Island of the Blue Dolphins
by Scott O'Dell
- Lexile
- 1000L
- Grade range
- Grades 4–7
- Age range
- Ages 9–12
- Pages
- 192
- First published
- 1960
- Genre
- Historical Fiction (Middle Grade)
- ISBN-13
- 9780547328614
About this book
Karana, a young Nicoleño girl, survives alone on an island off the California coast for 18 years — based on the true story of Juana Maria. O'Dell's Newbery Medal novel is a universal 5th-6th grade assignment and Common Core Appendix B exemplar.
Themes
- survival
- solitude
- indigenous identity
- nature
- resilience
Content notes
- death of family members
- isolation
- colonial encounters
Common Sense Media recommends age 10+.
Where this book is assigned
Common Core State Standards (ELA)
- required· 5th gradesource: CCSS ELA Appendix B, grades 4-5 Newbery Medal
- required· 5th grade · Californiasource: CA CCSS ELA grade 5 — California-set canon
Similar grade-level books
Common questions
- What grade level is Island of the Blue Dolphins?
- Island of the Blue Dolphins is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 4–7, with a Lexile measure of 1000L. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.
- What is the Lexile level of Island of the Blue Dolphins?
- Island of the Blue Dolphins has a Lexile measure of 1000L according to MetaMetrics. Lexile measures text complexity, not content maturity — check the grade range and content notes separately for age-appropriateness.
- What curricula assign Island of the Blue Dolphins?
- Island of the Blue Dolphins appears on reading lists for Common Core State Standards (ELA). Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.
- Is Island of the Blue Dolphins banned in schools?
- Island of the Blue Dolphins does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.
- What themes does Island of the Blue Dolphins explore?
- Central themes in Island of the Blue Dolphins include survival, solitude, indigenous identity, nature, resilience. These themes match how the book is discussed in most curriculum guides and AP Literature prompts.