CODE TALKER: A NOVEL ABOUT THE NAVAJO MARINES OF WORLD WAR TWO by Joseph Bruchac

Bibliography
Bruchac, Joseph. 2005. Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two. New York: Dial Books. ISBN 0803729219

Plot Summary
Ned Begay gets sent to boarding school where he is taught that all things Navajo must be forgotten, especially his language. However, World War II begins, and Ned joins the Marines where his sacred Navajo language is in dire need. He learns that his language is needed to send messages in code throughout the war, and his experiences as a code talker and fighting in the conflict with Japan are revealed.

Critical Analysis
Ned Begay recaps his story as a Navajo code talker in World War II to his grandchildren.  Although the account is fictional, it is a well-researched story that brings to life the racism the Navajos had to face in America at the time and the obstacles they had to overcome. These Marines were heroes, yet their story had to be kept secret for many years after World War II. The account rings true because the reader learns there is good and bad in everyone. Yes, the Navajos were treated badly in their own country. However, not all whites are portrayed as evil just like in real life there are good and bad people. Ned makes many Marine friends, Navajo and non-Navajo, whom he comes to love and respect and vice versa. Also, although America is fighting Japan, one realizes that the Japanese were not an evil people. Many wanted the war to be over. It was a select few who kept the war going which caused many lives to be lost, including a huge number of Japanese. Ned himself has a shocking revelation of realizing how much the Japanese resemble his people. He realizes that they are people just like him as the war progresses, and the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki move him deeply.

Any good work of historical fiction is thoroughly researched, and Bruchac did his research for this novel. An author’s note explains how he had conversations with his own relatives who served in the war. Since Bruchac is not of Navajo heritage, he consulted Navajos on their culture, especially actual Navajo code talkers. Recommendations for further reading about the Navajos, World War II, and code talkers are also given.

I like how Bruchac incorporates the Navajo culture throughout the book. Navajo words are used, and their meanings can be gathered from the surrounding text. When an important code is revealed, it is shown first in Navajo and then in English. Although seeing it written out in Navajo interrupts the flow of reading, I like how it signals that something crucially important to the war effort is being revealed. Bruchac also incorporates Navajo ceremonies that would naturally occur. Ned goes through the Blessingway ceremony before enlisting in the Marines so that he would be kept safe from harm throughout the war. Another element that I love is the respect and love for family within the Navajo culture. Ned enlists in the Marines only after asking his parents for permission. This novel is wonderful and will give any Navajo a sense of pride for the sacrifices their ancestors have made for America.

Awards Won & Review Excerpts

• Best Children's Books of the Year, 2005; Bank Street College of Education

• Booklist Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth, 2005

• Notable Children's Books, 2006; ALSC American Library Association

• Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2006; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS

• YALSA Best Books for Young Adults, 2006; American Library Association

• Booklist: "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."

• Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices: The horrors of discrimination and the harrows of battle are never minced in Bruchac’s honest novel.

• Kirkus Reviews: "With its multicultural themes and well-told WWII history, this will appeal to a wide audience."

• The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books: " . . .this is a book about victory, not victimization; the focus is firmly on the resiliency and grace of Native America in the most trying of times."

Connections

• Bruchac offers a bibliography of resources that can help one learn more about the Navajos, World War II, and code talkers. Delve into a couple of these resources.

• Other books by Joseph Bruchac about Native Americans:

          Geronimo. ISBN 0439353602
          Our Stories Remember: American Indian History, Culture, & Values Through 
          Storytelling. ISBN 1555911293

• Other books with different viewpoints on World War II:

          Bass, Karen. Summer of Fire. ISBN 9781550504156
          Ruby, Lois. Shanghai Shadows. ISBN 9780823419609
          Zusak, Markus. The Book Thief. ISBN 0375831002