Call It Courage
Summary
Call It Courage, a 1940 children's novel by Armstrong Sperry, is a beloved classic that has captivated readers for generations. This Newbery Medal-winning tale follows a young Polynesian boy's journey to overcome his fear of the sea. Sperry's vivid storytelling and illustrations bring the Pacific Islands setting to life, immersing readers in a world of ancient legends and oceanic adventures. The book's enduring popularity led to a 1973 television adaptation on The Wonderful World of Disney, further cementing its place in children's literature.
Plot
Mafatu, the son of the Great Chief of Hikueru, is a young boy plagued by fear of the sea. After witnessing his mother's death in the ocean as a baby, Mafatu has been labeled a coward by his people, who value courage above all else. Unable to bear the shame any longer, the 12-year-old boy decides to face his fears head-on by embarking on a solo journey across the sea, accompanied only by his dog and pet albatross.
During his voyage, Mafatu encounters a fierce storm that destroys his canoe and leaves him stranded on a deserted island. Here, he must learn to survive on his own, developing skills in hunting, fishing, and crafting tools. As he overcomes various challenges, including encounters with dangerous wildlife such as a hammerhead shark, a wild boar, and an octopus, Mafatu gradually builds his courage and self-reliance.
The boy's ultimate test comes when he discovers a sacrificial altar used by cannibals from a nearby island. Realizing the threat to his safety, Mafatu constructs a new canoe and prepares for his escape. When the cannibals return to the island, he makes a daring getaway, successfully evading his pursuers and navigating his way back to Hikueru. Upon his return, Mafatu is transformed into a brave and imposing figure, earning the respect of his people and the pride of his father, who initially fails to recognize the changed boy.
Themes
• Overcoming fear and building courage
• Coming of age and self-discovery
• The importance of perseverance
• Cultural expectations and societal pressure
• Man versus nature
• The journey as a transformative experience
• The power of self-reliance and resourcefulness
Setting
Set in a pre-modern era, Call It Courage unfolds in the vast expanse of the Pacific Islands. The story's backdrop is a world where seafaring Polynesian cultures thrive, relying on their courage and skill to navigate the treacherous waters that surround their island homes.
The narrative primarily takes place on two contrasting islands. The first is Hikueru, Mafatu's home, where his people's reverence for bravery and seafaring prowess shapes their society. The second is an unnamed, deserted island where Mafatu finds himself stranded after his courageous journey begins. This isolated setting becomes a crucible for the young protagonist's growth and self discovery.
Beyond these primary locations, the novel paints a vivid picture of the Pacific Ocean itself. This vast, often unforgiving body of water serves as both a source of fear for Mafatu and the ultimate test of his developing courage. The sea, with its storms, marine life, and hidden dangers, becomes a character in its own right, shaping the course of Mafatu's transformative journey.
Characters
• Mafatu: The protagonist, a young boy who fears the sea but embarks on a journey to overcome his fears and prove his courage.
• Tavana Nui: Mafatu's father and the Great Chief of Hikueru. He is disappointed in his son's fear of the sea.
• Uri: Mafatu's loyal dog who accompanies him on his journey.
• Kivi: An albatross that becomes Mafatu's companion during his adventure.
• Mafatu's mother: Though deceased, her death at sea is the root cause of Mafatu's fear.
• The people of Hikueru: The island community that scorns Mafatu for his cowardice, motivating him to prove himself.
• Cannibals: The dangerous inhabitants of a neighboring island who Mafatu must evade during his journey.
Quick facts
• It won the Newbery Medal for excellence in American children's literature in 1941.
• The book was published in 1940 and has been translated into over 20 languages.
• In the United Kingdom, it was published under the title The Boy Who Was Afraid.
• The story is set in the Pacific Islands and follows a young boy named Mafatu.
• Sperry both wrote and illustrated the novel.
• The book was adapted into a television movie for The Wonderful World of Disney in 1973.
• Don Ho narrated the TV adaptation, which was filmed on location in Bora Bora and Tahiti.
• A musical version of the story was performed in 2010 with music and lyrics by Adam Overett.
• The novel is often used in school curricula to teach themes of courage and overcoming fear.
• Sperry was inspired to write the story after spending time in Polynesia as a young man.
About the author
Armstrong Wells Sperry
Armstrong Wells Sperry (1897-1976) was an American writer and illustrator best known for his children's literature. His most acclaimed work, Call It Courage, won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1941. Sperry's passion for adventure and the sea, inspired by his great-grandfather's career as a sea captain, greatly influenced his writing.
Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Sperry pursued artistic training at the Art Students League of New York and Yale School of Art. His experiences traveling the South Pacific in the early 1920s provided rich material for his future literary works. Sperry's early career included work in advertising and illustrating pulp romances before he transitioned to writing and illustrating his own stories.
Sperry's literary output encompassed a wide range of genres, including historical fiction, biography, and tales of boys from diverse cultures. Many of his stories were set on sailing ships or in exotic locales, reflecting his love for adventure and different cultures. While some of his earlier ethnological works may be viewed as dated by modern standards, they were considered enlightened for their time.
In addition to Call It Courage, Sperry authored numerous other notable works, including All Sail Set, which earned him a Newbery Honor in 1936, and Wagons Westward: The Story of the Old Trail to Santa Fe. Throughout his career, Sperry continued to illustrate books for other authors while establishing himself as a respected writer in his own right. His legacy lives on through his timeless stories that continue to captivate young readers.