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Li Lun, Lad of Courage
A Newbery Honor book, Li Lun, Lad of Courage is a touching survival story about resilience and hard work.
After Li Lun is unable to overcome his fear of the sea and fails to learn how to fish, he is branded a coward by his family and village and banished to a barren mountaintop. No one has been able to farm on this land in generations, but Li Lun must make his rice seedlings flourish before he is allowed to return home. Can he win the battle against the elements, wild animals, and his own loneliness?
This classic tale combines adventure and heart to illustrate the importance of courage, grit, and perseverance.
After Li Lun is unable to overcome his fear of the sea and fails to learn how to fish, he is branded a coward by his family and village and banished to a barren mountaintop. No one has been able to farm on this land in generations, but Li Lun must make his rice seedlings flourish before he is allowed to return home. Can he win the battle against the elements, wild animals, and his own loneliness?
This classic tale combines adventure and heart to illustrate the importance of courage, grit, and perseverance.
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1947
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
April 23, 2022
While I do in some if not actually in many ways consider Carolyn Treffinger's Li Lun: Lad of Courage both readable and inspiring (that is to say I find the main protagonist's, I find Li Lun's courage, his inventiveness and his skills at solving the multitude of problems that his being sent to plant and grow rice on the unforgiving and harsh mountaintop have engendered, impressive), I am also lastingly and very much angered by the father's ruthless stubbornness and that family "honour" seems to be more important and essential to and for him than even the health and welfare, the life of his son, not to mention that I am also massively annoyed by the fact that even Li Lun's mother (although definitely more sympathetic towards her son) is obviously too meek and too cowed by the father's role as pater familias to be both able and even all that willing to much intercede. And really, even considering that Li Lun: Lad of Courage is supposed to take place at a time when obeying and honouring one's parents, one's family (and family members' wishes, their demands) was likely generally totally and absolutely the accepted and required norm, for the father to not be able to even remotely comprehend and accept that Li Lun is actually and legitimately afraid of the sea, and to harshly and yes, dangerously, banish him to the mountaintop because of this (and that the father is simply unwilling to even fathom that due to his fear of the sea, Li Lun does, of course, not want to become a fisherman), all this does not only seem unnecessarily harsh to the extreme, to me and for me, it almost seems as though the father in Li Lun: Lad of Courage is actually hoping that his son will not ever come back, that Li Lun will disappear.
And while I most certainly did end up enjoying reading about Li Lun's struggles, his courage and how he survives, how he thrives and manages to plant and grow his required and demanded rice, the father's and by extension also the mother's behaviours and actions did leave and still do retain a more than slightly bitter and nasty aftertaste (not enough for me to totally despise Li Lun: Lad of Courage, but definitely enough for me to only consider a high two star rating, as even at the end of Li Lun: Lad of Courage Li Lun's father is ONLY proud and happy because his son has succeeded planting and growing the rice, and NEVER even remotely considers apologising, never considers his own nastiness and harshness towards his son as having possibly been unacceptable, that his demands and dictates of and towards his son might have been much too harsh, and were in fact potentially dangerous and therefore not at all appropriate by any and all stretches of my imagination).
And while I most certainly did end up enjoying reading about Li Lun's struggles, his courage and how he survives, how he thrives and manages to plant and grow his required and demanded rice, the father's and by extension also the mother's behaviours and actions did leave and still do retain a more than slightly bitter and nasty aftertaste (not enough for me to totally despise Li Lun: Lad of Courage, but definitely enough for me to only consider a high two star rating, as even at the end of Li Lun: Lad of Courage Li Lun's father is ONLY proud and happy because his son has succeeded planting and growing the rice, and NEVER even remotely considers apologising, never considers his own nastiness and harshness towards his son as having possibly been unacceptable, that his demands and dictates of and towards his son might have been much too harsh, and were in fact potentially dangerous and therefore not at all appropriate by any and all stretches of my imagination).
January 10, 2017
Interesting book, one of those though where you wonder how culturally accurate it is being written by someone who was not a member of the culture they are writing about. Of course, sometimes you just want to read a story and set the politics of the thing aside for awhile.
Whether or not it resembles the culture it is supposed to portray, it is still an interesting read. I'm sure modern people look at sending a boy up a mountain to grow rice as rather extreme parenting. Though, I'm sure it would have sounded less extreme in the 1940's when the book was written especially taking into account that they were on an island. He wasn't going to get lost in the wilderness and he could always have given up and gone home. He could see home from his high vantage point. That detail makes it feel like a more believable work.
Anyone who has tried to grow a tomato plant on their patio can relate to some of Li Lun's struggles in a small way. I'm an adult, but I still remember trying to please my parents and hoping they wouldn't be disappointed in me. I probably still feel that way to some extent.
On the bright side, it is also not a particularly long work of juvenile fiction. Even if you don't like it, at least you haven't spent too long on it. :)
Whether or not it resembles the culture it is supposed to portray, it is still an interesting read. I'm sure modern people look at sending a boy up a mountain to grow rice as rather extreme parenting. Though, I'm sure it would have sounded less extreme in the 1940's when the book was written especially taking into account that they were on an island. He wasn't going to get lost in the wilderness and he could always have given up and gone home. He could see home from his high vantage point. That detail makes it feel like a more believable work.
Anyone who has tried to grow a tomato plant on their patio can relate to some of Li Lun's struggles in a small way. I'm an adult, but I still remember trying to please my parents and hoping they wouldn't be disappointed in me. I probably still feel that way to some extent.
On the bright side, it is also not a particularly long work of juvenile fiction. Even if you don't like it, at least you haven't spent too long on it. :)
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September 1, 2021I had to read this for school, I did really enjoy it though.
June 24, 2012
Hey, JoAnne, I think this is a good candidate for the read-aloud!
This book is highly reminiscent of "Call It Courage," but has worth all it's own, as the main characters of each book are very different and are set on their tasks for different internal reasons.
This book is a great little look at a portion of Chinese culture (I think, I mean, I don't really know if that statement is a fact, as I don't know enough about Chinese culture), but it seems like it. That was a really lame general statement. Okay, how about this: this book is a nice look at what the culture on a small Chinese island could have looked like in the early part of the 1900's. Better?
From other books I've read that deal with China & her people, one thing I can say I've noticed about the culture that recurs in this book is the respect for parents/elders, total and unquestioning obedience of children, stalwart perseverance and a non-complaining attitude under great hardship. This book contains these elements perfectly.
I adored the names by which Li Lun thought of his mother, Precious mother, Beautiful mother, etc. This was a really great little book, wonderfully written.
--
JoAnne, if we could find suitable books, it might be fun to think about doing a "cultural" read-aloud next year. "Call It Courage" for Polynesian, this one for Chinese and so on?? Just an idea.
This book is highly reminiscent of "Call It Courage," but has worth all it's own, as the main characters of each book are very different and are set on their tasks for different internal reasons.
This book is a great little look at a portion of Chinese culture (I think, I mean, I don't really know if that statement is a fact, as I don't know enough about Chinese culture), but it seems like it. That was a really lame general statement. Okay, how about this: this book is a nice look at what the culture on a small Chinese island could have looked like in the early part of the 1900's. Better?
From other books I've read that deal with China & her people, one thing I can say I've noticed about the culture that recurs in this book is the respect for parents/elders, total and unquestioning obedience of children, stalwart perseverance and a non-complaining attitude under great hardship. This book contains these elements perfectly.
I adored the names by which Li Lun thought of his mother, Precious mother, Beautiful mother, etc. This was a really great little book, wonderfully written.
--
JoAnne, if we could find suitable books, it might be fun to think about doing a "cultural" read-aloud next year. "Call It Courage" for Polynesian, this one for Chinese and so on?? Just an idea.
February 9, 2017
I'm both impressed with Li Lun's courage and problem solving and saddened by his father's harshness. I know it was a different time and a different culture, but to send your young son to grow rice on the top of a mountain alone just because he is scared to fish seems way beyond unnecessarily harsh. Aside from that aspect though, I ended up enjoying Li Lun's determination to survive, to protect his rice plants, and to solve each problem he faced.
January 3, 2017
Well, this is a fine read, quick, lively, interesting. The illustrations by Kurt Wiese are super and really enhance the story.
