In his retelling of an ancient Polynesian legend, Armstrong Sperry crafts a timeless narrative. Through its vivid portrayal of universal human emotions like love, fear, and courage, the story remains pertinent today. Call It Courage is a romance in the traditional, mythic sense. The protagonist, Mafatu, must prove his value by leaving his family, embarking on a quest, and enduring a series of challenges.

On another level, Call It Courage epitomizes the survival story. Alone against the elements, Mafatu faces the sea, the wind, and even cannibals in his struggle to stay alive. He must demonstrate his bravery by confronting a shark and a wild boar, while also attending to the essential tasks of securing food and shelter.

By surviving in the wilderness and overcoming the sea's fury and the island's hidden dangers, Mafatu undergoes a transformation. He returns to his community with the confidence of his newfound maturity.