Left alone by her Indian tribe when they decide to sail to the east, Karana, a young Indian girl, lives on a beautiful but isolated island off the coast of California, where she spends eighteen years, surviving through her enormous courage and self-reliance. Year after year she waits for the ship to return but it never does. Finally she realizes she must make a fateful choice: follow her people on her own or remain alone for the rest of her life. Newbery Medal, 1961. https://www.mackinvia.com/6761353 .

LEXILE 1000 FIC. https://www.teachingbooks.net/qljox29 .