Zia

Zia

by Scott O'Dell (1976)

The sequel to Island of the Blue Dolphins, although the girl from the island is a minor character; her niece lives in a Santa Barbara mission and longs both to meet/rescue her independent island Aunt and gain her own freedom.  Great for whatever year students study California history and the Missions, and for discussions of how and when to do the right thing -- would you tell the truth if it landed you in jail?

The Black Pearl

The Black Pearl

by Scott O'Dell (1967)

The classic tale: boy finds pearl, boy loses pearl. Boy's dad gives pearl away, giant manta wants revenge for pearl, boy steals pearl to toss back into ocean.

Superstition, greed, selfish/selfless, allegory, nature.

Which came first? Doesn't this sound like a Steinbeck story?  I'm going to back and read his version again, it's been awhile...

Sarah Bishop

Sarah Bishop

by Scott O'Dell (1980)

Somehow I don't think a girl on the run from the Redcoats, a lecherous trapper, an amorous Quaker, and a hungry bear, sharing a cave with bats and a crippled badger, grieving the deaths of her father and brother, would look as good as Sarah does on this cover.

But I wouldn't be surprised, because she is one tough, independent heroine who makes her own way through the Revolutionary War issues between Patriot and Tory. The last chapters with the witch trial were a little awkward, but I like how they were different from the standard girl-in-peril story.

connections: Paulsen's Hatchet books, Johnny Tremain and Brother Sam Is Dead, My Side of the Mountain...