Island of the Blue Dolphins is the survival story of Karana, a young Native American girl stranded alone for years on an island off the coast of California. After her tribe departs and her brother is killed, she must overcome grief and fear to build shelter, find food, and defend herself from wild dogs. Through her journey, Karana develops a deep connection with the island's animals, challenging her people's traditions, and demonstrates incredible resilience, courage, and the human will to live.