Call It Courage tells the story Mafatu, the son of the chief of Hikueru Island. As a young boy, Mafatu witnesses his mother dying in a storm. Due to this, he is terrified of the sea. This causes his father shame. Mafatu leaves Hikueru to prove he is not a coward. First, he lives through a hurricane as he travels across the Pacific Ocean in his small canoe. Next, he makes his home on a small island. Mafatu is determined not to return home until he can prove to his father that he is brave.
Activities to use with the Book
Activity #1 [Teaching Ideas]
This website offers some literature circle ideas to use with the book.
Activity #2 [Book Covers]
Compare the different book covers. Which depicts the story the best? Explain why using details from the story.
Activity #3 [Movie Trailer]
Disney created a movie version of the book in 1973. This video shows the trailer for that movie. Show this 30-second promo before starting your book unit to build interest.
Activity #4 Anchor Chart with Printable Organizer
Download the Call It Courage Book Unit sample to receive this printable.
Activity #5 Book Unit Samples
Do you need additional teaching resources? Check out Call It Courage Book Unit. Here are a few sample pages below:
