Chapter Books (ages 10-14)
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell (Newbery Medal 1960)
In this survival story, twelve-year-old Karana was abandoned in an island off of California. Her people lived on the Island for centuries until one day, a ship came for her people. She made friends with the animals especially a wild dog. This is a great springboard in learning about how natives live on islands.
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi (Newbery Honor 1990)
A thirteen year old girl is caught up in mutiny on the ship she was aboard and was accused of murder and brought to trial. How would she escape this safely? Was she innocent or guilt? Your child would want to find out what would happen next. This is a great introduction about the time period in this book and how young girls were treated.