Island of the Blue Dolphins Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal
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Island of the Blue Dolphins has 29 chapters · 184 pages
Story of a young girl abandoned on a small island by her family and her village, and of her fight for survival.
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Inside the journal: 29 chapter pages, one question each · 3 example answers · a cover for your reader’s name
Chapter by chapter Each question is about its own chapter.
In Chapter 1, what do you learn about Karana's home, Ghalas-at, and why might the island be both beautiful and dangerous?See all 29 questions ↓
About the book
Story of a young girl abandoned on a small island by her family and her village, and of her fight for survival.
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Island of the Blue Dolphins questions by chapter
We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. One question per chapter, across all 29 chapters, and every one is editable before you print. The example answers under 3 of the chapters are the ones printed at the front of the booklet.
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Chapter 1
In Chapter 1, what do you learn about Karana's home, Ghalas-at, and why might the island be both beautiful and dangerous?
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Chapter 2
How does Chief Chowig deal with Captain Orlov and the Aleut hunters? What does this show about him as a leader?
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Chapter 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?
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Chapter 4
After the fight on the beach, how is life in the village changed? Use details to explain the loss the people feel.
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Chapter 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?
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Chapter 6
Why do you think Karana jumps from the ship to go back for Ramo? What does her choice show about her character?
Example answer: 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.
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Chapter 7
How does Ramo's death change Karana's situation on the island? What new feelings or problems does she face?
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Chapter 8
Karana must decide how to survive alone after losing her brother. Which of her first choices seems most important, and why?
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Chapter 9
Karana tries to leave the island in a canoe but turns back. What does this experience teach her about fear, hope, and home?
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Chapter 10
How does Karana choose and build her new shelter? What do her choices show about her cleverness?
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Chapter 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?
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Chapter 12
What does Karana's encounter with the sea elephants show about the dangers of getting materials from nature?
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Chapter 13
When Karana finds the wounded wild dog, why is her decision difficult? What would you have done in her place?
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Chapter 14
How does the relationship between Karana and Rontu begin to change from enemies to companions?
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Chapter 15
Rontu faces the wild dogs that used to be his pack. What does this moment show about loyalty and belonging?
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Chapter 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.
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Chapter 17
Karana makes clothing and other useful items with care. Why might making something beautiful matter when she is living alone?
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Chapter 18
When the Aleuts return, how does Karana protect herself? What does her plan show about what she has learned?
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Chapter 19
Tutok and Karana become friends even though they come from different groups. What helps their friendship grow?
Example answer: 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.
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Chapter 20
Karana begins to think differently about the animals around her. How do her choices show a change in her respect for living things?
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Chapter 21
What does Karana learn from exploring the island and the sea caves? How does exploring help her feel more in control?
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Chapter 22
Karana faces danger while hunting the giant devilfish. How does she show both courage and caution?
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Chapter 23
How does Rontu's death affect Karana? Why was his friendship so important to her life on the island?
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Chapter 24
Why is the name Rontu-Aru meaningful for the new dog? How does he help Karana heal?
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Chapter 25
How do the earthquake and the huge wave change Karana's island life? What do they remind her about nature?
Example answer: 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.
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Chapter 26
When a ship comes near the island but leaves without Karana, how do you think she feels? What helps her keep going?
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Chapter 27
Karana prepares for the chance that people may come again. What do her preparations show about her hope and patience?
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Chapter 28
As Karana gets ready to leave the island, what mixed feelings might she have? Use evidence from her life there.
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Chapter 29
Looking back at the whole story, what theme or lesson do you think the author wants readers to remember? Explain with examples.
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How to use this Island of the Blue Dolphins reading journal
At home, as a discussion guide
After each chapter your reader writes a few lines on that chapter’s question. Read the answer together at bedtime: it shows what they understood and gives you something real to talk about, without a quiz.
In class, as a novel study
Print a class set (booklets fold from plain letter paper) and use one question per chapter as the reading-response or literature-circle prompt. The example answers at the front show what a full answer looks like.
Homeschool
One booklet covers the whole book, 29 chapters, so it doubles as the reading log for Island of the Blue Dolphins. Reword any question before printing to match your reader.
Printing
The booklet PDF prints on ordinary 8.5 × 11 paper: print double-sided (flip on the short edge) at 100%, fold the stack in half and staple on the fold. There is also a one-page-per-sheet PDF and A5 binder pages.
Where the questions come from
Each question is about its own chapter. We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. The questions were drafted with AI from what is known about the book and checked before publishing; every one is editable before you print.
Browse: All books by Scott O’Dell