“Our island is like a dolphin lying on its side, with its tail pointing toward the sunrise, its nose pointing to the sunset, and its fins making reefs and the rocky ledges along the shore.” Karana, a Ghalas-at Indian, lives peacefully on the island with her tribe until the arrival of a Russian otter-hunting ship. In spite of the deal the Aleutian hunters make with her father, the Ghalas-at chief, in the end they prove treacherous, killing most of the tribe. Karana’s younger brother, Ramo, is all that is left of her family. Fearful of the Aleuts’ return, the remaining Indians decide to move to another island, and are offered safe passage by some friendly ships. But as Karana boards the ship to leave the island forever, she is unable to find Ramo, and swims back to shore to search for him. Abandoned by the ships, Karana must draw on reserves of resourcefulness, and courage in order to survive. Island of the Blue Dolphins is based on the true story of an Indian girl who lived for 18 years on an island off the coast of California.

In the Pacific, there is an island that looks like a big fish sunning itself in the sea. Around it blue dolphins swim, otters play, and sea birds abound. Karana is the Indian girl who lived alone for years on the Island of the Blue Dolphins. Hers is not only an unusual adventure of survival, but also a tale of natural beauty and personal discovery.

The Navajo tribe’s forced march from their homeland to Fort Sumner by white soldiers and settlers is dramatically and courageously told by young Bright Morning. Bright Morning was happy as she gazed across the beautiful valley that was the home of her tribe. She turned when Black Dog barked, and it was then that she saw the Spanish slavers riding straight toward her.

When RamOn Salazar swims into an underwater cave in a deserted lagoon, he discovers the black pearl, the Great Pearl of Heaven. As the son of a pearl merchant, RamOn knows that this is the rarest and most valuable pearl in the world. He quickly scoops it up and brings it home to his father. RamOn’s father believes the pearl is a blessing from the sea, but others in their tiny seaside town do not agree. They think RamOn has brought a curse upon his family, for the pearl belongs to the Manta Diablo, the most terrifying and monstrous devilfish of all. The manta, they say, will not give up his treasure easily. He will come to reclaim the pearl-and it is RamOn who will have to face him. Scott O’Dell, the winner of the Hans Christian Anderson Award for his contributions to children’s literature, spins a stirring story that resounds with all the power of a great legend. A Newbery Honor Book and an ALA Notable Book, The Black Pearl is captivating entertainment for all ages.

For the millions of children around the world who loved The Island of the Blue Dolphins, Scott O’Dell continues the breathtaking story of Karana, a Native American woman stranded on an island off the coast of California. O’Dell mixes stirring drama with historical insights into 18th-century California Mission life to create an unforgettable sequel to a modern classic of children’s literature.