34 pages • 1 hour read
Armstrong SperryCall it Courage
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1940A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Call it Courage by Armstrong Sperry follows Mafatu, a Polynesian boy afraid of the ocean after a traumatic childhood storm. To overcome his fear, he embarks on a solo journey, faces life-threatening challenges, and ultimately gains the courage and pride he seeks, returning home transformed and respected. The story includes themes of parental death and encounters with cannibals.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Many reviews praise Armstrong Sperry's Call it Courage for its engaging storytelling, vivid descriptions, and themes of bravery and self-discovery. Reviewers commend its capacity to captivate younger audiences, though some note its dated language and cultural stereotypes. Overall, it is considered an inspiring adventure novel that resonates with many readers despite minor criticisms.
Who Should Read Call it Courage?
A reader who would enjoy Call it Courage by Armstrong Sperry is typically a fan of classic adventure tales and coming-of-age stories. They are likely to appreciate narratives like Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell or The Cay by Theodore Taylor. This reader values themes of survival, courage, and self-discovery in exotic settings.