CALL IT COURAGE

Ever since his mother was killed in a hurricane, Mafatu, the son of the Great Chief of the people of Hikueru, an island in the southern Pacific ocean, has feared that Moana, the Sea God, would kill him, too. Tired of being called a coward and saddened by the shame he has brought his father, 12-year-old Mafatu decides to face and conquer Moana on his own. Phillips gives this Newbery Medal classic adventure tale an outstanding performance. He so effectively develops the character of the boy that listeners feel Mafatu's terror and fierce determination to overcome his fear as he faces a monstrous storm, survives on an island, kills a shark and escapes from "eaters of men." Sound effects enhance the narration. The soft, rhythmic beating of the man-eaters' drums heightens the terror of their pursuit. A classic example of the power of audio to enhance a beautifully told story. C.R.A. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 98]