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. 1941 Newbery Medal; ALA Notable Children's Book.
My 13 year-old son brought this book to me two days ago and said that it is one of his all time favorites. So I put it next to the computer to read when I finish "Toward the Gleam." He mentioned it again yesterday, so last night I took it with me to read at bedtime. He saw that I had it on my bedtime stack and picked it up and began telling me again how much he enjoyed this book. You could see the story play across his face as he held it almost reverently. So I put my novel away, and took the time to read something that my child cares about. Now I know why he enjoyed it so much.
This youngest son of mine is the original intelligent caveman and this gripping adventure goes right to the heart of such a boy. It also goes right to the heart of a mom who was so much like him as a child. I couldn't put it down. I don't know why I never read "Call it Courage," but I remember reading adventure stories similar to this one and wishing that such exciting things would happen to me. I am amazed at how quickly those old feelings came back as I read this book.
Occasionally 21st Century Mom kicked in (This book was published in 1940.)and I was distressed at some of the old stereotypes that our society has now abandoned, but I finally told her to be quiet and just settled in for a great read that transported me back to my childhood. I was lost in a world where anyone can have a seemingly impossible adventure and rise to victory. Maybe I needed a reminder that this really is the case if we just give it our best.
I love Mafatu's determination to overcome the label he has been given. And I absolutely love that once he is resolved to this he never turns back. He gives it his best; and although he is war-torn and weary, he overcomes the challenges and trials that he faces--one step at a time. None of it is easy, but his confidence in his own abilities grows with each challenge that he overcomes.This too was a real-life-here-and-now reminder for me.
My son is going to read the book again, and with it fresh in both of our memories, we are going to have a great book discussion.
We are all enchanted by the tales of adventure in the South Sea islands, probably because most of us will only travel there in the pages of the books we read. They are a mystery to us, their history, their beauty, their people, and that fuels our imagination, that need for the ultimate adventure. This is a coming of age story set in the Polynesian Islands centuries ago, and it's the tale of a young boy who has something to prove to his father, his friends, but most of all to himself. It's a feel good story that has a predictable ending, but it still gives us what we want, to be transported for a few hours to paradise.
I read this while reading middle-grade Newberry honor books for my student, and while this may have been good in the 1940s when it was published, the book definitely shows its age to modern readers. The entire book falls prey its the noble-savage action-adventure boys' serial tone, and Mafatu's struggle to gain courage does little to redeem it, as the struggle is quite easily overcome. There are also some parts where it became more difficult for me to suspend my disbelief . It's also troublesome for me to teach my student about gender equity if we're reading in the novel that Mafatu, unable to do the manly work of fishing (because he's... an islander who fears the sea), is relegated to the "women's work" of weaving nets and making spears. True, the labor in many tribes were divided that way. It doesn't mean I'm comfortable using this as a model for my student. Overall, I can see liking this for the nostalgia factor if it was a book you grew up with, but for new readers, it's probably better to stop combing the Newberry back catalog and look for something a little more recent.
Mafatu, the ten-year-old son of a Polynesian chieftan, has always feared the sea because in his toddlerhood he and his mother were swept away by a storm in which his mother lost her life. As he approaches the edge of manhood, his fear prevents him from winning a place in his community. Realizing their indifference to him, he sets out to sea alone in his canoe, taking only his dog and a few tools. That night he is caught in a storm, in which he loses his paddle and all his tools, and he washes up on an island where cannibals are known to live. He builds a shelter and canoe and chooses to survive; while living there he kills an octopus, a boar, and a shark, and faces the human terror of ritualistic cannibals, barely escaping with his life. At the end of his journey he returns to his village having proved himself a man.
