A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two

A good read! A part of American history that should never be forgotten. Hard to believe that even in the 20th century, the American Indian was still treated as badly as they were and yet were so willing to fight and die for their country.

Code Talker is about a guy named Ned Begay who is Navajo, and in that time Navajos weren't appreciated. But when Ned is told that the Marines need more soldiers, so Ned signs up and becomes a code talker. Code talkers were very crutial to the turn out of the war, and without the Navajos who use their sacred language to fool the axis powers. It was a good book (I had to read it for required summer reading for my school) and I would definatly recommend it to other interested readers.

THIS IS A WONDERFULLY WRITTEN HISTORICAL FICTION ABOUT WWII NAVAJO CODE TALKERS. I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR ANY READER THAT ENJOYS HISTORY AND/OR HISTORICAL FICTION. A MUST READ! MRS. KATHRINE WHITNEY NIELSON

I read this book because my 6th grade soon needed to read a historical genre and I wanted to be able to discuss it with him. I was instantly engrossed. An easy read, well written, and a fascinating history.

I love historical fiction, especially that of WW2. I have learned so much about that horrible period of history. Code Talker is among the best. It is exciting, well researched and an excellent account of the Navajo marines.
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My 12-yr old son read this over the summer as one of the suggested books on his school's reading list. He absolutely devoured it! He said it was really interesting to learn about the Navaho Indians' involvement in WWII, as well as a bit about their culture. There were plenty of suspenseful and exciting bits as well. He enthusuastically recommends this book to anyone who enjoys learning about history, WWII and/or American Indians.

I am very pleased by the books remarkable depiction of the war at the time and not only is it good for Native Americans and Americans alike, but great for those who are from those islands where this story unfolds. I got this book for my 9 year old son, who wanted to understand some of the history of where he was born.

This was a very well written, interesting book. We learned a lot about what these people did during the war and how they helped others. It was truly amazing how long they could use their code and other nations couldn't break it.
I would highly recommend this book. If you have any interest in history, this was an important part, which was not known until more recent years.

Had some interesting history of Navajo culture, history of their language and its importance. Nothing spectacular about the use of their language or intriguing insights for code talk compared to the Enigma code etc. Lacked any suspense thrill or most important triumph of the human spirit such as sacrifice, bravery valor. A rather long plain vanilla diatribe of the war in the Pacific without any particular new or engaging moments or character development that we haven't learned already form better books. Many more good war books out there, not one of the best or even above average.

Code talker is a wonderful and also historical fiction book It shows what Navajo could do but also how the we're treated back then I suggest reading this book I would give it 100 or out 100 stars Also this book does talk about war so.. yea

Code talker is a wonderful and also historical fiction book It shows what Navajo could do but also how the we're treated back then I suggest reading this book I would give it 100 or out 100 stars Also this book does talk about war so.. yea

My grand son and I have both enjoyed this book very much. It was well written and a good read for anyone interested in this period of time in history!! Everyone should know the story of the Navajo Code Talkers, it is truly a story that should be shared over and over again!! The book is paper but has held up well after two reads. I can highly recommend the book and the vendor. Great service. Hope you enjoy the book as much as we have. A great addition to any home library.

This book held the interest of my 12 year old son that is a history buff of sorts. We read it together and it was very a good book. You could see the area and the situations in the story. Some books we sell after reading, this one is a keeper.

I got this for a young relative. I thought the story was well-told. It may require a little more attention than some of the recent books for readers this age, (Wimpy Kid, I like you, but I am talking about you here) but I think that is a plus.

I ordered my headband on a Friday and it arrived on Sunday. It was nearly packaged and without damage. I turned it on as the instructions stated and was able to connect it to my mobile phone without complication. The quality of sound is good and the material of the band is soft and stretchy. I like to watch videos on bed and this has been great for me, especially if I fall asleep wearing it. So far very satisfied with my purchase. I was also impressed with the variety of colors and materials offered, it made for a fun experience.

Absolutely wonderful. One of those untold stories that deserve to be shared. I especially recommend it for young people, high school students who consider WW2 as ancient history. Perhaps as an ebook so they can read it on their 'device'. I'm not sure they know how to read a real book.

The fictional story of a Navajo who became a code talker walks you real historical events of WWII and the secret of the code. An easy read that shows the sacrifice of a people who were discriminated against for their language but then sought out for the same.

