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Call It Courage




The book was originally published in 1940 and has had several printings since then. In 1941 it was awarded the Newbery Medal .

''Call It Courage'' is a Coming Of Age story set in the Pacific Islands . It chronicles the journey of Mafatu , the son of the island's chief. Mafatu has a fear of the ocean - a fear which makes him a shame to his father. One night, disgusted with himself and determined to please his father, Mafatu takes a Dugout Canoe and aimlessly sets sail on the ocean. The canoe drifts onto, as Mafatu supposes, a deserted island. He later discovers, however, that the island is frequented by a bloodthirsty band of cannibals. It is on this island, with only his faithful dog and a friendly Albatross as companions, that Mafatu must survive as he plots a way to return home and make his father proud.