Code Talker

-Joseph Bruchac

Throughout World War II, in the conflict fought against Japan, Navajo code talkers were a crucial part of the U.S. effort, sending messages back and forth in an unbreakable code that used their native language. They braved some of the heaviest fighting of the war, and with their code, they saved countless American lives. Yet their story remained classified for more than twenty years.

Joseph Bruchac brings their stories to life for young adults through the riveting fictional tale of Ned Begay, a sixteen-year-old Navajo boy who becomes a code talker. His grueling journey is eye-opening and inspiring. This deeply affecting novel honors all of those young men, like Ned, who dared to serve, and it honors the culture and language of the Navajo Indians.

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Fantastic junior/YA book about Navajo Indian Code Talkers during WWII. Told in story-teller fashion, of a grandfather speaking to his grandchildren. It does not gloss over the horrors of war, though being told in a story-like fashion, it does give the reader enough distance to not be upsetting, especially for younger readers. Overall, I read about something that is little known about WWII. While I was dismayed that the Native American Indians who gave so much of themselves for this war effort were not honored and actively discriminated against before, during and even after the war, I am glad they are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

Heidi Y.