Not having the time to sit and read many hard copy books, I listen to audio books while I do my work around the house and garden. Like those who read the book of this title who said they couldn't put it down, I found that I hated to have to turn off the cassette recorder! I do think that I perhaps got more out of the story by listening to it, because I was able to hear the Navajo language spoken as it should be, rather than just reading the unfamiliar words and not knowing how they would actually sound. The Navajo language is both beautiful and seemingly impossible for a non-Navajo to pronounce! No wonder it made a perfect method for coding information! I recommend this to everyone, young and adult.

This book is mediocre at best; it applies to a younger audience, so unless you're reading at a reading level above that of a sixth grader's, I wouldn't recommend it. This book does do a good job in exaggerating the importance of code talkers, and exploiting their life and what it was like to be in a hated Indian tribe. But, it lacks in contributing to the parts of war, which take up 1/2 to 3/4 of the book. The parts about the war are entirely innacurate, and lack to grasp the bigger picture. War is gruesome, it's awful, there is nothing fun really about it. You lose your friends, the people you grew up with, and you witness some things that will change your life forever. This book lacks to explain this expense of war. That is why it is for young readers, and young readers only. It is good for school, but at 7th and 8th grade is when this book becomes useless, and a waste of their time.

I purchased this Audiobook and found the narration to be woefully bad. The reader was totally mis-cast and unpolished. Words were omitted, mispronounced, and contracted throughout the book. It was a mediocre performance at best. Seriously, I want a refund!

I returned it. Didn't like it. Too much story and opinion about oppression. Drags on vs. incorporating enough historical material. I realize it is a novel but the beginning at least overly stresses the bigotry. I get it; so move on with the adventure and inspiring material about their incredible contribution and sacrifice.

I will not order from this company again. The jacket was falling off, pieced mealed pages, writing in book. I know it was used, but it should have set one step to recycle. Very disappointed grandson. He has to read book before movie....so ....

This is a very moving, inspiring and heartbreaking book about how the Navajo, after endless humiliation and mistreatment by white Americans, nevertheless provided a very important and secret service to the United States during World War II, and later conflicts, using their language to devise an unbreakable code that saved many lives during the War.

It begins with a description of how the narrator was educated at a religious school, where the teachers attempted to beat all that was Navajo out of their students, especially their language. As the reader knows that their language will ultimately prove to have enduring value to American soldiers during the War, the irony is painful. This part of the book is especially moving as Bruchac witnesses about the treatment and prejudice accorded the Native Americans by the dominant white culture which had confined them far from the land they once owned and loved. We think we know this history, but reading it through the eyes and ears of one of those who were treated so badly truly brings it home.

The part of the book the deals with the War itself, and the mission of the Code Talkers is inspiring for its depiction of breaking down the barriers of prejudice and the opening up of friendship among the men who come from different backgrounds but who fight together against a terrible enemy. Its descriptions of the horrors of war are much less dramatic than those of many other books, yet somehow convey it equally well.

The way in which the Code Talkers were treated after the War was over, merely completes the story of how our culture is perfectly willing to join with those it despises in order to gain an ally or an advantage, and then discard them once the danger is past, without a single thought of what will happen to them now. We can see this is how our leaders are abandoning the Kurds who have helped us so valiantly, without a qualm or any assistance, but that is another story.

I highly recommend this powerful book, which offers us a chance to look into the mirror at our national soul.

When you open the book, you are welcomed by a grandfather telling his story to the "grandchildren", all children, so they will not forget. In the tradition of oral history, his story unfolds with a matter of fact and honest tone with details woven in like an intricate design in a blanket. This is a story meant to be remembered, retold, and relished. Be prepared to sit down at the foot of grandfather and allow him to tell the tale in his own way. You will find yourself mesmerized as you learn the history of the people and of the pride of the young men who served for a cause to keep safe their country.

A must read for children and adults alike, Code Talker honestly portrays the shared experiences of many wrapped up in one protagonist, Ned Begay. Ned's voice rings clear and true starting from the beginning, not boot camp, but from his childhood. The story of Code Talkers must include this painful history in order to understand exactly what made the Diné Marines so exceptional in their choice to serve. Their love for the motherland, their incredible integrity and courage despite past experiences with discrimination and mistreatment, elements of the Diné culture, family love, belief system, deep connection with nature, and the ability to "see" truth with humor are beautifully painted to create a space for walking in someone else's moccasins" for a spell.

I highly recommend reading the book while listening to the recorded version, read by Derrick Henry, as it will help you to hear the beauty of the Diné language.

I "read" this every year to my students. Bruchac handles the difficult topics of discrimination and the harsh history of the Diné in a way that teaches and inspires my students to a deeper understanding and appreciation for Native Americans as well as other ethnic groups. What an eye-opener for them.

