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Call It Courage  By  cover art

Call It Courage

By: Armstrong Sperry
Narrated by: Lou Diamond Phillips
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Publisher's summary

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.

©1940 Macmillan Publishing Company, a Division of Macmillan, Inc. (P)1999 Random House, Inc., Listening Library, an Imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

Newbery Medal Winner, 1941

"The story is wild enough to be remembered, and it cannot be remembered without doing good." (New York Herald Tribune)

"[Narrator Lou Diamond] Phillips gives this Newbery Medal classic adventure tale an outstanding performance. He so effectively develops the character of the boy that listeners feel Mafatu's terror and fierce determination to overcome his fear... Sound effects enhance the narration.... A classic example of the power of audio to enhance a beautifully told story." (AudioFile)

What listeners say about Call It Courage

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    178
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Kept my kids on the edge of their seat

This book was a fun family read. Lots of excitement combined with a very good lesson.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Truly amazing!

My class read this book in 4th grade. Years later as an adult I truly enjoyed it again! I was truly happy to finally find the book. I understood more about it now and truly appreciate this wonderful book!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

I love this! At first you're not used to the music, but overall IT IS amazing

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

great story

Great story, easy to follow and understand. Narrator and music adds great detail to the story. 100% recommend it

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

All-age favorite

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This overcoming, coming-of-age story is a favorite with my children from elementary school to adult.

What did you like best about this story?

Mufatu faces his deepest (and legitmate) fears and overcomes them

Which scene was your favorite?

When he realizes himself that he has faced his fears and a brave

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It will make you hold your breath a bit! Sigh with relief, and rejoice

Any additional comments?

The end requires some meditation, and personal interpretation

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent reading of beautiful story

I listened to this with my boys, 10 and 7, as an assignment for the 7 year old's class. Mafatu's transformation is inspiring. This story pulls you in, and immediately pulls heartstrings. It takes you on a journey from greatest fear to utmost courage. I could listen to Lee Diamond Phillips all day, every day. Stepping out of the car after the last words of the book, my boys and I were elated with the story. The last two chapters were definitely gripping. Such a beautiful audio book!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Disappointing

Not sure how this story got to be a classic. The writing was weak, flat. It was boring, especially an adventure story. Actually, I’m not sure if it was the performance or the writing. I’ll have to try reading a few pages in the book.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Narration!

This story had my children intrigued the whole story! I would recommend this version over any other.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

It was great

It was a cool story and I liked the music in the back round. The narration was great to

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Call It Courage is a great classic!

I enjoyed the voice of Lou Diamond Phillips' voice telling the story. The story was sad at first but then He ended up a hero at the end.

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