Call it Courage, Armstrong Sperry
Call it Courage, Armstrong Sperry
3 Rating(s)
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Call it Courage

Author: Armstrong Sperry

Narrator: Lou Diamond Phillips

Unabridged: 1 hr 57 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 07/05/2000


Synopsis

Mafatu's name means "Stout Heart," but his people call him a coward. Ever since the sea took his mother's life and spared his own, he has lived with deep fear. And even though his father is the Great Chief of Hikueru–an island whose seafaring people worship courage–he is terrified, and consequently, he is severely scorned.

By the time he is twelve years old, Mafatu can bear it no longer. He must conquer his fear alone. . . even if it means certain death.

This classic tale of a young boy's hidden strength has been a favorite of readers of all ages since its 1940 publication–now this exclusive audio preserves its original poignancy and splendor, and brings Mafatu to life for future generations of listeners.

About The Author

Armstrong Sperry was an American writer and illustrator of children’s books, often blending elements of historical fiction and biography. His 1941 book Call It Courage won the Newbery Medal. He died in 1976.Highlights of Lou Diamond Phillips's film credits include Courage Under Fire, Young Guns II, Stand and Deliver, and La Bamba. An accomplished stage actor, he starred in the critically acclaimed Broadway revival of The King and I.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Shanna on June 26, 2009

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 the......more

Goodreads review by Luisa on February 14, 2020

Cleanliness: Children's Bad Words - None 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 Fisherme......more

Goodreads review by Ensiform on October 29, 2011

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.......more

Goodreads review by Jennie on May 22, 2019

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 ama......more

Goodreads review by Wendy on September 15, 2008

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.......more