I got this book on the recommendation of my ten and a half year old granddaughter, M. Having now read the book I can see why M and her book group were so taken by it.

This is the story of the Navajo Code Talkers, as told by one of the original Navajo members of the group. It is in the first person and is crafted in the style of a story being told by a grandfather to an audience of his grandchildren. The narrator is actually fictional, (this isn't an autobiography as such), but the author has created a character who stands for and includes aspects of all of the World War II Navajo code talkers. The beauty of this approach is that it is a nonfiction subject presented in the form of an engaging and very personable individual's tale, with a consistent and subtly powerful voice. While we never stray very far from the facts or the subject, there is plenty of room for digressions, passing observations, and reflections on Navajo beliefs, practices and traditions.

The book is written in a direct and straightforward style, as you might expect from a spoken tale aimed at younger readers. No attempt is made to create an exhaustive hsitory of the code talkers, although the essential facts are presented, as is a good amount of illustrative detail and color. The reader has no difficulty believing that these are the true reminiscences of an actual code talker, which is a great trubute to the craftsmanship and ability of the author.

Importantly, in addition to being an interesting introduction to the code talkers, this is a touching and deeply felt tribute to many compelling aspects of Navajo life and belief. The code they spoke wasn't just built on a few Navajo words. How things were assigned Navajo code names reflected a unique Navajo sense of humor, and a sense of how objects were understood and connected. Different airplanes and pieces of ordnance were given code names that compared them to familiar animals. Some of the codes were puns or literal translations. In a way, this isn't so much the story of a complex cipher as it is a glimpse into Navajo culture. The fact that it also includes gripping tales of battle, adventure and conflict just adds even wider appeal.

So, an excellent and multifaceted work that is touching, informative, inspirational and thought provoking. Thanks for your recommendation, M; a good choice.

I learned a lot about Native Americans (NA) I did not know. The little I knew before reading the book came from my experience with the YMCA's Indian Guide and Indian Princess program which was developed to emulate the close familial bonds native Americans have with their children and to learn about NA's rich history and traditions. Like Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd, someone duped the YMCA into thinking edification was racist so now people who should know about the great NA culture, like our children, can no longer get it in that way. Now that my political rant is out of the way, this book would be a great way for pre-teens and older to learn about the hardships and great virtues of NA's. The book was easy to read and follow and a good one to parallel read with pre-teens or older and discuss. I read it in one day, a very long day in the course of traveling 20 hours to get home on planes trains and automobiles. The authors story follows a lose timeline of WWII so I learned a bit about Iwa Jima, Okinawa and other battles and the different treatment the NA's got in the military and as veterans. It explores many NA virtues and particularly how their admirable strength and humility helped our country, ergo, the world in it's fight for freedom during WWII. My biggest take away was the equanimity of the NA's and how the culture seeks of balance and beauty in all things even in the horrific situations encountered in war. Very enjoyable and wholesome.

Code Talkers by Joseph Bruchac is a one of a kind true story based on the Navajo Marines and their war efforts towards World War Two. Ned Begay a young Navajo goes to boarding school, receiving a new name, new clothes, and a new language. He learns the ways of the white people. School was easy for Ned, but not being able to speak his native language was a struggle.
Accepted into high school Ned continued his education unlike many of the other Navajos. One day during school over the radio Ned and the other students heard that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor, right then Ned and many of the other students rushed to sign up for the war. However, Ned was not yet old enough, a few years went by until he was 16 and convinced the Marines he was 17 and able to fight. Navajos were needed for a special mission and Ned took part. Code Talkers. No one was to know what they Navajos were up to. The countries fighting as part of The Axis Power, would listen in on the radio frequencies. But because the Americans were sending messages in Navajo they couldn’t understand what was being said. Instead they decided to pinpoint the location of the radios and drop bombs. The war was long, Ned escaping death several times.

Unlike the Italians and other countries that had fallen to the U.S. the Japanese were relentless. The Japanese made tons of traps and had thousands of Kamikaze pilots and suicide attacks that were portrayed as heroic by the Japanese. The Japanese civilians were told that all the suicide attacks were helping to defeat the Americans, but in reality most the suicide attackers didn’t hit their targets crashing before they reached their intended location. Throughout the war Ned faces many hardships and does many remarkable things, teaching the world the secret about what the Navajos really did during World War Two.

I really enjoyed this story and loved the way Joseph Bruchac “ Ned” expressed the events that occurred . There was quite a bit of humor throughout the novel which I really liked. Readers experience many emotions as the story goes on. Ned and the other Code Talkers are inspirational, and deserve honor for what they accomplished.

