Read for: Recent Purchase & Veterans Day
Synopsis: "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."
My Review: The Code Talkers were only briefly mentioned in my history classes back in school but since hearing about them I have been intrigued. This was quite a dramatic story that follows a young Navajo from a difficult childhood up through serving in the marines for the very special service of code talker. I found it very interesting and eye-opening, and while it brought realities of both life on the reservation and WWII, it wasn't too gruesome and graphic for younger readers, even an interested Middle Grade reader could pick this book up. I almost wish that I was in school while reading this, I would have enjoyed the discussions, but I do look forward to Munchkin reading this one in a few 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."
My Review: The Code Talkers were only briefly mentioned in my history classes back in school but since hearing about them I have been intrigued. This was quite a dramatic story that follows a young Navajo from a difficult childhood up through serving in the marines for the very special service of code talker. I found it very interesting and eye-opening, and while it brought realities of both life on the reservation and WWII, it wasn't too gruesome and graphic for younger readers, even an interested Middle Grade reader could pick this book up. I almost wish that I was in school while reading this, I would have enjoyed the discussions, but I do look forward to Munchkin reading this one in a few years.
My Rating: This was an intense read that did need to be read at a slower pace but it was so worth it to learn a little bit more about these previously secret heroes. I give it a rating of Four Paws!
Go thank a Veteran today for all they have done for us and our country!
That’s awesome that it’s not gruesome and easy enough for middle grade kids to read. Did you see the movie they made about this? It’s really good too.
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