Island of the Blue Dolphins is based on the true story of a girl that was left behind on an island off the California Coast. A band of otter hunters massacred many of her people. Those remaining went on a ship to the mainland. However, her brother did not make it. She jumped off to find him. After a short time on the island, her brother died. She continued to live on the island, surviving with what little she had. Many years later, a ship came to take her to the mainland.
The story takes some liberties with the actual story. But, it is hard to know the details. She was the last speaker of her language. None of her people remained. She herself died of dysentery a few weeks after she arrived on the mainland. Today, the island is uninhabited. It seems a sad end to a people that may have been on their last leg. Could more have been done to save the way of life? Would it be worth it?
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