I recommend this book for anyone that’s interested in war books especially holocaust books, or true stories. Marines and other military soldiers fight for our country everyday and should be honored in the highest way possible.

I am writing this as a Middle School math teacher who has the task of getting reluctant readers (boys) to read, knowing that there will not be a grade assigned, nor any test given after the boys finish reading. THE BOYS LOVE THIS BOOK! In fact, the boys are reading this book faster than the book that I assigned for the girls. This book also have the added benefit of sharing an often entirely overlooked facet of WWII, while demonstrating that the first Americans, Native Americans, have fought, bled, died and suffered injury for this country, even after being mistreated and undervalued in this country!
I intend to follow up this reading with a showing of one of the movies, and/or documentaries to compare and contrast, as well as build interest. The Social Studies teacher that I work with thinks that this is a great idea.

At the tender age of 6, Kii Yazhi was taken away from his family and put into school. At the school, they were forbidden to talk Navajo. Instead they must practice their English. They were also given new clothes, new haircuts, and above all a new name.

Ned grew up at the school learning English. Before long, the country was engaged in WWII. Ned wanted to go and fight, but he promised his parents he would wait a year. After the year was over, he entered the Marine Corps, lying about his age.

There he learned about a special program for those who spoke Navajo. He joined this program and learned that he would have to keep his life a complete secret.

He and other Navajo speakers created a code where they sent messages back and forth. It was a code the leaders were convinced the Japanese couldn't crack.

My Thoughts: I've always wanted to read this book and so I chose it for the book club at the library. It as good, a bit different than what I expected. Ned shares his viewpoint from the war, which were equally interesting and horrifying. He narrated the book as if he were telling his story to his grandchildren. Normally, I don't like that interaction between the reader and the story, but for this book, it works. I loved learning about a piece of history I knew nothing about previously.

This historical fiction novel follows the experiences of Ned Begay as told to his grandchildren many years after the fact. He starts by explaining his experiences at a boarding school where the teachers did everything they could to strip the students of their Navajo identity. Ned survives by becoming the model student, on the outside, but sneaking around with some of the other students, he manages to keep his language skills. Later, as he works his way through high school dealing with racist treatment all the way. But he decides he wants to serve his country. He convinces his parents to let him join the Marines at the age of sixteen. He becomes a code talker and used his language skills to communicate through some of the worst fighting of World War II.

A fascinating look at a part of history that is often overlooked, directing well-deserved attention to those who provided a vital service at an important time in our history. Bruchac does a fine job of honoring those who have so long deserved the recognition. The detail he provides gives the reader an idea of the horrific loss of life that occurred during World War II. The writing is solid, just like Ned Begay. This book combines well with a nonfiction book about the history of codes and the sending of coded messages.

In Joseph Bruchac’s Code Talker, this non-fictional story took place throughout World War II in a battle between the Japanese and Americans. Ned Begay, a sixteen-year-old Navajo boy, always dreamt of becoming a Marine. He and many others were faced with difficult and daring tasks but they prevailed and made it. These “code talkers” sent important messages back and forth in an unbreakable code that nobody knew but them. How would he help defeat the Japanese? I recommend this book to anyone interested in American history, middle-schoolers and up. This story is filled with an unlimited supply of historical text about the Navajos, World War II, and the way people interacted.

Unfortunately, as we all know, nothing is perfect. To get where Ned was at, he faced many obstacles. He had to leave a family behind, he had very little and he knew nobody. His efforts and contributions saved hundreds of American lives and to this day, his story still lives on.

Pros: Talks about American history, Importance of Code Talkers, Life of a Marine, Very descriptive about World War II
Cons: Starts off slow, needs to go more in depth about the “Code”, few characters

This book is brilliant. It is non-fiction, but the author turned the story into a masterpiece. This book is about a native American named Ned Begay , who is taken from his family when he was young, and put in a boarding school. He grows up, learns English, and joins the army. He is a special person; a Navajo. The Navajo language was used as a code in World War Two. The Japanese enemies could figure out any code in less than a week, so the U.S. Marines needed a language that had never been studied or known of. The earlier unbreakable code was the white code, but it took four hours to send a message that the Navajo code could send in 2.5 minutes.

