press ELA curriculum in homeschool, co-ops, and private schools around the world for over 30 years!
What the Island of the Blue Dolphins ELA Digital Study Guide provides your Middle School student with:
English Language Arts Built for Ages 10–13 • Grades 5–7
This faith-based literature guide helps young students build early reading and comprehension skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
About the Author: Learn about Scott O'Dell and his literary works and contributions.
Background Information: Learn about the history of the Island of San Nicolas, Juan Cabrillo, and one of the oldest inhabitants of the Americas, the Chumash.
Vocabulary: Understand words used throughout the novel through thought-provoking activities designed to stimulate vocabulary growth and retention.
Literary Techniques: Examine the imagery painted through similes and metaphors, foreshadowing, nuanced points of view, mood setting, characterization, and a thoughtfully structured storyline.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: Analyze themes of trust, navigating the complexities of death and grief, fostering compassion and mercy, reflecting on our behavior, embracing the command to love one another, grappling with the concept of vengeance, recognizing the grace extended in companionship, and humanity's connection with animals.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Select activities ranging from mapping the Island of San Nicolas to delving into the world of sea animals, exploring missions, incorporating math and science, creating timelines, engaging in creative writing exercises, and journaling.
Suggestions for Further Reading: We include a reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell, offering a broader perspective on themes found in the novel.
What Will You Need?
A Complete Language Arts Experience with Progeny Press
- A copy of Island of the Blue Dolphins
- A Bible (digital or physical)
- A dictionary (child-friendly or online)
This flexible homeschool resource includes open-ended discussions and optional writing activities that support foundational ELA skills without overwhelming young learners.
Designed for YOU
- Homeschool families looking for Christian literature curriculum
- Schools looking for high quality ELA materials
- Parents wanting to build reading comprehension and character
- Co-ops and small group instruction
These guides work well on their own or alongside your preferred grammar and phonics program.
Features and Benefits FAQ - Progeny Press ELA PDF Study Guide:
Why Schools & Families Love Our Study Guides:
- Easy to follow and open-and-go
- Encourages family discussions and biblical connections
- Engaging activities that support reading comprehension
- Grows with your child’s ability and interest
- No busywork—just meaningful, faith-filled learning
Digital Format Details:
- Download instantly—no shipping required
- Works on Mac, PC, and most tablets
- Fillable form fields allow on-screen answers or easy printing
- No costly software purchases necessary. PDF files open in the FREE Adobe Reader program.
Note: Mobile devices may require an alternative app that supports and saves fillable form fields and interactive features. - Conveniently print what you need, when you need it
- Print the whole ELA study guide at once
- Print single literature lessons or pages as the student completes them
- Print multiple copies of the entire curriculum study guide for classroom sets
All of Progeny Press' language arts PDF download unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!
