![]() Like all hero legends Mafatu’s story has a strength and simplicity that appeals to a wide range in age and it is beautifully told. “Whether this author is telling of clipper ships, of the days of the covered wagon, of the South Sea Islands, he writes always with imagination and integrity. Winner of AUDIOFILE’s Earphones Award.” – Audiofile A classic example of the power of audio to enhance a beautifully told story. The soft, rhythmic beating of the man-eaters’ drums heightens the terror of their pursuit. He so effectively develops the character of the boy that listeners feel Mafatu’s terror and fierce determination to overcome his fear as he faces a monstrous storm, survives on an island, kills a shark and escapes from “eaters of men.” Sound effects enhance the narration. “Phillips gives this Newberry Medal classic adventure tale an outstanding performance. He is best known for his 1941 Newberry Medal-winning book Call It Courage. His books include historical fiction and biography, often set on sailing ships, and stories of boys from Polynesia, Asia and indigenous American cultures. ![]() About the Author:Īrmstrong Wells Sperry was an American writer and illustrator of children’s literature. It happened many years ago, but even today the people of Hikueru sing this story and tell it over their evening fires. This is the story of how his courage grew and how he finally returned home. Then days on a desert island found him resourceful beyond his own expectation. 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. 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. 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. Students in Grade 6 and above, who are not quite ready for My Side of the Mountain or Hatchet, will definitely enjoy this short jaunt.Call It Courage is about a boy who tries to overcome his fear of the sea in this treasured classic and Newberry winner. The writing is somewhat lyrical at times, making ample use of metaphors. This is also the greatest disadvantage, when we are left wondering what certain words mean, or are unable to imagine what certain activities are without any frame of reference. Can Mafatu fend for himself and prove everyone wrong?The greatest advantage of Call it Courage, by Armstrong Sperry, is that it is a fascinating peek into Polynesian life. One day, after hearing his friends mocking him in secret, he decides to prove them wrong, setting out alone on the open ocean, where he is thrashed by a great storm and shipwrecked on an island that may be inhabited by cannibals. The time is coming when he should be learning to fish in open water, but his fear gets the better of him. Even more problematic is the fact that he is the son of the chief and his name means "Stout Heart". Mafatu is afraid of the ocean, which is problematic considering he lives on an unnamed Polynesian island. Told with openhearted simplicity, this Newbery Award-winning tale of coming-of-age in early Polynesia possesses a vivid appeal as wide and enduring as the ocean itself. It is a dangerous passage that will shipwreck him on an island covered with forbidden idols, cross the path of a tribe of cannibals, and finally strip away his boyhood fears to make him a man. But what awaits Mafatu beyond Hikueru’s sunny horizon is more than just courage. With his faithful dog, Uri, he steals an outrigger canoe and paddles into the Polynesian sea to conquer his fear. ![]() One day, young Mafatu can no longer stand the jeers and taunts of the braver boys. But it is especially humiliating for Mafatu, whose father reigns as Great Chief of Hikueru. Such fear is shameful on this island, where the seafaring people revere bravery. He fears the sea and the powerful Sea God Moana because years ago, the powerful tides killed his mother. ![]() Mafatu’s name means Stout Heart, but the people of Hikueru call him a coward.
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