Island of the Blue Dolphins

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell Illustrated by Ted Lewin published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; February 8, 2010; 177 pages; Age range 8-12 years.

Summary: Left alone on a beautiful but isolated island off the coast of California, a young Indian girl spends 18 years, not only merely surviving through her enormous courage and self-reliance, but also finding a measure of happiness in her solitary life.

Recently while looking through the stacks at the local library I found this title and remembered how much I enjoyed reading it as a child.  I just had to check it out to re-read and to share with my children. 

The book is based on a true story of an Indian girl of the Ghalas-at community on the island, San Nicolas, off the coast of California. Like Scott Odell I knew of Karana, the "Lost Woman of San Nicolas", who lived alone there from 1835 to 1853. During the evacuation of Ghalas-at, the 12-year-old-girl jumped ship to stay with her young brother, who had been left on the island.

Island of the Blue Dolphins is an unusual and compelling survival story, simply told and given immediacy by the first person voice.  It is a story of courage and endurance and is remarkable in sustaining pace and suspense, but it is far more than a Robinson Crusoe Adventure.  Karana is also a channel for the author's anger at greedy hunters who exterminate wildlife, and the book was the first of many, that express O'dell's concern for fair treatment of, and respect for, all people. Karana is angry and fearful at first, filled with bitterness. Adjusting to her isolation, learning to care for the wild creatures who are her only companions, the vengeful child becomes serene, compassionate, and forgiving adult.  She has learned the healing power of love.

In 1961, Island of the Blue Dolphins won the John Newbery Medal, an award conferred each year on the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.  The book was later made into a successful motion picture starring Celia Kaye and directed by James B. Clark.

I give this book ★★★★☆

Darth Vader and Son

Darth Vader and Son by Jeffrey Brown published by Chronicle Books; April 18, 2012; 64 pages. 

What if  Darth Vader took an active role in raising his son?  What if  "Luke, I am your father" was just a stern admonishment from an annoyed dad?  In this hilarious and sweet comic re-imagining, Darth Vader is a dad like any other except with all the baggage of being the Dark Lord of the Sith.

Brown's illustrations not only reference movies but also hit on connections between and father and son.  Imagine how the staff on the Death Star might react to a bring-your-child-to-work day. Imagine Luke frustrating Vader in the way that four-year-olds generally frustrate fathers. We see Vader desperately trying to be a dad in a way that many men will recognize.

Some of my favorite scenes include Vader refusing to let Luke play with Han Solo and then later asking his son if he pushed Greedo first on the playground.

This book is short, sweet and hilarious. It appeals to both young and die-hard Star Wars fans. It will make a good father's day gift.  On the downside is that his twin Leia only appears once. Perhaps there will be a sequel Darth Vader and Daughter?

I give this book ★★★★★