The story is set in a mythical Polynesia, but is written in a European voice: at one point the author describes a canoe caught in a current "like a millrace," a term which is decidedly foreign to this island culture. The great weakness of this book is that the tribal societies which provide a backdrop for the story are caricatured: The tribal fishermen represent noble savages, living so close to nature that they become "ill at ease, charged... with an almost animal awareness of impending storm" (3). Conversely, the cannibal tribe represent a class of wordless, brutal primitives -- dancing with oiled bodies, beating drums around fires and stone idols, wailing, and shouting with guttural voices. Mafatu appeals throughout the story to Maui, "god of the Fishermen," and repeatedly challenges his nemesis Moana, the Sea God. Sperry's Maui, however, hardly resembles the Polynesian trickster named Maui, and the Moana of the story is only a personification of the sea (In some of the languages "moana" does mean sea or ocean.)
No one having read this book should believe they have learned anything about the real Polynesia -- it is no more a story about Polynesia than Little Red Riding Hood is about the European forest. Notwithstanding this, if a reader can accept that Call it Courage is a lesson not in history but in moral courage, they may benefit from the moral example this hero represents. Although Mafatu is limited by his youth and inexperience, he faces great dangers and survives, facing down one fear after another. By making critical choices under pressure, and by refusing to succumb to the elemental, animal, spiritual and human forces arrayed against him, he finally wins his victory. This coming of age is an accomplishment any young boy can aspire to.
Illustrations - 1 Incident: a sketch of a naked boy
Religious & Supernatural - 8 Incidents: “They worshiped courage, those early Polynesians.” Mentions “Moana, the Sea God.” Mentions a “tupapau - a ghost-spirit.” “He called a prayer to Maui, God of the Fishermen.” Mentions demons, referring more to a boy’s internal struggles of fear and cowardice. A boy finds an idol where the cannibals offer sacrifices. The boy offers a six-stanza prayer to a god. A boy sees cannibals dancing in front of an idol.
Romance Related - 3 Incidents: “Breast” meaning chest. A shipwrecked boy is “naked as the daystar.” “Breast” meaning heart.
Attitudes/Disobedience - 1 Incident: Boys tease another boy for being afraid.
Conversation Topics - 1 Incident: Cannibals are referenced a couple of times. Mentions tattooes.
Parent Takeaway A boy decides to overcome his past and his fear of the ocean by setting sail. Through the adventures he faces, he learns what courage means. A great story that portrays character development. The religious content listed above is presented for cultural purposes.
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Ahoy there me mateys! This be the second read in me April BookBum Club Challenge! This read is long overdue. Ye see it all stems from a post I read from me matey Jackie @ deathbysundoku back in October 2017. She be on the Great Newbery quest wherein she be reading all Newbery medal winners by January 2022 when the 100th Newbery Award happens! Worthy goal indeed. I meself had embarked on this journey many years ago before adverse winds and scads of other adventures sent me off course. I had managed 24 of them at last count.
So this be number 25. Arrrr! As always I love me sea yarns. This one is short but sweet. It is the story of Maftu who grows up on an island. A childhood mishap caused him (rightly) to be afraid of the sea. Due to the fact that the sea supports the livelihood of the tribe, Maftu is known as a coward. The day comes where he resolves to face his fears. So he steals a canoe and takes off with his trusty dog companion to sail on the sea only to be thrust into an even bigger adventure. Can he face his fears, learn to accept himself, and survive long enough to make it back home?
As me matey Jackie says, “Yes, this 1940 Newbery Award winner certainly has some representation issues. Yes, Call It Courage does play on all the noble-savage action-adventure boy serial tropes, such as those in the Tarzan serials. Yes, it portrays sexism, bullying, and submitting to peer pressure in a positive light. Yes, it does fall into a bit of a predictable storytelling mode where our protagonist magically conquers everything.”
That said, I also very much enjoyed this tale when cultural context is taken into account. Ye cheer on Maftu in his journey and come to respect his resourcefulness, hard work, and fortitude. From the modern perspective, it is interesting to note that Maftu would not have survived his ordeal if he hadn’t mastered the “women’s work” that is scorned by the men of the tribe.
The author was well known for his travels to the South Seas and the stories he brought back. The tale of Maftu was one such tale that was still told around the fires of the Polynesian islands. One of the highlights of the book were the author’s own illustrations. He became known for this artwork and illustrated over 40 books and magazines. His pictures of Maftu adventures and island life were wonderful.