However, there's so much here that's so very similar to Call It Courage that it feels to me as if I'm reading two entries in a series called 'brave boys on foreign islands' or something!
But I've decided to rate it unto itself, and give it 3.5 stars, rounded up because I really liked the adult characters even though I wouldn't have noticed them much as a child reader.
Newbery Honor discussion Jan 2017 in Children's Books group.
However, there's so much here that's so very similar to Call It Courage that it feels to me as if I'm reading two entries in a series called 'brave boys on foreign islands' or something!
But I've decided to rate it unto itself, and give it 3.5 stars, rounded up because I really liked the adult characters even though I wouldn't have noticed them much as a child reader.
Newbery Honor discussion Jan 2017 in Children's Books group.
May 9, 2023
I liked the story well enough but I sure didn’t care for its premise.
When it is time for all the fishermen to set sail, Li Lun tells his father he will not go - he’s too scared of evil spirits in the salt water. His father is furious. Rather than telling him to come, and that they will face this fear together, he slaps him across the face and tells him he is a coward. He then orders him to plant seven rice grains at the very top of the mountain and to not return until he’s harvested seven times as many grains.
Of course the lack of parental shepherding and skirting around the issue leads to other issues. Shame. No sense of forgiveness. A fear left unfaced. Finding encouragement and confirmation in someone other than his father.
Aside from that, the rest of the story is about how Li Lun journeys up the mountain, plants his grains and tends them for four months, fending off the weather, rats and sea gulls, until he can harvest them.
So an interesting tale about rice growing and facing hardships, as well as avoiding the one thing you fear but still being called courageous.
I liked the book Call It Courage a lot more and would recommend that as an alternative.
Ages: 5 - 12
Cleanliness: see above. Mentions evil spirits. There are a couple superstitions eluded to, one being a doll that you put outside that sweeps away the weather. A boy goes to a temple and talks with a priest.
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When it is time for all the fishermen to set sail, Li Lun tells his father he will not go - he’s too scared of evil spirits in the salt water. His father is furious. Rather than telling him to come, and that they will face this fear together, he slaps him across the face and tells him he is a coward. He then orders him to plant seven rice grains at the very top of the mountain and to not return until he’s harvested seven times as many grains.
Of course the lack of parental shepherding and skirting around the issue leads to other issues. Shame. No sense of forgiveness. A fear left unfaced. Finding encouragement and confirmation in someone other than his father.
Aside from that, the rest of the story is about how Li Lun journeys up the mountain, plants his grains and tends them for four months, fending off the weather, rats and sea gulls, until he can harvest them.
So an interesting tale about rice growing and facing hardships, as well as avoiding the one thing you fear but still being called courageous.
I liked the book Call It Courage a lot more and would recommend that as an alternative.
Ages: 5 - 12
Cleanliness: see above. Mentions evil spirits. There are a couple superstitions eluded to, one being a doll that you put outside that sweeps away the weather. A boy goes to a temple and talks with a priest.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
March 3, 2021
Reminds me a lot of Call it Courage. Enjoyable. Quick. Good read aloud and underline story of perseverance and hard work.
January 18, 2010
Li Lun, Lad of Courage is a short book, and very straightforward, but it does a good job of melding an interesting story of Chinese culture with a tale about feeling fear and overcoming the hurt that being labeled a coward will bring by proving one's internal bravery in one's own way.
To me, what makes Li Lun as compelling a character as he is, is the fact that he is totally ordinary. I didn't sense any kind of above-and-beyond courage on his part in this book; what made him brave was his willingness to accept the challenges presented to him, regardless of how severe they were, and to turn the opportunities he was given into a better future for himself.
Li Lun lives in a small Chinese fishing village, where a man's (or boy's) worth is generally measured by his ability to catch fish on the family boats. However, as desperately as Li Lun longs to please his father (Teng Lun), the boy is terrified of the sea and wants no part at all of the life that a fisherman leads. Ashamed and derided by those around him, Li Lun dares to disobey his father's direct imperative to join him in his boat to leave for their fishing trip. At the intercession of Li Lun's mother (Wang Lun) to prevent an even worse punishment, Teng Lun angrily gives Li Lun the almost impossible task of growing rice on the mountain Lao Shan, as far from the water as it is possible to get. In this way begins Li Lun's journey toward an achievement that seems far too difficult for any child, but which could prove to everyone around him—including Li Lun, himself—that he is not a coward, but is as brave as any other in the village.
