1. Island of the Blue Dolphins
Key Vocabulary (Week 1)

2. gull: a long-winged, web-footed seabird
Chapters 1-3

3. cormorant: large black bird
Chapters 1-3

4. kelp: large seaweeds (algae)
Chapters 1-3

5. parley: negotiate; hold a meeting with the opposite side to discuss differences
Chapters 1-3

6. idle: not working, not having much activity
Chapters 1-3

7. pelts: skins stripped of hair or wool for tanning
Chapters 1-3

8. otter: animal with dark brown fur and webbed feet with claws
Chapters 1-3

9. cliff: a very steep, vertical, or overhanging face of rock, earth, or ice
Chapters 4-6

10. cove: a small sheltered inlet or bay
Chapters 4-6

11. abalone: shellfish that is eaten as food and has a shell that is lined with mother-of-pearl
Chapters 4-6

12. ponder: to think about; reflect on
Chapters 4-6

13. leagues: three nautical (in the water) miles
Chapters 4-6

14. snared: trapped or entangled
Chapters 4-6

15. beckoned: to attract someone or something
Chapters 7-9

16. ravine: a long, deep ditch, or valley in the earth, with steep sides
Chapters 7-9

17. nettles: any of various prickly or stinging plants or animals
Chapters 7-9

18. mesa: a flat-topped hill with steep sides, common in dry areas
Chapters 7-9

19. sea elephant: large, oceangoing seals
Chapters 7-9

20. tusk: elongated, continuously growing front teeth
Chapters 7-9

21. sinews: a piece of tough fibrous tissue uniting muscle to bone
Chapters 7-9

22. pelican: sea bird characterized by a long beak and large throat pouch
Chapters 7-9