In Island of the Blue Dolphins, the author took great care in creating the setting. If it had been set in a different location, it would not have been the same. The island is shaped like a dolphin and has strong winds. There are many cliffs and caves. There are no trees, so the only wood is what washes ashore. Karana, the main character, is isolated on an island, which is what makes the book so interesting. The book would lose its purpose if it was on the mainland, because she could have followed her tribe as they left without her. Though she was alone on the island, she could still survive. She hunted fish and birds and made her house using whale bones strung together with kelp to keep out the wild dogs and other animals. She had the most trouble with the leader of the dogs. But after injuring him, she took care of him and they became friends. Without him, she would have been very lonely. The reason her tribe left the island was because of the Aleuts. The tribe let the Aleuts hunt otter in return for beads and jewelry. But when the Aleuts were done, they refused to give the tribe the fair amount of jewelry. The Aleuts killed many of the tribe, forcing them to leave in case the Aleuts ever returned. People are fascinated by islands because they are isolated and a place where one can be self-sufficient. The author is able to develop the theme of self-sufficiency by setting it on an island. Imagine The Island of the Blue Dolphins being called The Land of the Blue Dolphins! It just wouldn’t be the same.