This was a reread of a childhood favorite that I hadn't revisited in over thirty years. And I still loved it. Something like a female, tropical version of Hatchet, the plot was adventurous and atmospheric. I learned this time around that the story is actually based on a real historical figure, an indigenous woman who was left alone on one of California's channel islands. I also learned that there is a follow-up novel. WHAT?!?!?! Why did I not know this sooner? Needless to say, I will be tracking that down and reading it soon.

This is a fantastic middle grade book in terms of strong female protagonist. Karana is amazing. I found myself several times thinking, well...I'd be dead. Girl has got some skills.

Could I go for an adult version of this trope? Yes...yes I could. True, there is a lot of nostalgia attached to my rating of this book, but I still found it to be a fantastic middle grade level read. The writing isn't overly complex, but fits the story well. There is a great handle on description and things just made sense. I loved the animal interactions and the humanity that Karana shows (along with her introspection) despite being young and basically abandoned. There are a lot of good lessons in this narrative and I think it still holds up really well. I will be reading it to my kids in the future and I will continue to push it as a middle grade favorite.