The ancient Polynesians of the island Hikueru, in the South Seas (the South Pacific Ocean), prize courage above all else. However, one of their own—Mafatu, the chief’s son—is afraid the ocean. Mafatu’s fear began when he was three years old. A hurricane hit the island while Mafatu was out on the barrier reef in a canoe with his mother. The current carried the canoe out to sea, and the wind and waves capsized it. All night, little Mafatu clung to his mother, and she had just enough strength, as morning came, to bring him ashore before she died. Ever since his mother’s death, Mafatu has been haunted by the sound of the sea crashing against the reef.

The people of the island whisper about Mafatu’s fear of the ocean. What kind of leader will he grow up to be if he is afraid? Although Mafatu learns to ignore the mocking of the islanders, he cannot ignore his father’s silence. As chief of Hikueru, Tavana Nui nicknamed his son Stout Heart. Mafatu can see his father’s disappointment at having a son who is afraid, and he lives in constant shame. Mafatu’s only friends are

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