Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

This book is based on a true story.  Karana is twelve years old and her people are being moved from their island home to a new one.  Everyone boards the ships but she cannot find her little brother anywhere.  As the ship leaves she sees her brother standing on the beach.  She jumps overboard and goes to him.  This begins their life of living alone on the island.  It is a story of survival and loneliness, perseverance and determination.  Karana builds weapons, clothing, even a house for her survival.