I have never heard of any other stories by author Carolyn Treffinger, but in this book at least, she is a beautifully expressive and sympathetic writer, leading with a calm, careful hand the narrative of Li Lun's experiences. This is a story that anyone who has ever felt afraid of something that others around them considered trivial will identify with right away, feeling the same things that Li Lun feels as he treks onward in hopes of earning the elusive respect of his father. Overall, the plot feels like a modern retelling of an old-fashioned fable, but with a lot of extra depth and richer characters.
I would recommend this book as a basic study of Chinese culture, an exciting coming-of-age story, or a catharsis for anyone whose personal courage has ever failed them, and who would like to try again where they have previously faltered. Li Lun, Lad of Courage certainly is an inspiring story, and I would give it two and a half stars.
To me, what makes Li Lun as compelling a character as he is, is the fact that he is totally ordinary. I didn't sense any kind of above-and-beyond courage on his part in this book; what made him brave was his willingness to accept the challenges presented to him, regardless of how severe they were, and to turn the opportunities he was given into a better future for himself.
Li Lun lives in a small Chinese fishing village, where a man's (or boy's) worth is generally measured by his ability to catch fish on the family boats. However, as desperately as Li Lun longs to please his father (Teng Lun), the boy is terrified of the sea and wants no part at all of the life that a fisherman leads. Ashamed and derided by those around him, Li Lun dares to disobey his father's direct imperative to join him in his boat to leave for their fishing trip. At the intercession of Li Lun's mother (Wang Lun) to prevent an even worse punishment, Teng Lun angrily gives Li Lun the almost impossible task of growing rice on the mountain Lao Shan, as far from the water as it is possible to get. In this way begins Li Lun's journey toward an achievement that seems far too difficult for any child, but which could prove to everyone around him—including Li Lun, himself—that he is not a coward, but is as brave as any other in the village.
I have never heard of any other stories by author Carolyn Treffinger, but in this book at least, she is a beautifully expressive and sympathetic writer, leading with a calm, careful hand the narrative of Li Lun's experiences. This is a story that anyone who has ever felt afraid of something that others around them considered trivial will identify with right away, feeling the same things that Li Lun feels as he treks onward in hopes of earning the elusive respect of his father. Overall, the plot feels like a modern retelling of an old-fashioned fable, but with a lot of extra depth and richer characters.
I would recommend this book as a basic study of Chinese culture, an exciting coming-of-age story, or a catharsis for anyone whose personal courage has ever failed them, and who would like to try again where they have previously faltered. Li Lun, Lad of Courage certainly is an inspiring story, and I would give it two and a half stars.
December 17, 2016
Nice story, not great writing.
The premise of the story is pretty original and actually captivating. The story quickly becomes dull, however, even in this short, short book. The middle of the book is repetitive. Regarding the writing, it feels very awkward in tone, mostly due to strange vocabulary. For instance, the writer uses the word "gulp" when talking about eating food towards the end. There lies some awkwardness also in the formality of the dialogue, but this is more excusable. Outside of the dialogue it seemed like it needed a good editor who would reduce some of the embellishment for a more natural tone.
While there is some charm to the book, it has little meaning. There are emotional parts, but they don't ultimately lead to anything. The ending (especially the last page) resolves very little. Though we see growth in Li Lun, the reader is left wondering what the point is. The last sentence in particular is horrendously corny. Imagine if a serious horror movie were to end abruptly with the line, "This has been the day of all the blood." It would be unbelievably tacky.
With all these criticisms, there was some heart to the story. It was not difficult to sympathize with Li Lun, but with a more interesting message than "Do your own thing and become strong," executed more thoroughly would have better tied things together. As it is, I'm not sure the book earned its award.
The premise of the story is pretty original and actually captivating. The story quickly becomes dull, however, even in this short, short book. The middle of the book is repetitive. Regarding the writing, it feels very awkward in tone, mostly due to strange vocabulary. For instance, the writer uses the word "gulp" when talking about eating food towards the end. There lies some awkwardness also in the formality of the dialogue, but this is more excusable. Outside of the dialogue it seemed like it needed a good editor who would reduce some of the embellishment for a more natural tone.