I do think all readers could find something to enjoy in this tale. I highly encourage all the crew to read Jackie’s review because it is basically perfect in its representation of the book and its impact. Much thanks to the BookBum Club for giving me the incentive to finally read this delightful “short and sweet” book (128 pgs).
This Newbery winner tells of the trials of Mafatu, a fifteen-year-old Polynesian boy, the son of a chief. Due to a tragedy that took his mother when he was a baby, Mafatu has a great distrust of the sea, so one day he takes a small boat and, accompanied by his dog, forces himself to face his fears. After a storm, he washes up on an island of cannibals. While building a shelter and another boat, he also faces predators and then the return of the cannibals.
This slim story is, unfortunately, rather simplistic, and is dramatic only in the way that, say, old Tarzan serials are. First, the book validates the importance of conformity to existing social values; although Mafatu has made himself useful in the making of spears and nets, this is dismissed by his peers (and the tone of the narration) as “women’s work.” Also, disappointingly, Mafatu’s victories are not a result of his being particularly clever or adept; bravery and brute force are the only attributes extolled here. He kills a boar, a shark, and most ludicrously, a giant octopus capable of grabbing him by the waist, not through clever stratagems, but simply by standing his ground and stabbing them. Admirable, perhaps, but not exactly thrilling plots. Certainly, Sperry means well, and he’s good at describing this Adventure Story For Eager Lads, but I question the book’s underlying message, and its one-note hero, as a model for young minds.
What young boy, when becoming a man, doesn't long to be the hero within his life's story? To have an adventure where he proves himself? Where he can quiet his naysayers and come into his own? Where a young man can stand tall, proud, confidant, and know who he is; a man among men?
This book is an amazing adventure of fast-paced action. Where you know, in your heart of hearts, the main character will be okay. (At least, as a 41 year old woman this is true; however, for an 11 year old boy it's not so easily seen.)
Halfway through and my 11 year old son was filled with questions and begging me to keep reading, "Mom, Mafatu better get his canoe done quick and get out of there!"; "How long until the 'Dark Moon'? What does that mean anyway?"; "Mom, what do you think, is Mafatu going to have enough time to get away before the man-eaters come back?"
This is a feel good story perfect for middle school aged children. A coming of age book that will leave the kids who read it longing for adventures of their own and wondering how they might prove to themselves their own might and courage one day.
Inspiring, admirable, and all things good; an easy 5 star rating given. Having been with me for 30 years, my copy of "Call it Courage" will now be finding itself nestled in on my 11 year old son's bookshelf. It's a timeless, forever and a day, keeper of a book! Blessed to be passing it on.
re-re-read 10 Jan 2023 for the Retro Reads Book Pool
I first read this back when dinosaurs walked the earth (i.e. 4th grade, 1958). I loved it then; I have re-read it dozens of times; I still love it. A brief set-up of the story: Mafatu's name means "Stout Heart", but his people call him a coward. Ever since since the sea took his mother's life and spared his own, he has lived with a deep fear of the water beyond the sheltering reef of his island home. He is a disappointment to his father, the Great Chief of Hikueru--an island whose seafaring people worship courage, and an object of scorn to his people. By the time he is fifteen years old, Mafatu can bear it no longer. He must conquer his fear alone...
The story is a great example of a familiar trope: a boy runs away from a displeased father and scornful age-mates, determined to show them, and himself, that he is not a coward; capped off, of course, with a triumphal return. The really interesting thing is that Sperry chose to set the tale in the Polynesia of long ago. This setting enabled Sperry* to show off his hands-on knowledge of the islands and the islanders' way of life. Sperry gave his young hero, Mafatu, a daunting challenge and showed that he had the skills to get the job done, and how he got it done. Really, it is a course on how to survive on a tropical island. This being a book for children, Mafatu was very lucky in finding just what he needed, but he still had to do the hard work. Mafatu had several adventures that tested his mettle before he made his way back home to the welcome he had dreamed of. I will admit that the ending made me cry--it always does. Happy tears, of course. Written in 1941, it does not really show its age--there is only one bit that had me thinking "unfortunate phrasing". The illustrations are by the author and fit the story very well.
