Call It Courage

Written by Armstrong Sperry

A boy faces the sea to conquer fear and prove his courage.

3.8 Goodreads · 14,903 ratings

95 pages· 19,399 words· Est. 2 hour read· 830L

$19.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Mafatu, son of the Great Chief of Hikueru, fears the sea that claimed his mother. Branded a coward, he sets out alone with his dog and albatross to confront his terror. A fierce storm and a deserted island test his resolve and resourcefulness. Will Mafatu's journey transform him from a fearful boy into a courageous legend? Discover the tale that the people of Hikueru still sing around their fires.

From the publisher

A boy tries to overcome his fear of the sea in this treasured classic and winner of the Newbery Medal.

Maftu was afraid of the sea. It had taken his mother when he was a baby, and it seemed to him that the sea gods sought vengeance at having been cheated of Mafatu. So, though he was the son of the Great Chief of Hikueru, a race of Polynesians who worshipped courage, and he was named Stout Heart, he feared and avoided tha sea, till everyone branded him a coward. When he could no longer bear their taunts and jibes, he determined to conquer that fear or be conquered– so he went off in his canoe, alone except for his little dog and pet albatross. A storm gave him his first challenge. Then days on a desert island found him resourceful beyond his own expectation. This is the story of how his courage grew and how he finally returned home. This is a legend. It happened many years ago, but even today the people of Hikueru sing this story and tell it over their evening fires.