While there is some charm to the book, it has little meaning. There are emotional parts, but they don't ultimately lead to anything. The ending (especially the last page) resolves very little. Though we see growth in Li Lun, the reader is left wondering what the point is. The last sentence in particular is horrendously corny. Imagine if a serious horror movie were to end abruptly with the line, "This has been the day of all the blood." It would be unbelievably tacky.
With all these criticisms, there was some heart to the story. It was not difficult to sympathize with Li Lun, but with a more interesting message than "Do your own thing and become strong," executed more thoroughly would have better tied things together. As it is, I'm not sure the book earned its award.
September 1, 2015
I am probably giving up adult lit for a while, as the kids' new language/history program (which I am excited about) has me reading to them from 2 or 3 books at a time the whole year. That may be all the reading I get in! Our theme this year is "The Eastern Hemisphere," beginning with China. This was the first book we read for the year, and it was a good one! I LOVE the opportunity to read these stories that are so largely based on themes of honor, gratitude, respect, etc. This was a (relatively) quick read that we all enjoyed.
September 6, 2014
I loved this book so much that I used it to teach Special Ed students during a literacy class. It talks about fear, family ties, culture sociology and psychology of human nature. It is a great book that teaches one how to live up to their convictions and work hard at whatever they choose to do in life even if it is not the norm of society.
January 6, 2008
My father found this book in the town dump when I was a kid and brought it home for me. Can you imagine-- a Newbery honor book in the dump?? Anyway, I loved it and still have it and ought to reread it.
November 11, 2015
Read early for CC1 wk#9. This book reminded us of "Call it Courage" by Armstrong Perry. We all enjoyed reading about Li Lun's ability to complete his task in the face of many obstacles and how he over came those obstacles.
September 20, 2014
Great little story for kids about courage and perseverance.
January 18, 2018
I think this is a good way to explain how a fishing community in China might live to your children (who live in the US). Also when I read this to my boys it helped them understand hard work and persistence. I feel that showing them hard working children in books can be a bit of a motivator and inspiration to a generation who seems to think a lot about themselves and getting things immediately.
There are some issues I have with this book though. The main character is disobedient but he also doesn't have a very understanding father. There is a lack of communication between the two, and that is really sad. I find that the idea of a child traveling on his own to a mountain to do something for a few months without supervision when the main character is only about ten is really frightening too. Was the father just taunting and sending his son away to die? Also I feel there was no resolve between their relationship at the end even.
My sons enjoyed this book a little more than I did. I'd give it more like 2.5 stars while they'd give it about 3.5. Therefore I averaged it out for this review.
There are some issues I have with this book though. The main character is disobedient but he also doesn't have a very understanding father. There is a lack of communication between the two, and that is really sad. I find that the idea of a child traveling on his own to a mountain to do something for a few months without supervision when the main character is only about ten is really frightening too. Was the father just taunting and sending his son away to die? Also I feel there was no resolve between their relationship at the end even.
My sons enjoyed this book a little more than I did. I'd give it more like 2.5 stars while they'd give it about 3.5. Therefore I averaged it out for this review.
March 22, 2019
I would recommend this book to anybody who is feeling cowardly and needs to find strength to try new things. As I read through this book, my feelings went from worried and scared to amazed and proud of Li Lun.
First, Li Lun was supposed to go fishing with his dad, but since he did not like water, Li Lun was called a coward by his father and friends. Li Lun's father told him angrily to plant 7 grains of rice on Lao Shan, his home mountain on Blue Shark island. It is nearly impossible to grow rice on a mountain. Next, Li Lun sadly went up the mountain to plant his rice. While on the mountain, several creatures tried to eat his rice and sometimes succeeded. Then, he only had one plant left and he went to the ceremony to bless the rice. Lastly, once the ceremony was over, he was finally able to see his mother and father again. His dad was very happy to see Li Lun and forgot about Li Lun's cowardliness.