Every part of this book is in complete detail, and is very specific. Joseph Bruchac is the award-winning author of more than 100 books, most of which draw upon aspects of his Native American heritage. Among other honors, he has won the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers Circle of the Americas, and the Virginia Hamilton Literary Award for his enduring contribution to the field of multicultural literature for children. He lives in Greenfield Center, New York. I would have given this book three stars, but I remembered a really creepy and funny part of the book: when a dead soldier comes back to life... on his own! The author didn't make the story boring, or tweak it up to make it sound more modern, he just wrote a true breath-taking, action-packed, amazing novel about the World War Two Navajos. Ned Begay has a ton of adventures throughout the book. He makes some friends, some of them die, some get seriously injured, some just manage to stay alive. He actually meets John F. Kennedy! He doesn't kill anyone (which in my opinion isn't very cool) but he does encounter some disgusting rotting corpses (erhh!).

This book may** get boring in some places, but as soon as you want to put it down, it starts to get good again. I recommend this book to people who like historical non-fiction (AKA history), and everybody who enjoys reading. I really loved this book because it's so hooking. I love the way Joseph Bruchac describes everything with such detail. I don't know how he found out so much about World War Two, but I like it. It took me several weeks to read Code Talker, but it was as satisfying as the blurb said it would be. It is one of the best books I have ever read. You can check it out at your local library, or buy it on ebay. It really is worth your money. The Navajos were really important people during the war, so I think you'll be impressed when you read a story written just about them.

Ned Begay, a six year old kid, who had to leave his Navajo home, in America and join a boarding school, had to learn the English language and the American ways. In the boarding school, he was not allowed to speak his native language and if he did, there were consequences. Japan was one of the most powerful countries, at that time. Soon Japan started attacking America and World War 2 began. Marine recruiters started looking for Navajos to join the Marines. Ned Begay joined the Marines. He was a code talker, who was not allowed to tell anyone, not even his own family. He would send and receive messages in a secret code. The code was extremely difficult to learn and only a Navajo could learn it. For every letter in the English Alphabet, a Navajo word was assigned. After a lot of practice of the code, Ned was shipped to Hawaii, to battle the Japanese. They had to take an exercise on the big island of Hawaii to experience all kinds of terrains. They had to cross a desert, on foot, in two days and everyone had only one bottle of water. By second day, everybody had collapsed, and only the Navajos had water left. The Navajos were nothing but the best. They had to write a letter to the Colonel to get some drinking water in the desert. After a few days, Hawaii was filled with blood, and dead bodies. Read the book, to find out what happens next. I liked the book " Code Talker " because of the facts that are in the book. One fact I learned was Japan took food from the poor and gave them to their Army. The food was donated to Japan by America, before the war.

Ned Begay, a six year old kid, who had to leave his Navajo home, in America and join a boarding school, had to learn the English language and the American ways. In the boarding school, he was not allowed to speak his native language and if he did, there were consequences. Japan was one of the most powerful countries, at that time. Soon Japan started attacking America and World War 2 began. Marine recruiters started looking for Navajos to join the Marines. Ned Begay joined the Marines. He was a code talker, who was not allowed to tell anyone, not even his own family. He would send and receive messages in a secret code. The code was extremely difficult to learn and only a Navajo could learn it. For every letter in the English Alphabet, a Navajo word was assigned. After a lot of practice of the code, Ned was shipped to Hawaii, to battle the Japanese. They had to take an exercise on the big island of Hawaii to experience all kinds of terrains. They had to cross a desert, on foot, in two days and everyone had only one bottle of water. By second day, everybody had collapsed, and only the Navajos had water left. The Navajos were nothing but the best. They had to write a letter to the Colonel to get some drinking water in the desert. After a few days, Hawaii was filled with blood, and dead bodies. Read the book, to find out what happens next. I liked the book " Code Talker " because of the facts that are in the book. One fact I learned was Japan took food from the poor and gave them to their Army. The food was donated to Japan by America, before the war.

It's a interesting book but not something I would read. I mean he throws a goat and buffalo story in it, also you only find out like three chapters in that he's talking to his grand children and dosn't sound like he's happy with his choice and forgets that the mian character is talking to his grandchildren.

Joseph Bruchac's novel, Code Talkers, is a great book about a young Navajo kid named Kii Yázhi that wants to be in the Marines. Through all the battles, wars, and hardships, an amazing story of our own American history is told. It takes place during World War 2 on various islands including Guam and Iwo Jima.
Code Talkers is an appropriate read for high school students or even adults. The plot is descriptive and in depth about the necessary details. The storyline is fairly accurate to the real-life event that is told about in the novel. However, the book starts off slow and you have to really commit to get through the first few chapters. The book would also be better if the real-life names of people were used so readers can better understand what is happening. Even with the couple of negative aspects of the book, Code Talkers is still worth reading.
Pros: tells of our history, great plot and storyline
Cons: slow start, confusing at some points

I had to read this book for a history project, I really enjoyed it. It was about world war 2 and the bombing of pearl harbor. one reason that I really like this book is that it didn't just list fact after fact. It told a story about a young boy who goes to boarding school. Even though it wasn't all facts it still had a meaning and it clarified and informed me on a lot. I really hope you consider reading this book.

