Island of the Blue Dolphins

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1960

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Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Multiple Choice

1. A (Various chapters)

2. B (Various chapters)

3. B (Chapter 7)

4. C (Various chapters)

5. C (Various chapters)

6. D (Various chapters)

7. A (Various chapters)

8. D (Various chapters)

9. B (Various chapters)

10. D (Various chapters)

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Long Answer

1. Karana defies her people’s traditions by crafting spears, bows, and arrows even though her village’s laws forbid women from building weapons. She also breaks with tradition and defies Chief Chowig’s warnings by befriending Tutok, even though her people see the Aleuts as enemies. In addition, Karana vows to stop hunting and killing animals near the end of the novel, and remains confident in this belief even though she knows the other villagers would laugh at her. (Various chapters)

2. Karana’s friendship with Tutok reawakens her need for human companionship. After her lively friend leaves, the island seems quiet and lonely. Ultimately, Karana decides to leave the island because she wants to live among other people again; she wants to hear their voices and laughter. (Various chapters)