[*Sperry spent several years in the early 1920s sailing around the Pacific, including a period working as an assistant to renowned anthropologist Kenneth Emory**.] [** for more on Emory, see [book:Keneti: South Seas Adventures of Kenneth Emory|1721442]. The Wikipedia entry is also good.]
Meh. This is pretty much everything I dislike about what I thought of as "boy" books when I was a kid. It's like something that'd be published in BOY'S LIFE (the Boy Scout magazine). Definitely not better than THE LONG WINTER, which won an Honor that year.
A survival story that fans of HATCHET or ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS may enjoy. It ages okay, but I'd like a better sense of the cultural research done by the author.
The best thing about this book (or at least tied for the best thing), in my view, is the breathtakingly expressive imagery that Armstrong Sperry so creatively paints with throughout the story. It's like a literary fireworks show from beginning to end, as Armstrong Sperry takes the reader through the narrative and includes an awesome display of vocabulary and glittering superlative, to boot. His extraordinary use of language does for me the same thing that Holling C. Holling's illustrations accomplish.
The book itself is a powerful message of a boy who is so ashamed of his lack of courage that he chooses to set off on a dangerous voyage across the sea, riding in a vessel that is much too small to be safe, rather than continue to face the scorn of his people. In a nation that nigh upon worships bravery, Mafatu's ostensible cowardice is the worst possible disgrace.
The hair-raising adventure on which he embarks is exciting and has bearing on the lives of regular people, too. Mafatu's journey toward redemption in the eyes of his father and people is truly compelling, and of course that remarkable use by Armstrong Sperry of the English language is the reader's constant companion.
I remember absolutely LOVING this book as a kid - the adventure and the suspense of Mafatu's plight. The book did not hold up to my memories of it. I found Sperry's descriptions rather flat and unengaging this time round, and found it difficult to keep up with the rapid changes in Mafatu's courage.
Another thing that bothered me about the book was that the two main conflicts were at the beginning and the end (the storm, and the arrival of the eaters-of-men). Both can be argued as conflicts as results of Mafatu's actions, but he didn't seem to have any real failures - he doesn't fail in his making of the canoe or gathering of food - effortlessly kills the shark (which, in illustration, is not a hammerhead, by the by), octopus, and boar... where is his strife?
I feel like I'm being overly negative of the book, perhaps because I remember loving it so much, so I apologize for that - I just can't seem to find any good in the book right now.
A delightful adventure, and a most deserving winner of the Newbery Award. Ten-year-old Mafatu, a boy from a Polynesian Island tribe, doesn’t seem to measure up to the standards set for being a “man” in his tribe. Most troublesome at all is his fear of the water. How can he grow up to be a powerful, confident, courageous chief if he is afraid to paddle out to sea and go fishing with the other boys? A wonderful tale of overcoming challenges and reaching through barriers to achieve your goals. Every child could benefit from this inspiring read.
"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 Hikueru sing the story in their chants and tell it over the evening fires. It is the story of Mafatu, the Boy Who Was Afraid."
Fifteen-year-old Mafatu was afraid of the sea. He’s had this fear for as long as he could remember. His father, Tavana Nui, the Great Chief of Hikeuru, was ashamed of him for his people were great seafarers who worshipped courage. There was no room—no tolerance—for cowardice. It’s no wonder that Mafatu felt alone and out of place. Angry and ashamed, Mafatu sets off one night in a canoe with his dog, Uri, and his albatross, Kivi, as his only companions. His father had christened him “Stout Heart” upon his birth and Mafatu was determined to earn that name...or perish trying.
Armstrong Sperry’s "Call It Courage" was the recipient of the Newbery Medal in 1941. Although there are mentions of Maui (God of the Fishermen) and Moana (the Sea God) and even Maui’s famed fishhook, Disney fans shouldn’t confuse this book with the movie about a spunky Polynesian princess. Rather, it is more along the lines of "Island of the Blue Dolphins" (1961 Newbery Medal recipient) by Scott O’Dell, but told from a boy’s perspective. If you enjoyed O’Dell’s book, you’ll most likely enjoy Sperry’s as well.
