Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two

Joseph Bruchac

Jul 2006 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

This deeply affecting novel honors all the young men who dared to serve in World War II, and it honors the culture and language of the Navajo Indians.

"Readers who choose the book for the attraction of Navajo code talking and the heat of battle will come away with more than they ever expected to find."—Booklist, starred review

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.

But now 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. 

An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

"Nonsensational and accurate, Bruchac's tale is quietly inspiring..."—School Library Journal

Ratings and reviews

A fantastic novel, and can be used as an introduction to code talkers of the world wars. I, myself, never knew of code talkers before picking up this novel! I would recommend this novel to teachers in late elementary and in early junior high, as the themes present in the novel are thought-provoking and can set the foundation for important and honest discussions, especially about colonialism, the achievements of Indigenous peoples, and the inherent right to have one's culture preserved. I respect Joseph Bruchac's work on this novel, and I appreciate his decision on what themes and topics were to be discussed throughout the novel. As such, the many horrors of American Indian boarding schools were left out to focus on the achievements and growth of the Navajo code talkers. This decision does not invalidate what happened in the boarding schools, but rather empowers readers to broaden their understandings of Indigenous peoples. Readers will come to understand that tragedies may define a nation for many generations, but also discern the many nuances that complete these people.

At first thought it'd be boring. But after reading the first page I couldn't stop!! Love how I'm learning a piece of history while I read this!

At first I wasn't too sure about reading this book but when you get into it it's really good. This is definitely a must-have in my book (pun intended )

About the author

Joseph Bruchac is a highly acclaimed children's book author, poet, novelist and storyteller, as well as a scholar of Native American culture. Coauthor with Michael Caduto of the bestselling Keepers of the Earth series, Bruchac's poems, articles and stories have appeared in hundreds of publications, from Akwesasne Notes and American Poetry Review to National Geographic and Parabola. He has authored many books for adults and children including Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two, Skeleton Man, and The Heart of a Chief. For more information about Joseph, please visit his website www.josephbruchac.com.