Code Talker, November 21, 2006- reviewer: Danae Sietsema

I would recommend this book to people who have a military background. There are a lot of war references that people, who haven't had the background, wouldn't know. It's a very good book. It keeps the plot going and there is a new twist with every turn of the page. The main character over comes many struggles in his life. He was born a Navaho Indian, and is told that their way of life is worth nothing, and the only way to live is by the white's culture. He goes to a school to learn the white's language. He studies and works very hard, soon becoming fluent in both Navaho and English. Later in his life he's needed in the U.S. marines in order to save lives.

This book is very well written and tells a lot about World War II. This book also gives a great inside look on what happened during that time and how it felt to be a Navajo soldier. This book shows how people can get somewhere by trying hard regardless of how hard the obstacles are. I like how Joseph Baruch showed that regardless of them being Navajos, they too can fill a big role in the war. I recommend this book to both kids all the way to adults.

I enjoyed the book because it explained how it felt to be in the middle of the war and the thought processes that went through The main characters mind instead of a textbook that will give you a technical description of what it would've been like. I also like how the book showed what it was like after the war because most biographies or autobiographies talk about little before the scenario during and a little while afterwards.

Code Talker was a term used to describe people that used Navajo as a code so the Japanese couldn't understand what the Americans were planning. The story is about a Navajo boy named is Kii Yazhi. His parents and friends call him small ant because he is small but does a lot of work. After the Navajo boy says goodbye to his family his uncle takes him to the high school. While traveling his uncle starts to tell him stories about when he went to the same school.

After they arrive at the school, the uncle and his nephew say goodbye and the supervisor tells the uncle to leave. The teachers teach the Navajo boys that his culture is no good. Each Navajo was assigned an American name. Kii Yazhi's American name was Ned Begay. He met other Navajos while he was at the high school.

The first day of school for Ned was very tough. He greeted his teacher with a mannerly Navajo phrase and the teacher pulled him out of the room and into the bathroom. The teacher punished Ned by washing his mouth out with soap. Ned had never had a punishment as cruel as that. He returned to his classroom and continued his schoolwork.

Later that day, Ned met a young boy who was punished so many times for speaking Navajo he became immune to all punishments. He even thought the soap was a little tasteful. Ned would secretly speak Navajo to any young Navajo person that came to the high school. He would never let go of his culture. He continued to speak English in public and was good in school. He would give 100% on all of his assignments

High school was over before Ned knew it and he was headed off to college. In college, he found out that a military group was hiring Navajos to help them fight the war because they needed Navajos to help send coded messages back and forth. Ned decided to sign up and help fight against the Japanese. There was only one problem, Ned was not old enough. He tried to convince his parents to let him lie about his age. Ned's parents wanted him to wait a year before he signed up. He was pleased for them supporting him. He went and continued his regular routine for the year.

Before the year passed, the class was informed about a Japanese bomb that struck the United States. The school was on lockdown and they listened to their radio to find out what else was happening. Luckily everything was fine and they continued to work. When a new student came, Ned was caught greeting him in Navajo. The teacher yelled at Ned and repeated "Navajo is no good"!

Once Ned signed up he went to places all around the world. Ned told all of these stories about the places he fought in. The one I didn't like was when the Japanese would lie about the Americans and would sometimes push their kids off of building before they jumped over so the Americans wouldn't kill them because they were told that the Americans would make them die slow and painfully. Once he got home he was thrown out of a restaurant because it was a white's only building. He continued his journey back to his home. Once he arrived he greeted his family in Navajo and that just proved that you should never give up your culture or your beliefs and you should hold on to them forever. I would strongly recommend this book to a friend because in the book one of Ned's friends said "stick with me and you'll be fine" so some parts of the book is about friendship. I think this book was informational about the war and how Navajos were treated but showed they can actually help make a difference.

