Call it Courage

By: Armstrong Sperry

Narrated by: George Guidall

Mafatu's name means Stout Heart, but the people of Hikueru call him a coward. He fears the sea and the powerful Sea God Moana because years ago, the powerful tides killed his mother. Such fear is shameful on this island, where the seafaring people revere bravery. But it is especially humiliating for Mafatu, whose father reigns as Great Chief of Hikueru. One day, young Mafatu can no longer stand the jeers and taunts of the braver boys. With his faithful dog, Uri, he steals an outrigger canoe and paddles into the Polynesian sea to conquer his fear. But what awaits Mafatu beyond Hikueru's sunny horizon is more than just courage. 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. 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.©1940 Armstrong Perry (P)1994 Recorded Books,LLC

a true classic coming of age story

l remember reading this in 8th grade.
come back to it once a yr or so.
Definitely in my top 10.
Great classic read!

To confusing

I'm in 5th grade and dislike this book. I found it too confusing and it made no sense whatsoever.

real Polynesian legend?

I have not been able to discover if this is an authentic legend. Some of it could be inspiration for Disney's Moana. If it is an authentic legend, then we can excuse everything and just accept it. Most legends have illogical aspects.

The most unacceptable part of this story is the premise: a boy who is mocked and bullied and outcast for his fear of the sea chooses to take a canoe and sail away over the open ocean.

He overcomes all his fears as he is forced to fend for himself on the island where he lands. Despite his fear of the sea, he is then able to steer himself home, where he is received in honor. The story ends confusingly with him collapsing in his now proud father's arms. The reader is left unsure if he just fainted or died.

As a logical story with a beginning, middle and end, it does not satisfy, but as legend, it is fine. George Guidall is his usual excellent self.

A great book very exciting.

I loved it very exciting .A very courageous main character goes through lots of challenges.

A Childhood Treasure

I listened to this story on a vinyl 45 as a child, so I was very excited to see it on Audible as an adult! 😀
Then, I focused on the drama and excitement as Mufato killed the shark. Now, I payed paid attention to the lessons in the story...and the excitement.
At first, I thought George Guidall was the wrong sort to narrate this story - his voice didn't seem very dashing - but the longer I listened, the more I enjoyed it.