Sperry gives readers the story of a boy who not only has to deal with his own fears and shortcomings, but has to do so under the weight of being the island chief’s son. To be a coward amongst people who worship heroism is one thing, but add the burden of being the island’s heir apparent and you’ve got quite a heavy load. As the ridicule—especially from one who was seemingly a friend—intensifies, we see Mafatu being crushed under its unforgiving and unrelenting weight day after day until he sees no other alternative but to flee his homeland in search of courage and worth.
"Call It Courage" is fast-paced, tense, and suspenseful due to its numerous forms of conflict: Man vs. Man, Man vs. Nature, Man vs. Society, Man vs. Fate/Supernatural, and Man vs. Self. Like in "Island of the Blue Dolphins", we have a smart protagonist who relies heavily on wit and skill to survive. The mundane tasks that Mafatu was assigned while on Hikueru are quickly utilized and performed with speed and skill. Rushes or lapses in judgement could mean death so we see Mafatu being patient, deliberate, calculating, and thoughtful in all of his decision making. Books (especially for younger readers) could use more characters like this.
Sperry delivers a powerful message in a very short book (mine was only 92 pages). He shows us a boy who despite his insecurity, frailty, and vulnerability, is capable of doing rather extraordinary things. Whether you call it courage, impulse, or instinct, Mafatu discovers his inner strength which allows him to begin believing in himself. Famed American pianist Liberace once said, “Nobody will believe in you unless you believe in yourself.” Mafatu, along with a yellow dog and a gimpy albatross, found the courage to believe in himself and I would call that pretty remarkable.
Call It Courage by ArmStrong Sperry was remotely similar to the pearl in the sense that both books revolved around well-known tales. Call it Courage is a well-rounded action/adventure book about over coming fears. The theme is too cliche, but at least the description attracts readers. Although this tale is based on the story from generations to come, the author gets creative by weaving a few foreign words here and there. For example war cries, and cries of relief that aren't in English.
Overall, Call It Courage is a classic example of 'overcoming your fears.' It was a short relief from the other deep pieces with a plethora of connotation.
How could I possibly assign stars here? This is the favorite book of my beautiful 17 yo daughter that she read when she was 5. The book is great, but boy oh boy that isn’t the point.
So here’s my review: have a kid. Teach the kid to read. Watch their face while their world expands through literature. Have tears in your eyes while they excitedly explain how a book caused emotions. Then watch the kid grow up, develop talents that you share, then exceed your talent in every conceivable way. Travel with them, have them see the world and develop deeper connections with everything around them — including literature. Then read meaningful adult literature with them, stuff that stirs you deeply and watch it stir them.
After all of that, go back and read the book that set them on their journey, the first time they felt the power of books. The first time they loved reading. After reading this thing, this fulcrum of their lives, then you try to review it.
Having experienced all of these beautiful years with my children, there’s obviously only one conclusion - this is the most important, the most impactful, most meaningful and emotionally resonant book that has ever been written, and it changed my life and her’s.
A teenaged boy is pitted against his worst fears time after time. With each success my heart leapt with joy for him. Sperry shows us the face of hope and courage.
Summary: 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. Plot: The plot was okay, it wasn't long at all though. There wasn't many plot twists, and when there were, they were 2 pages long. I thought overall the plot was pretty good, just lacked in some areas. Writing: I was pleasantly surprised that Armstrong Sperry's writing style is actually good. I thought i was going to be reading children's writing style, but no, his writing was mature and complex. Characters: This story is really all about mafatu's becoming a fearless man. But, he didn't have any density to him. He was a bit dull, the only true emotion I saw him feel was love for his dog, Uri. Overall: This was a pretty good story. The plot definitely lacked depth, but I don't regret reading this book. Recommendations: 8+. I would say don't buy this book, just get it at the library if you're interested in reading it.
