Island of the Blue Dolphins

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 29 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. In Chapter 1, what do you learn about Karana's home, Ghalas-at, and why might the island be both beautiful and dangerous?
2. How does Chief Chowig deal with Captain Orlov and the Aleut hunters? What does this show about him as a leader?
3. The people of the village and the Aleuts do not fully trust each other. What details in this chapter help you understand the growing tension?
4. After the fight on the beach, how is life in the village changed? Use details to explain the loss the people feel.
5. Kimki leaves the island to search for a new home for his people. Why is this a brave decision, and what risks does it bring?
6. Why do you think Karana jumps from the ship to go back for Ramo? What does her choice show about her character?
7. How does Ramo's death change Karana's situation on the island? What new feelings or problems does she face?
8. Karana must decide how to survive alone after losing her brother. Which of her first choices seems most important, and why?
9. Karana tries to leave the island in a canoe but turns back. What does this experience teach her about fear, hope, and home?
10. How does Karana choose and build her new shelter? What do her choices show about her cleverness?
11. In the village, women were not supposed to make weapons. Why does Karana break this rule, and what does that tell you about survival?
12. What does Karana's encounter with the sea elephants show about the dangers of getting materials from nature?
13. When Karana finds the wounded wild dog, why is her decision difficult? What would you have done in her place?
14. How does the relationship between Karana and Rontu begin to change from enemies to companions?
15. Rontu faces the wild dogs that used to be his pack. What does this moment show about loyalty and belonging?
16. Karana uses many resources from the island to meet her needs. Choose two things she makes or gathers in this chapter and explain how they help her.
17. Karana makes clothing and other useful items with care. Why might making something beautiful matter when she is living alone?
18. When the Aleuts return, how does Karana protect herself? What does her plan show about what she has learned?
19. Tutok and Karana become friends even though they come from different groups. What helps their friendship grow?
20. Karana begins to think differently about the animals around her. How do her choices show a change in her respect for living things?
21. What does Karana learn from exploring the island and the sea caves? How does exploring help her feel more in control?
22. Karana faces danger while hunting the giant devilfish. How does she show both courage and caution?
23. How does Rontu's death affect Karana? Why was his friendship so important to her life on the island?
24. Why is the name Rontu-Aru meaningful for the new dog? How does he help Karana heal?
25. How do the earthquake and the huge wave change Karana's island life? What do they remind her about nature?
26. When a ship comes near the island but leaves without Karana, how do you think she feels? What helps her keep going?
27. Karana prepares for the chance that people may come again. What do her preparations show about her hope and patience?
28. As Karana gets ready to leave the island, what mixed feelings might she have? Use evidence from her life there.
29. Looking back at the whole story, what theme or lesson do you think the author wants readers to remember? Explain with examples.

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

Why do you think Karana jumps from the ship to go back for Ramo? What does her choice show about her character?

I think Karana jumps from the ship because she loves Ramo and cannot leave him alone on the island. She knows it is dangerous, but her family is more important to her than her own safety. This shows that Karana is brave, loyal, and caring. I also think it shows she acts quickly when someone she loves needs help.

Tutok and Karana become friends even though they come from different groups. What helps their friendship grow?

I think their friendship grows because they are curious about each other and choose to be kind. They share words, gifts, and time together instead of only thinking about the fighting between their people. In my opinion, Karana starts to trust Tutok because Tutok does not try to hurt her or tell the others where she is. Their friendship shows that people can connect even when they come from different sides.

How do the earthquake and the huge wave change Karana's island life? What do they remind her about nature?

The earthquake and huge wave make Karana's life harder because they damage parts of the island and take away things she depends on. I think she feels scared because she cannot control what nature does. This reminds her that the island can be beautiful, but it can also be very powerful and dangerous. Karana has to be strong and start solving problems again.