Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry is a coming-of-age story about a young Polynesian boy named Mafatu who is afraid of the sea due to a traumatic experience with his mother. Determined to overcome his fear and prove his bravery, Mafatu sets out on a perilous journey in a canoe, facing various challenges like shipwrecks, battles with wild animals, and survival on a deserted island. The book explores themes of courage, resilience, and self-discovery through the adventures of Mafatu in a Polynesian setting, offering a blend of survival narrative and fable-like storytelling that captivates readers with its vivid descriptions and moral lessons.

Characters:

The main character, Mafatu, transitions from a scared boy to a courageous hero, aided by his loyal companions and influenced by the perceptions of his peers.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is descriptive and lyrical, effectively capturing the challenges faced by the protagonist while incorporating elements of Polynesian culture, though some aspects may feel outdated.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a young boy named Mafatu who sets out to prove his courage after being taunted for his fear of the ocean. His adventure leads him to a deserted island where he faces numerous life-threatening challenges.

Setting:

The setting takes place in a Polynesian island environment, highlighting its culture and the natural challenges faced by the characters.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and action-packed, keeping readers engaged as they follow Mafatu's trials and triumphs.

It happened many years ago, before the traders and missionaries first came into the South Seas, while the Polynesians were still great in numbers and fierce of heart. But even today the people of Hiku...

Notes:

The book was published in 1941 and won the Newbery Award.

Mafatu is the protagonist, a 15-year-old boy whose name means 'stout heart'.

He lives on Hikueru, a real island in the South Pacific.

Mafatu's mother died at sea when he was three, which caused his fear of the ocean.

He faces ridicule from peers, which motivates him to conquer his fears.

Mafatu leaves home with his dog Uri and a pet albatross named Kivi.

He survives a storm that shipwrecks him on an uninhabited island.

On the island, he kills a shark, an octopus, and a wild pig for food.

Mafatu learns to make useful tools, including a canoe and knives.

He encounters cannibal tribes on the island but escapes them.

The author, Armstrong Sperry, drew inspiration from his trips to French Polynesia.

The book includes themes of courage, survival, and self-discovery.

The reading level is appropriate for grades 5 to 8, making it suitable for middle school students.

The book features illustrations, some of which were done by the author himself.

From The Publisher:

A legendary adventure story of how Mafatu, the son of the Great Chief of Hikueru, a Polynesian race who worships courage, conquers his fear of the sea and proves he isn't a coward.

Praise for Call It Courage " This author writes with imagination and integrity." - New York Times

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About the Author:

Armstrong Sperry (1897-1976) is the author of many books for young readers, including Call It Courage, All Sail Set, Lost Lagoon, and Hull-Down for Action.

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Call It Courage

Armstrong Sperry