The fate of Karana, heroine of Island of the Blue Dolphins, is revealed in this moving story of her niece Zia. Finding her aunt is the strongest force in Zia's life, and in the hope of doing so, Zia moves to the Santa Barbara Mission, where she plans to go the Island where someone has seen her aunt--still alive after 18 years. Zia and her brother attempt the voyage in a small boat, but are forced to turn back. Karana's eventual rescue makes a profound effect on Zia, who is caught between two worlds--the world of her mother's tribal past and the strange present world of the California missions. Although Karana's years of isolation have made it impossible for her to speak with anyone, she manages to give Zia what the girl needs most, the precious gift of freedom.

From the reviews:

"This is bound to be among the outstanding books of the year on everyone's list. ... An almost unbearably moving story of what happened to the Indian woman Karana when she had been left alone at the end of the Blue Dolphin tale."

Publishers Weekly

"Zia is an excellent story in its own right. Written in a clear, quiet, and reflective style which is in harmony with the plot and characterization. ... Readers are drawn compellingly on."

School Library Journal (starred review)

"Zia's narrative continues the laconic precision and sober beauty we remember from Island of the Blue Dolphins."

Kirkus Reviews

Zia's awards:

An ALA (American Library Association) Notable Book