Daily Life
What food did Karana gather and eat that came from the sea?
Fish / sea creatures (e.g., sea otter, fish, shellfish)
Who is the main character of the story?
Karana
Where does the story take place? (Name the island or general location.)
On the island of the Gulls / San Nicolas Island off the California coast (accept “an island off California” or “the Island of the Blue Dolphins”).
What does the word “island” mean? (Use kid-friendly words.)
A piece of land surrounded by water.
How did Karana make a shelter to live in after the others left?
She built shelters from branches, reeds, or in caves and repaired houses; students may mention huts or a cave.
How did Karana feel when she was left alone at first? (Give one feeling.)
Afraid, lonely, sad, worried (any one of these).
Why were many of Karana’s people taken away from the island?
They were taken by a ship of hunters or moved away after conflicts; pupils may mention hunters and a misunderstanding that led to most leaving.
In the story, Karana carves things from wood and bone. What does the word “carve” mean?
To cut into or shape wood or other material with tools.
Name one tool or weapon Karana made to help her survive.
Bow and arrows, spears, fishing tools, harpoon, canoe paddles, or a club.
What important choice did Karana make about the wild dog Rontu?
She chose to adopt and care for Rontu instead of killing him; she showed kindness and friendship.
What stopped Karana from leaving the island earlier?
She stayed because she either missed her brother, had no boat, or chose to remain after people left; also the ship left unexpectedly.
What does “solitary” mean? Use the meaning that fits Karana’s situation.
Alone; by oneself.
How did Karana get fresh water on the island?
Collected rainwater / found springs / used rocks to catch fresh water; acceptable answers mention rain or springs.
How did Karana change between the beginning and the end of the book? (Give one specific example of how she grew.)
Example: She becomes more independent and confident; learns to make tools and survive alone.
Who did Karana hope would return for her, and why didn’t they?
She hoped her people (her tribe) would return; they did not because they had been taken away or moved to the mainland.
The book sometimes describes the sea as “vast.” What does “vast” mean?
Very large or wide; huge.
Describe one way Karana took care of animals she found on the island.
She fed and cared for animals like Rontu, tamed birds, or kept pets; answers should show care (feeding, sheltering).
Why is Karana considered brave? Give two reasons from the story.
Brave because she survives alone for many years, faces wild animals, builds shelters, and protects herself.
Describe the ending: what happens to Karana at the very end of the book?
At the end, Karana is rescued / leaves the island on a ship (often taken by missionaries or another ship); she departs the island.
Explain the meaning of “resourceful” and give one example from the story that shows Karana was resourceful.
Able to find clever ways to solve problems; example: Karana makes weapons and shelter from available materials.