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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
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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

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Pretty good

This is a good story about facing fears. It feels a little old-fashioned, but I mostly enjoyed it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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
    5 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyable

Call It Courage was an enjoyable story to listen to. Lou Diamond Phillips did an excellent job with the narration. The music signaling the end of the chapters was a bit disconcerting at first, however I still very much enjoyed the presentation.

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

Superb story of courage, bravery, and development.

Well-written and masterfully crafted story of a boy who discovered his potential and overcame his fear of the sea.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Outstanding

All parts of the book and production are outstanding! Lou Diamond Phillips does a masterful job.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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
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Amazing Little Adventure

An absolute TON of fun, and Lou Diamond Phillips really brought it to life. Highly recommended for kids and adults.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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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
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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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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  • 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