Code Talker - by Joseph Bruchac

About the Book

Viewed through the eyes of a 16-year-old Navajo youth, "Code Talker" is a fascinating slice of World War II history by a much-respected and acclaimed author.

Book Synopsis

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

Review Quotes

"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

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

"Bruchac's gentle prose presents a clear historical picture of young men in wartime, island hopping across the Pacific, waging war in the hells of Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and Iwo Jima. Nonsensational and accurate, Bruchac's tale is quietly inspiring..." --School Library Journal

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.