Survival is a logical, even predictable, theme for O’Dell to explore. Island of the Blue Dolphins is an adventure story, with Karana being the only human on the island for the majority of the novel. O’Dell adds to the novel’s suspense and resonance by pitting his protagonist against grief and loneliness, as well as more tangible hardships. To weather the island’s physical dangers and her own difficult emotions, Karana must move past the laws that governed her old life and seize control of her destiny.

In her struggle for survival, Karana faces many physical threats that fill the novel with suspense. At times, just securing the essentials of food, water, and shelter is a deadly challenge. When a leg injury forces Karana to crawl to a spring, the island’s wild dogs pursue her, leading to this chilling description: “The pack had split up and were waiting on both sides of the ravine for me to pass them” (84). Karana takes shelter in a cave, where she is forced to hide from the dogs for six days without a fire and with little food and water.

Even after survival becomes second nature to Karana, O’Dell finds new ways to challenge his protagonist and create suspense.