I haven't read Call It Courage, a juvenile Newbery Medal winner, in many a moon. A friend had returned it to the library and she left a note about how much she had enjoyed reading it as a child. So to refresh my memory - I reread it myself. This particular copy included the preserved original, beautiful blue and white illustrations.
Mafatu, 15 year old son of a Polynesian island chief, has had great loss in his life. His mother died when he was only three. Both had been at sea in their small canoe when a great storm flung them into the shark infested water. Barely alive, both had been washed to a nearby island. Only Mafatu survived - but was left with nightmares and a fear of the water so great that it impairs his daily life. At last, tired of the talk and judgment in the eyes of his people, Mafatu decides to strike out and confront his fear of the ocean - with only his friends, Uri, his pup,in the canoe and Kivi, his pet albatross, in the air. In the coming days, Mafatu's courage is tested over and over again and although he feels very small and alone in the world, he rises to meet the many challenges. With each hurdle crossed, Mafatu becomes more self assured and confident.
Anyone that is bullied or has a fear confronting an issue, juvenile or adult alike, would be advised to read this simple but rich story of historical fiction published originally in 1940. And in its simplicity, lies part of the charm...
The genre of the book is fiction. Setting is the element because he doesn't stay at the same island, he goes to a foreign island and takes a spear, kills a boar,goes underwater to kill a shark and bring it back to his home island. All to prove he has courage.
i was not interested in this book because it was slow i never understood it,he had to go to many different places in order to murder creatures that could kill the boy, Mafatu to bring back to the island dead to prove to people that he is not a coward. plus he stole a spear from an island that he didn't live on to kill the boar and take its tooth.
Why Would Mafatu Care About What People Think About Him?
Would He Had Needed to kill the shark to face his fear?
Why Would He Use The Boar Tooth To Kill The Shark?
Why Would People Call Him A Coward After What Happened to his mother?
would you kill something to prove courage?
i dont have to show courage to anyone because i have my mother
– I give this book to all my nephews, my friend’s kids, and of course to my son as soon as I think they are ready for it. It was the book that created my love of reading.
It is a Polynesian fable told through the eyes of a fifteen year old boy trying to overcome his fears and win the respect of his family and tribe. Mafatu, due to the loss of his mother, is afraid of the sea. He sits on the shore making and mending fishing nets while the other boys go out fishing to feed their families. Determined to overcome his fears and win the respect of his peers, and most importantly his father, he sets out, alone except for his dog, Uri, and Kivi, his pet albatross. He sails across the sea and is ship wrecked on a tropical island. There he battles wild pigs, an octopuss, sharks, cannibals, and of course himself. Eventually he conquers all, including his fears, and returns home a hero with a boar’s teeth necklace.
i was glad when this book was over ... sad. it had some good and interesting parts, but then there was a lot of dragging going on. then - suddenly something would happen. the book just wasn't laid out very well. i don't think any of my students will read this book, let alone enjoy it. i could be wrong though.
Mafatu is afraid. His mother died in the sea and now he fears it. All his people know of his fear. His father is saddened by his fear.
At last, Mafatu decides to face his fears. He sails off into the sea and ends up on a remote island. He must confront sharks, dangerous man-eating people, lack of food and water, an octopus, and a lack of a ship to return home.
As I read through all the Newbery Winner books- I always get to the end and think to myself “I get it” ☺️ this is another beautiful story/legend of a boy who was afraid of the sea and faces it head on. I loved hearing how he made his boat, net and shelter. I wish I had more of these skills, these basic survival island skills are so alluring! The ending was very exciting and it felt just right.
I was glad when this book was over sad , but true. it had some good and interesting parts, but then there was a lot of dragging going on. Then suddenly something would happen. Then some more dragging and then something would happen and so on! The book just wasn't laid out very well.
The only thing that is keeping me from giving this a 5 star, is that there was not enough of the albatross. I still really liked this book and I give it a 4.5 star.
A real adventure book! At one point my eyes were huge and round 😂 I could not read fast enough! I'll save it for my sons when they get older, but this will be a must read! The edition pictured has several illustrations in blue ink - the one with the shark was especially cool! Great scene.
Content: many, many references and prayers to gods