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A boy tries to overcome his fear of the sea in this treasured classic and winner of the Newbery Medal.

For use in schools and libraries only. Relates how Mafatu, a young Polynesian boy whose name means Stout Heart, overcomes his terrible fear of the sea and proves his courage to himself and his people.

A young Polynesian boy is ostracized by his community because he is afraid of the ocean. To regain his honor, he must perform an act of bravery. He travels to a sacred island all alone, and survives the dangers there, earning himself the name Mafatu, or Stout Heart.

Mafatu has been afraid of the sea for as long as he can remember. Though his father is the Great Chief of Hikueru - an island whose seafaring people worship courage - Mafatu feels like an outsider. All his life he has been teased, taunted, and even blamed for storms on the sea... Read Full Overview

For use in schools and libraries only. Relates how Mafatu, a young Polynesian boy whose name means Stout Heart, overcomes his terrible fear of the sea and proves his courage to himself and his people.

Relates how Mafatu, a young Polynesian boy whose name means Stout Heart, overcomes his terrible fear of the sea and proves his courage to himself and his people

For use in schools and libraries only. Relates how Mafatu, a young Polynesian boy whose name means Stout Heart, overcomes his terrible fear of the sea and proves his courage to himself and his people.

Scorned by his own seafaring people who worship courage, 15-year-old Mafatu is determined to conquer his fear of the sea. The Newbery Award-winning book is now available in this summer reading program edition.