This sequel to Island of the Blue Dolphins is a sad glimpse into what living at the Santa Barbara mission would have been like. Scott O'Dell does a good job of making it clear how each character feels about their situation and why; and even though the story is told through the lens of an opinionated young teen, his writing allows the readers to pick at a deeper truth behind the words so as to not sway anyone to one side of a multi-faceted issue. The way the characters interact with each other is telling enough and it certainly provides a lot to think about.