SOLVED. Polynesian Boy Conquers Fear of Water [s]

[J.]

In this book, a child of the island is afraid of water, and is scorned, because this is how the islanders get their living. One night he decides to face his fear, gets in one of the long canoes, and paddles out.

He finds an island. There he starts to make his living, encountering a few terrible beasts of the sea, and overcoming, including an octopus and a shark. However, the island he has discovered has occasional visitors, and these visitors are hungry. They are cannibals.

When they discover him, a great sea chase ensues, and he finally outruns them, and then returns to his home island. He is tall, built, and has a necklace of shark teeth, and they don't recognize him.

I can't remember the title or author.

[Meghan]

I found "Call it Courage" by Armstrong Sperry. Does that look right?Call It Courage

[J.]

Thanks, Meghan. That's it. Now I can buy myself a copy.

[Cathy]

that sounds really good!