Characters
Who is the main character and narrator of the story?
Karana.
What is the name of Karana’s island?
The Island of the Blue Dolphins.
Who arrives on the island in Chapter 1?
Captain Orlov and the Aleuts.
What does “pelts” mean?
Animal skins or furs.
Why might the villagers have felt nervous when the Aleuts arrived?
They were strangers who came to take resources from the island.
What is the name of Karana’s brother?
Ramo.
Why is the island called the Island of the Blue Dolphins?
Because dolphins surround the island and can often be seen leaping in the sea.
Why do the Aleuts come to the island?
To hunt sea otters.
If the sea was “lapping” at the shore, what is it doing?
The water is gently splashing against it.
How does Karana show bravery in these early chapters?
By observing carefully and not panicking when strangers arrive.
Who is the chief of the village at the beginning?
Chief Chowig.
How far away is the island said to be from the mainland?
About two days’ journey by canoe.
What agreement is made between Chief Chowig and Captain Orlov?
They will split the otter hunt profits equally.
“Leagues” is a measurement of what?
Distance
Why is trust an important theme in these first chapters?
Because the villagers and Aleuts must work together, but both sides are suspicious of each other.
Why does Karana’s father distrust Captain Orlov and the Aleuts?
Because he thinks they might try to cheat the villagers out of their share of the otter hunt.
What is special about the island’s shape?
It is shaped like a dolphin lying on its side.
Why is Karana worried about the deal with the Aleuts?
Because she senses that the strangers might not keep their word.
If a trader makes a “profit,” what does that mean?
They earned more than they spent.
If you were in Karana’s position, what would you have thought about the Aleuts’ deal?
“I wouldn’t trust them” or “I’d want to watch closely.” Anything works as long as you think about it carefully.
How do we know Karana is observant and thoughtful from the very first chapters?
She carefully describes the island, animals, and her people’s feelings toward the strangers.
How does the island’s isolation affect the people’s way of life?
They must rely on the sea, hunting, and trading with outsiders since they have limited contact with the world.
How do the Aleuts’ actions foreshadow future conflict?
They act secretive, don’t fully trust the villagers, and seem prepared to leave quickly.
What does it mean to use something “sparingly”?
To use it little by little, not wastefully.
Why do you think the author spends so much time describing the island in the beginning?
To help readers picture Karana’s home and understand how important it is to her survival.