Call It Courage

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Summary: Call It Courage
Review: The book Call It Courage was written by Armstrong Sperry, and is about a boy named Mafatu, which means 'stout heart'. Mafatu, who lives on the pacific island of Hikueru, has an enormous fear of the sea caused by a canoe accident that took his mothers life, and he is constantly mocked with taunts about being a coward. One day he is fed up with it, and along with his dog Uri, he sets out on a canoe to prove to himself and others that he is not a coward. When Mafatu reaches another island, adventure ensues when he has to learn to survive on his own and return to Hikueru with pride and courage.
This book was all right because it was entertaining and interesting, but the thing I didn't like is that it's very simple. I recommend it to a younger age group, it is a good book for young children and people who like simple reading.

Rating:
Summary: Call It Courage
Review: This book is about a young boy named Mafatu that has lost his mother to a terrible sea accident. Ever since he has feared the sea. Due to this is is constantly being made fun of. While the other boys are out in their canoes he is helping make nets back on land. Mafatu decides to run away and face his fear. He takes his dog Uri and sets off to sea. He lands on an island and here learns what it takes to conquer the sea and has wonderful adventures that help build his courage. I enjoyed this book and it was very easy to read.

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Summary: Finding courage within oneself.
Review: This short book by Sperry (1897-1976) won the 1941 Newbery Medal for best contribution to American children's literature. Mafatu, a Polynesian boy of 15 years old, has an intense fear of the ocean. At the age of three he was nearly killed when his mother drowned. Now he must conquer his fears. He goes off on his own and finds the courage within him. The story (probably for ages 9 to 13) starts off on the island of Hikueru in the Tuamotu Archipelago east of Tahiti at a time before European ships and missionaries had arrived. Apparently, Sperry, who had traveled throughout the South Pacific, based his story on an old and true Polynesian tale.