In Island of the Blue Dolphins, a young native American girl named Karana witnesses her life change forever when a ship of an enemy tribe lands on her island. After a tumultuous time of conflict and change, Karana and her brother are the only ones left on the island. When her brother dies, Karana must make a life for herself. Her many trials and long years of solitude tell a story about the path to morality, forgiveness, and the importance of human connection.
Treasure Island, a classic adventure novel, follows the story of Jim Hawkins, a young boy who becomes embroiled in pirate affairs after coming into possession of a treasure map. After hiring a crew to sail to where the treasure is buried, Jim ends up on a ship full of pirates. With few allies, including the trustworthy Captain Smollett and former pirate Ben Gunn, Jim must not only prevent a mutiny, but stay alive long enough to find his treasure. This coming-of-age novel explores many themes, including the ambiguity of morality and the idea of heroism.