Code Talker is a thrilling yet at the same time humorous book that I think anyone will enjoy. The story begins with Kii Yazhi, on his way to boarding school to learn the `white man's way'. The book quickly explains about his life at the school and the school trying to erase his Navajo language from him (and his secret to always remember his sacred language). The book then fast forwards to him graduating and being accepted to go to high school. Soon though, in his 1st year in high school, World War 2 began. Many of his older friends and class mates of age begin joining the cause to fight the Japanese. He asks his parents to allow him to join but they tell him that they will when he is 17. 2 years later he gets his parents blessing and joins the marine forced, is trained and is sent to a top secret, Navajo exclusive training section to become a code talker. He learns the code and his shipped out to fight. More action and comedy ensue but you will have to read the book to find that out! This book however is a very good book, for ages 8-80. I have read it numerous times and still can't stop. Action may take place from furious firer fights to suspenseful radio calls. Comedy tops this great formula up to give any reader a real wild ride. Maybe you don't trust me well you can ask Kirkus Reviews- `With its multicultural theme and well told WWII history, this will appeal to a wide audience.' I love this book so much and I hope you will to.

Great book! It goes over some of the untouched topics of World War Two. The first half of the book really does a good job of going into the character's personal life. Then, the second half of the book does a great job of going into the war, and how interesting but frightening a war can be. If I could, I would rate it six stars!

I suggest reading this book if you are interested in the Navajo Code Talkers. I would rate it as 4 out of 5. The book has somewhat of a language conflict, because of the different languages spoken. To completely understand the book, you will want to read it twice.

The book tells of a Navajo who was forced to learn English as a young child. He was assigned an English name and was never aloud to speak Navajo. As he aged and went through High School the Japanese were starting a war with the United States. Because the Japanese would intercept all of the Americans messages there was no way to communicate. The U.S. started to recruit Navajo's because of the language they spoke: Navajo.

The author tells us of his journey through WWII and his heroic story of courage and bravery while fighting to communicate with the "Main land". As the story progresses the author meets new friends and finds buddies from home. He describes war very thoroughly. He also describes the loss of a friend and how devastating it can be, especially during war.

There is a long introduction to the book (about 70 pages) in which reads very slowly. After you get past the beginning it is a page turner. I have recommended this book to my whole class because of the authors stunning ability to compel thoughts and emotions during war and hard times.

This is a short read with lots of interesting facts that have never been aloud to be spoken. The book would be considered Historical-Fiction because of its small amount of fictional content. I liked this book a lot and think that you would too. If you like anything to do with history, I would suggest that you read this book.

Bruchac has created a terrific historic novel that has enough action for young male adults and enough history and research to appeal to an adult audience. Bruchac does a wonderful job of giving a sense of the complexities of growing up on a Navajo reservation in the first half of the book. The irony of a nation trying to wipe out the Navajo language but using it as a crucial means of communication during 20th century wars should not be lost on the reader while reading the second half of the book. Bruchac's narrator tells this tale in an even-keeled, even-tempered manner. The reader is allowed to gain his own sense of injustice our nation has inflicted upon its Native American population. Bruchac's description of the progression of America's involvement in World War II's Pacific campaign is well laid-out and dramatically presented. Highly recommended.

We read this book aloud while on a driving vacation through Navajo country in New Mexico and Arizona. My children (girl 10, boy 8 and girl 5) were completely enthralled with both the story and the insight into the Navajo people. Although a work of fiction, the book reads very convincingly as a memoir. The author succeeds admirably in relating the cultural challenges faced by patriotic Native Americans serving in the military as well a giving a non-romanticized portrayal of the realities faced by the soldiers who waged battle in the Pacific. We particularly appreciated the lighter moments -- one tale of boot-camp swimming "lessons" had the kids screaming with laughter. A great read pure and simple, but also one with good lessons to be learned.

Code Talkers is a fantastic book. The author Joseph Bruchac really knows how to write a good book. When the main charector was growing up he was told he would be nothing. When he got out of boarding school he was on his way to being a big succes.

When he grew up he, he decided to do something with his life so he joined the Marines after Pearl Harbor was attacked. At that time the marines were looking for codetalkers Navajo codetalkers. The Marines attimatically sent him to the Pacific to start transmitting messages.

Great book! A World War Two book that sort of gives you a look at other, untold topics about WWII. It's the story of a teenage Navajo boy who grows up to become a code talker soldier in the war. He fights in Guam, Iwo Jima, and witnesses a live report of the bombing of Hiroshima. But it isn't only about the war, it gives you a sense of Navajo culture, and it shows you how they were segregated too for being Native Americans. This is such a great book and I wish I could rate it six stars!

Code Talkers is a fantastic book. The author Joseph Bruchac really knows how to write a good book. When the main charector was growing up he was told he would be nothing. When he got out of boarding school he was on his way to being a big succes.

