Detective I.M.Cool, Private Investigator
Detective, you have a very important job! You must use your knowledge of the novel Island of the Blue Dolphins and story elements to formulate your questions. You will be the moderator for the panel news conference presented to the class. You will need to ask the same questions in slightly different ways of Karana and Mr. O'Dell. In order to establish a pattern of authenticity or fraud, you should have at least two questions for each of the story elements: Consider the following ideas as you compose your questions. We will use setting as an example.
Q. Mr. O'Dell, what was the setting of your novel?
A. An island in the South Pacific.
Q. Karana, what was the actual island you were discovered on?
A. San Nicolas Island, one of the Channel Islands in the South Pacific.

You may also wish to direct a question to both people. For instance:
Q. Would each of you mind describing the marine life you wrote about , or experienced?
Mr. O'Dell: I researched and wrote about sea otters, sea elephants, and octopus and abelone. I described the way sea otters live in the kelp beds and crack shells with a rock.
Karana: I often saw all of those creatures around the island. In fact, abalone were a big part of my diet. Hunters often came to our waters to hunt otter and seal. I used to watch otters crack shells just the way he described.

Don't forget to include at least two questions on the advantages and disadvantages of historical fiction. Have your questions written and checked by the teacher before the panel discussion.
Return Home