Karana, you are a brave and resourceful survivor of the Chumash tribe of San Nicolas Island. Your story inspires us all, and is worth preserving. However, there are some concerns that what was written about you in the book Island of the Blue Dolphins is not an accurate picture of your life. Detective Smart will be interviewing you, and based upon your first-hand knowledge, he is hoping to discover which portions of the story elements are factual. You must be prepared to answer his questions and share any additioal information you have at the panel news conference. Therefore, consider these questions as you explore the resources below:


Based upon your knowledge of story elements, and your familiarity with the novel, locate, list, and be prepared to discuss at least 2 examples for each of the story elements that either compare or contrast the facts with the fiction. Prepare a definition of historical accuracy.

  • Setting
  • Character
  • Plot (problem)
  • Events
  • Conclusion
Characters and Events:       Setting:
Chumash Life Chumash Life                    Channel Islands National Park
Marine Life     Aleut Life                          San Nicolas Island Waters
Karana       Bird Life                             San Nicolas Island Waters 2
Marine Life    Marine Life                      Channel Island History

Juana Maria's Actual Whalebone Hut
(Click on Woodward SNI Photos in sidebar)
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