Reviews for Call It Courage

The average rating for Call It Courage based on 2 reviews is 4.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2016-05-31 00:00:00 Adam Cook We are all enchanted by the tales of adventure in the South Sea islands, probably because most of us will only travel there in the pages of the books we read. They are a mystery to us, their history, their beauty, their people, and that fuels our imagination, that need for the ultimate adventure. This is a coming of age story set in the Polynesian Islands centuries ago, and it's the tale of a young boy who has something to prove to his father, his friends, but most of all to himself. It's a feel good story that has a predictable ending, but it still gives us what we want, to be transported for a few hours to paradise. 1941 Newbery Medal Winner.

Review # 2 was written on 2011-07-25 00:00:00 Suada Perezic My 13 year-old son brought this book to me two days ago and said that it is one of his all time favorites. So I put it next to the computer to read when I finish "Toward the Gleam." He mentioned it again yesterday, so last night I took it with me to read at bedtime. He saw that I had it on my bedtime stack and picked it up and began telling me again how much he enjoyed this book. You could see the story play across his face as he held it almost reverently. So I put my novel away, and took the time to read something that my child cares about. Now I know why he enjoyed it so much. This youngest son of mine is the original intelligent caveman and this gripping adventure goes right to the heart of such a boy. It also goes right to the heart of a mom who was so much like him as a child. I couldn't put it down. I don't know why I never read "Call it Courage," but I remember reading adventure stories similar to this one and wishing that such exciting things would happen to me. I am amazed at how quickly those old feelings came back as I read this book. Occasionally 21st Century Mom kicked in (This book was published in 1940.)and I was distressed at some of the old stereotypes that our society has now abandoned, but I finally told her to be quiet and just settled in for a great read that transported me back to my childhood. I was lost in a world where anyone can have a seemingly impossible adventure and rise to victory. Maybe I needed a reminder that this really is the case if we just give it our best. I love Mafatu's determination to overcome the label he has been given. And I absolutely love that once he is resolved to this he never turns back. He gives it his best; and although he is war-torn and weary, he overcomes the challenges and trials that he faces--one step at a time. None of it is easy, but his confidence in his own abilities grows with each challenge that he overcomes.This too was a real-life-here-and-now reminder for me. My son is going to read the book again, and with it fresh in both of our memories, we are going to have a great book discussion.