First, Li Lun was supposed to go fishing with his dad, but since he did not like water, Li Lun was called a coward by his father and friends. Li Lun's father told him angrily to plant 7 grains of rice on Lao Shan, his home mountain on Blue Shark island. It is nearly impossible to grow rice on a mountain. Next, Li Lun sadly went up the mountain to plant his rice. While on the mountain, several creatures tried to eat his rice and sometimes succeeded. Then, he only had one plant left and he went to the ceremony to bless the rice. Lastly, once the ceremony was over, he was finally able to see his mother and father again. His dad was very happy to see Li Lun and forgot about Li Lun's cowardliness.
August 8, 2020
Li Lun is a charming, but fearful, island boy from a village that's not entirely self-sufficient- they trade they fish they catch for rice and other goods on the main land. When other boys his age are prepping for their coming of age ceremony, a long fishing trip with their fathers, Li Lun is begging to get out of it because he's afraid of the sea. His father is angered, but his "Beautiful Mother" (as Li Lun always refers to her) points out that this is likely inherited this fear because one of his grandfathers was a farmer. So Li Lun's father hands him a mere seven rice grains with orders to grow these on top of the mountain and not to return until he has multiplied this seven times (in other words, he wants 49 grains of rice). Li Lun now seeks knowledge of rice growing from an elder and his mother helps him prepare for his solo efforts (including knowledge of how to preserve the rations she's giving him), before leaving home.
More to come...
More to come...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2022
My daughter had to read this for school (for a historical, cultural look at China), and she mentioned loving it, so I read it this afternoon. I also really enjoyed the story, the boys bravery (in standing up to his father, and in the various things he did to complete his tasks), the simple little pen and ink illustrations.
I do see several low reviews by people who “can’t believe” how harsh the father would be. Well, an important reason to read historical fiction is to give your mind some examples of eras and cultures that you cannot imagine. Unfortunately, throughout human history and even around the world today, a lot of things are happening that are worse than or at least quite different from your personal situation. Writing them off and giving books low stars for trying to show you a peek outside of your box is not a good choice. If the book showed you a new perspective and grew your understanding about the world, that’s a reason for more stars, not less.
I do see several low reviews by people who “can’t believe” how harsh the father would be. Well, an important reason to read historical fiction is to give your mind some examples of eras and cultures that you cannot imagine. Unfortunately, throughout human history and even around the world today, a lot of things are happening that are worse than or at least quite different from your personal situation. Writing them off and giving books low stars for trying to show you a peek outside of your box is not a good choice. If the book showed you a new perspective and grew your understanding about the world, that’s a reason for more stars, not less.
December 26, 2019
Solid three stars. Spoilers ahead. Unexceptional story of a young Chinese boy, Li Lun, who is called coward because of his fear of the sea. Since he's unwilling to go his first fishing voyage, his father sentences him to grow rice on a barren mountaintop. He's given only 7 grains and is instructed to bring back seven times as many (49). Li Lun is 10 years old and must face four months alone in the elements fending off rats and gulls and carrying water for his seven plants. Plant after plant dies or is eaten by gulls/rats until only one is left which of course is able to supply the necessary seeds more than two times over. His triumph is blessed by the local temple and he becomes the one who teaches the villagers how to grow rice so that they're no longer dependent on buying rice from other islands. I read this for my 2019 Reading Challenge and my Newbery Challenge (Honor 1948).
May 31, 2017
This was a classic, good old-fashioned tale from a coastal Chinese fishing village. People that aspire to a post-modern tradition may pooh-pooh moralistic tales such as these, but I fully embrace the strong and clear messages that are conveyed. The solitude of Li Lun's ordeal is daunting, but he successfully works through myriad challenges, even as almost all of his rice plants get ruined by seagulls and rats. One of the most important lessons that resonates very strongly is how being open about our own weaknesses and communicating helps us move forward with greater strength. It was too bad he couldn't save either of the seagull chicks to keep him company, but it was a fun and short read.
August 9, 2020
Published in 1947, "Li Lun, Lad of Courage" offers a window into the harsh world of a poor fisherman's son in China. After refusing to go aboard his father's fishing boat, 10-year-old Li Lun is condemned by his parents to live in solitude atop a barren mountain and tasked with growing rice there (a near-impossible task). He lives there alone for 99 days with very little compassion or encouragement, except from a priest (who stands up for Li Lun's courage and perseverance).
