and the others do not like Father Malatesta. Karana leaves the mission not long later when Father Malatesta does not allow her to sleep on the floor with Rontu-Aru. In the spring, Stone Hands and many of the Native people run away again because of the harsh treatment, and this time Mando leaves with him. Karana had been living in the same cave in which she and Mando had hidden the boat they found at the beginning of the book. On the day that Stone Hands and Mando leave the mission, Zia visits Karana again. She finds that Karana is very sick, but the priests at the mission will not help because Karana will not live there and work for the mission. In the morning, Karana dies. Zia then leaves the Mission and returns to her old home in the mountains with Rontu-Aru at her side. Historical elements Zia's aunt Karana, who was the main character of Island of the Blue Dolphins, is based on Juana Maria, a Nicoleño woman who lived alone on an island for 18 years. Captain George Nidever was the name of the real person who brought Juana Maria from her island to a mission. Reception Kirkus Reviews saw that "Zia's narrative continues the laconic precision and sober beauty we remember from Island of Blue Dolphins." Editions Houghton Mifflin, 1976, (1st edition) Laurel Leaf, 1978, (paperback) Yearling, 1995, (paperback) Laurel Leaf, 1995, (paperback reprint) Rebound by Sagebrush, 1999, (school/library binding) References 1976 American novels American children's novels Children's historical novels Sequel novels Books about Native Americans Houghton Mifflin books Novels set in California Novels set in the 19th century 1976 children's books