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Description
Ned Begay and other Navajo men are recruited by the Marines to become Code Talkers, sending messages during World War II in their native tongue. The plot contains mild profanity, violence, and alcohol use.
Quick Summary
Meet Ned Begay, a Navajo teenager who leaves his reservation to join the Marines and ends up helping turn his language into a secret code that helped win WWII. The story mixes the gritty reality of battles in the Pacific with the humor and camaraderie of a group of young men who use their native tongue as a weapon. Bruchac weaves in Navajo traditions, the struggle of being Native American in a wartime military, and the pride of contributing something unique to the war effort, making the book both a history lesson and a tribute. Kids who love action-packed war stories, especially those who enjoy the "I Survived" series, will find plenty to keep them turning pages, while parents will appreciate the respectful portrayal of Native American culture and the way the story shows how language can be a powerful tool. There are a few harsh words, some battle scenes, and a bit of drinking, but nothing too graphic for a middle-grade audience. The novel is a quick, satisfying read at about 56,000 words, and it leaves you with a new respect for the real Navajo Code Talkers who served in the war.