Brief Description: A girl is left behind on her island after the rest of her people were forcilbly relocated to mainland California. Based on the true story of The Lone Woman.
Geographical Setting: California, North America, San Nicolas Island, United States
Historical Era: 19th Century
Date Range: 1835-1853
Keywords: Aleuts, Channel Islands, Ghalas-at, Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island, Native American Nicoleno, orphan, otter hunting, Russians, Santa Barbara Mission, Tongva
Original Publication: 1960
Suitable for Grades: 4-8th
Target Audience: Middle Grade
Librarian's Review
Based on the true story of the Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island, Juana Maria, this work is a fictionalized version of what twelve-year-old Karana’s daily life must have entailed, after she was accidentally abandoned by her family of Nicoleno (Tongva) natives. Karana’s inspiring courage and resilience help her live for eighteen years on the isolated island until she is rescued.