When he grew up he, he decided to do something with his life so he joined the Marines after Pearl Harbor was attacked. At that time the marines were looking for codetalkers Navajo codetalkers. The Marines attimatically sent him to the Pacific to start transmitting messages.

Great book! A World War Two book that sort of gives you a look at other, untold topics about WWII. It's the story of a teenage Navajo boy who grows up to become a code talker soldier in the war. He fights in Guam, Iwo Jima, and witnesses a live report of the bombing of Hiroshima. But it isn't only about the war, it gives you a sense of Navajo culture, and it shows you how they were segregated too for being Native Americans. This is such a great book and I wish I could rate it six stars!

Code Talkers is a fantastic book. The author Joseph Bruchac really knows how to write a good book. When the main charector was growing up he was told he would be nothing. When he got out of boarding school he was on his way to being a big succes.

When he grew up he, he decided to do something with his life so he joined the Marines after Pearl Harbor was attacked. At that time the marines were looking for codetalkers Navajo codetalkers. The Marines attimatically sent him to the Pacific to start transmitting messages.

my son asked me to pick out a relatively short book from the library for his 8th grade book report. Code talker was it. After he raved about it, and spoke of some specifics, i read it myself before returning to the library. It is a beautifully told tale that intertwines the 'simple' english translation of a navajo language filled with spirituality, respect, honor, and a mythological belief in how things came to be.

How these Navajo marines came to become major players in WWII victory in the face of horrendous racially biased treatment at home is gripping. They were great american heroes, only to be treated like dirt upon their arrival home. Powerful, fascinating story that is impossible to put down.

Code Talkers is a great novel telling the story of a Navaho boy named Kii

Yazhi. He is sent to boarding school and then when the Japanese attacked

Pearl Harbor he makes the decision of going to the Marine Corps.

He is recruited and is sent to boot camp. He is selected to do a very special job that

includes using his native language, he becomes a Navajo Code Talker.

What did Navajo Indians do in World War 2? The title of my book is Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac. The main character is Kii Yazhi. He is forced to go to boarding school. From boarding school he heads off to war.

In the beginning of the story, he was forced to to leave his family and go to a school where they hated Navajo Indians. In the middle of the book, Kii was a code talker. Being a code talker he spoke the native language as a code in World War 2. To find out what happened to Kii, read the book.

The theme is Navajo Indians helped Americans in World War 2. This book reminded me of wars. Boys who like action will like this book.

B.C. in Annapolis

I found Code Talker to be an excellent read. The struggles face by Kii Yahzi/ Ned Begay (the main character, emphasis on THE) are captivating, particularly the racism he faces in boarding school. While it is at times bloody, the audience for the narrator (his Navajo grandchildren) gives Bruchac an excuse to avoid most of the violence. It still manages to vividly recreate other hardships the soldiers face, especially the harsh environments the marines were forced to fight in. The writing style is fairly easy to understand, so it's not a difficult read. Nice if you want a chance to relax with your brain mostly in park.

This book is a great part of history that makes you want to read more and more after every chapter. It teaches you about the Navajo marines of World War 2. Two words; spontaneous and action packed. I loved it when it was talking about the Kamikaze airplanes, atomic bomb, and the Pearl Harbor attack. I give it a 4 out of 5 stars.

It's enjoyable and informative. What more can you ask for from an historical fiction? While not amazing, "Code Talker" is well-written and has very interesting subject matter. You should definitely put this on your reading list, and towards the top, too, given that it's a fairly quick read. Our nation owes the native Americans so much. The least you can do is read a good book about their valor.

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I was totally sucked into visualizing the author to be the grandfather. My only disappointment.
The rest was very satisfying because the history was essentially that of my Marine father in the early Solomon Island campaigns. Very informative. Thanks. Wayne Wilcox

For anyone interested in World War II, and/or the Code Talkers, this is an outstanding book. I liked that the author, Judith Schiess Avila, wrote the book in first person, as Chester Nez told his story to her. I have been aware of the Code Talkers for many years and have read many articles about them, but to have a first hand account was amazing. Thank You, Judy and Chester

Joseph Bruchac does a wonderful job of showing the reader the life of the Navajo young during the 1920-30s as well as telling of this powerful and until fairly recently (1969) unknown aspect of the second World War. I am a high school media specialist and have selected this title to use with my student and faculty historical fiction book discussion groups for 2005-2006.

This novel is an easy, enjoyable read. The author is indigenous, but not Navajo. The protagonist is a fictional Navajo Marine who is recounting his war experience to his grandchildren many years after WW2. Full of Navajo spirituality, as well as historically accurate combat, this book provided an inspiring and educational experience.