What is the gist of Call it Courage?

Call it Courage is a coming of age story. Courage is perceived as an important trait among the Hikueru tribe, and it is a trait on which Mafatu is sorely lacking. Over the course of the novel, Mafatu is determined to look his fears in the eye and conquer them one by one. He begins with the ocean, after which, his courage is tested when he arrives on the island by himself and without a way to get home.