Every November, nearly half a million 4th graders read Island of the Blue Dolphins. For many, this is their first real reading experience, their first ‘chapter book.’ Educators selected Scott O’Dell’s novel because it’s a very exciting story of survival and empowerment, sort of a female Robinson Crusoe.

The book tells the story of a 12 year-old Native American girl who was left alone for 18 years on San Nicolas Island, the most remote of California’s Channel Islands, during the 19th century. The ‘Lone Woman’ survived with her dog for 18 years before being ‘rescued’ and brought to Santa Barbara. She died there and is buried in the Santa Barbara Mission.

The true story that inspired the book is even more extraordinary than the fictionalized retelling. This documentary goes out to the island, visits the Lone Woman’s campsite and cave, and visually captures the adventure that she experienced all those years ago. 1 Disc 58 min. NR Color, NTSC, Widescreen. August 21, 2018 Actors : Steve Schwartz;Kristina Foss;Lisa D. Thomas;Rene Vellanoweth;Scott Byram;Elizabeth Hall. Director: Paul Goldsmith Studio : First Run Features