* Sparse and beautiful black-and-white illustrations, which complement the story well.
* Ages 10-12+.
* Note: Li Lun and his family believe in superstitions and evil spirits, which are mentioned throughout the book.
* Sparse and beautiful black-and-white illustrations, which complement the story well.
* Ages 10-12+.
* Note: Li Lun and his family believe in superstitions and evil spirits, which are mentioned throughout the book.
December 13, 2025
Li Lun lives in a fishing village and all boys his age go to sea with the adults on fishing expeditions. Li Lun is afraid of the sea water and determines not to go. When his father summons him on board and Li Lun admits his fear, his father calls him a coward. As punishment, Li Lun is sent to the top of the mountain with 7 grains of rice and told not to return to the village until he has produced a harvest. The mountain where he is sent is one no one has been able to farm for years. Can he conquer his fears and produce a crop?
Part of my Newbery book challenge. I enjoyed this for the message of conquering fears and learning that what you do is important.
Part of my Newbery book challenge. I enjoyed this for the message of conquering fears and learning that what you do is important.
September 25, 2017
What an amazing story of courage. We felt we were right there with Li Lun as he worked hard to make the rice grow. My kids were on the edge of their seats at the end of the story, anxious to see how Li Lun's actions would be accepted by the townspeople and more importantly, by his family! His courage and recognition brought tears to my eyes and I felt such pride for him. My oldest daughter said the ending was horrible. She really wanted Li Lun's dad to recognize his accomplishment. That being said, the acknowledgment of the mother was tender and sweet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2019
My kids read this for school. I read it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. This kid thinks he has no courage because he fears the sea. But, he faces his father's wrath, a three month stay on top of mountain all alone, and an impossible task. It's a lovely look at what courage actually is and how there are many valuable tasks to be performed in a community by people of all skill levels. Highly recommended.
September 25, 2019
A young boy is shamed by his father for being too afraid to go on the family fishing boat with him, who makes him take seven grains of rice up the mountain to plant and harvest. Li Lun braves the elements and lives on his own for four months, determined to bring a successful rice harvest back down the mountain to prove his worth.
Meh. A bit dated and not overly engaging. Certainly not one of the better Newbery Honor Books.
Meh. A bit dated and not overly engaging. Certainly not one of the better Newbery Honor Books.
April 3, 2020
I loved Li Lun, Lad of Courage by Carolyn Treffinger. Li Lun is a Chinese boy who lives on an island close to the sea that he is scared of. When he refuses to go fishing, his father sends him to grow rice on Lao Shan, a very dry mountain. Li Lun grows the rice and with it proves that there is more than one kind of courage. I think that this is a very good book. It teaches that we all have weaknesses, but it also teaches that we all have strengths too.
May 12, 2023
Ages: 8+
Content considerations: harsh relationship between father and son
Good book. I don’t often care for stories wherein a child’s disobedience leads to the discovery of his father being wrong, but set in the context of Chinese culture, this book in no way glorifies the son for his disobedience. Rather it exposes the wrongs of the culture at large, exemplified by the father’s response to his son’s fears.
Content considerations: harsh relationship between father and son
Good book. I don’t often care for stories wherein a child’s disobedience leads to the discovery of his father being wrong, but set in the context of Chinese culture, this book in no way glorifies the son for his disobedience. Rather it exposes the wrongs of the culture at large, exemplified by the father’s response to his son’s fears.
December 9, 2023
This was a quick read! But it managed to capture the adventure of the story and edited the benefits to the differences in us all. There are many kinds of courage. There are several longer books in the Newbery Honor roll call that I wish would take this example of how to convey a culture and setting without using an overabundance of words.
August 14, 2024
I think this book is a good read for kids age 8 and under.
I read it every night, a chapter or 2 a day. And I do think the book was really slow. The story line had so much unnecessary detail. I wouldn’t read it for fun but I would read it to children. It does have a good lesson for them to show courage and be brave.
I read it every night, a chapter or 2 a day. And I do think the book was really slow. The story line had so much unnecessary detail. I wouldn’t read it for fun but I would read it to children. It does have a good lesson for them to show courage and be brave.
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