Call It Courage Teaching Activities

Introduction If you’re looking for Call It Courage teaching ideas, Armstrong Sperry’s classic survival tale is a wonderful choice for exploring bravery, overcoming fear, and personal growth. Students are drawn to Mafatu’s emotional journey as he confronts the sea — the very thing that has terrified him since childhood. This post includes novel study samples and activities to support your unit.

⭐ About the Book

Call It Courage tells the story of Mafatu, the son of the chief of Hikueru Island. As a young boy, Mafatu witnesses his mother’s death during a violent storm at sea. From that moment on, he fears the ocean, a deep shame in a culture that worships courage and relies on the sea for survival. His fear isolates him from the other boys and disappoints his father, who cannot understand Mafatu’s terror.

Determined to prove his bravery, Mafatu sets out alone in a small canoe. He survives a hurricane, drifting across the Pacific until he reaches a remote island. There, Mafatu must rely on his wits and determination to survive. He builds shelter, finds food, and confronts dangers that test him physically and emotionally. He discovers a sacred temple belonging to the eaters‑of‑man, battles a wild boar, fights off a shark to save his loyal dog Uri, and even faces a giant octopus while retrieving his knife from the ocean floor.

Each challenge forces Mafatu to confront the fear that has shaped his life. His journey becomes a powerful exploration of courage, identity, and the strength found in perseverance. Students love the adventure, the vivid island setting, and Mafatu’s transformation as he discovers what it truly means to be brave.