Let's admit it: of all the ages of life, probably the hardest to get through are the middle school years. In a time when one is desperately trying to figure out who they are, one of the greatest fears for most middle schoolers is being a "nobody." Humiliation can be defined as being ridiculed for being different from the status quo, or perhaps worse, being invisible.

And the media doesn't help. From its portrayal, it seems that the epitome of being "someone" is being a tv or movie star or a sports celebrity. Glamor, glitz, chest thumping, and loud lives are depicted as normal and routine. All needed, the media likes to tell us, in order to be a "somebody."

As a teacher, there is nothing more frustrating than seeing impressionable, young minds being turned towards such shallowness. After teaching hundreds and hundreds of students, many who idolize such behavior, I find myself more and more drawn towards role models who are on the other end of the spectrum: people who are ordinary, simply going about their everyday lives, who suddenly decide to do something extraordinary--not for the fame that it eventually brings, but because they believe in a cause that is larger than themselves.

This blog is a compilation of books, websites, and films that celebrate those who I call Extraordinary People. Their stories are an inspiration--to put it mildly. Some of them are extraordinary because they endure hardship unlike anything any of us have ever known and yet refuse to lose their humanity and dignity. Others are extraordinary because they decide to follow their passions and ultimately display a genius that shines on for centuries. Still others are so because they find a cause worth fighting for and choose not to give up despite tremendous obstacles.

My hope is that in reading and listening to these stories and exploring these websites, middle schoolers will find role models who are truly worth emulating and discover within themselves the desire to become their best every single day.

Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell



Reading grade level: 5 - 9

Pages: 192 p.

Book summary and analysis: Based on the true story of a woman found living alone on the island of Saint Nicolas from 1835 to 1853, Island of the Blue Dolphins is a survival story unlike any other because of the length of time that Karana lived alone and fended for herself. Filled with fantastic descriptions of Karana practicing the skills of survival, such as hunting and designing new tools, Island also deals with the emotional and psychological skills needed to be faced with such a predicament: conquering fears and learning to be alone.

The story is told in first person, which gives the tale an immediacy and intimacy that makes it all the more real. It also readily draws out that question that we all find emerging within us when we read survival stories: could I do this? Would I be able to figure out how to defend myself against wild animals and find food if I lived absolutely alone on a rocky island? A wonderful book to use for independent reading as well as small and whole group discussions.

Winner of the 1961 Newbery Medal.

Made into a movie by Universal Pictures in 1964.

Additional curricular connections: survival, women of history, self-discovery

Links:
An interactive site to accompany the book: http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/score_lessons/dolphin/home2.shtml
A reading guide: http://www.scholastic.com/kids/homework/pdfs/island_of_the_blue_dolphins.pdf
To review & purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Island-Blue-Dolphins-Scott-ODell/dp/0440439884
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