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

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. 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.

Author: Joseph Bruchac
Publisher: Dial Books
Published: 03/17/2005
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.77h x 5.62w x 1.01d
ISBN: 9780803729216
Audience: Young Adult

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 6.4
Point Value: 9
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 85819 / Code Talker: A Novel about the Navajo Marines of World War Two


Award: Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award - Nominee
Award: Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers - Nominee
Award: Black-Eyed Susan Award - Nominee
Award: Grand Canyon Reader Award - Nominee
Award: Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award - Nominee
Award: Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award - Nominee
Award: Iowa Teen Award - Nominee
Award: Virginia Readers Choice Award - Nominee
Award: Golden Sower Award - Nominee
Award: West Virginia Children's Book Award - Nominee


Review Citation(s):
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2005 pg. 311 - Marginal, Seriously Flawed
Kirkus Review - Children 01/15/2005 pg. 117
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 02/01/2005 pg. 246
Booklist 02/15/2005 pg. 1078
Voice of Youth Advocates 04/01/2005 pg. 36
School Library Journal 05/01/2005 pg. 124
Booklist 05/15/2005 pg. 1675
ALA Best Books Young Adults 03/01/2006 pg. 7
ALA Notable Children's Books 03/01/2006 pg. 26

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.