Call It Courage, by Armstrong SperryReason for Reading: This book won the Newbery Medal in 1941. It’s been sitting on my shelf for years.
Review
Mafatu is afraid of the ocean because he almost drowned when he was a boy. But in his culture, fear is scorned and laughed at. Mafatu feels that he must redeem his good name and prove that he is not afraid anymore. He climbs in a boat and goes on a voyage, but he soon finds himself shipwrecked on an apparently-deserted island. There, he keeps himself alive by making all of his own tools, weapons, and a new canoe. He battles a tiger shark, an octopus, and a boar. He defies the cannibals when they return to their island. But will he be able to return home? This was a cute book, and I enjoyed the adventure – though it’s very short and all the adventure is packed in at a very unrealistic pace. Regardless, I really enjoyed the couple of hours I spent with it. I think a young reader might find this book fun. It’s appropriate for someone reading at maybe the 3rd grade level.
Hibernator's Library 
I've heard of this one but didn't know anything about it. The Newbery Medal winners always seem to be good choices, though. Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
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I generally enjoy Newbery Medal winners too. 🙂 This one was cute, though I've certainly read better.
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