It’s not much to go on, but I’m hoping someone either remembers or has better Google-fu than I do.
Some time in the late 80s or early 90s I read a YA book about a teen-ish girl in the Aluetian Islands. My most vivid memory is of her description of crabs, calling some “Jimmies,” and going into extraordinary detail about the fishing process. I have the shadow of a memory that she was the first girl/woman to embark on fishing.
That’s all I have to go on. Ring any bells?
I Am the Ice Worm by Maryann Easley?
Good luck! It doesn’t sound like isle of the blue dolphins. I hope you can give us more clues as you remember them. Was it a longer or shorter read? Was it in a collection of stories? Was it rooted in history or fantasy?
Island of the Blue Dolphin?
My dad taught middle school.
Is it “Island of the Blue Dolphins,” by any chance?
Thanks for the suggestion! Based upon the Wikipedia description I don’t think this is it, but I’ll read it to be sure.