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

 

Bibliography
Bruchac, Joseph, 2005. CODE TALKER: A NOVEL ABOUT THE NAVAJO MARINES OF WORLD WAR TWO. New York, NY: Speak. ISBN 0803729219.

Plot Summary
At a young age, Ned Begay is sent away to a Navajo mission school, where he is stripped of his culture completely. Telling his grandchildren of his experience during this time, he was told to speak in English, cut his long hair, and wear a uniform. All the Navajo students are told their culture is bad and to learn "the way of the whites". Once World War II breaks out, Navajos are specifically recruited by the U.S. Marine Corps for a special duty; Navajo code talker. Ned is not only ready to serve in the Marines, but he is ready to bring his culture back to life. He is prepared to become a warrior for his people and show bravery through this life changing experience. 

Critical Analysis 
It is noted that Joseph Bruchac writes of his Native American heritage in his books. In Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two, Navajo culture is portrayed almost immediately. The character, Ned Begay, describes in detail his appearance before arriving at the mission school; he had long hair, wearing fine clothing, deerskin moccasins, and family jewelry of silver. Hardly any of the Navajo children that arrived spoke anything but Navajo and were punished for it. They were forced to be rid of their rich and friendly culture and comply with their white teacher's demands. When Ned is 16 years old and in high school, he is excited to see a Marines recruiter seeking Navajo recruits to serve the country. After talking with his parents, they finally consent to Ned joining the Marines, only after performing a protection ceremony before leaving for boot camp. Despite being told not to speak or act like a Navajo, throughout the novel, this culture manages to remain in Ned's life as constant. His character stays true to himself and his Native roots, one day paying off as he is chosen to join the Marines code talkers, shortly after his graduation. The Navajo language being one of the most difficult American Indian languages to speak, only a true Navajo would be able to fluently understand the language. Using a secret code to communicate throughout the war, avoiding being discovered by the Japanese, Ned realizes his job is crucial to protect his people. He could not help but feel a sense of pride for his culture. The Navajo people finally receiving the respect they deserved, rather than the harsh views this tribe regularly received. Bruchac does a wonderful job of weaving in Navajo culture throughout the story, creating a character who not once loses faith in his culture and stays true to the Navajo Way. A must read for fans of historical fiction. 

Review Excerpt(s)
- ALA Best Book for Young Adults
- TIME 100 Best YA Books of All Time
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "With its multicultural themes and well-told WWII history, this will appeal to a wide audience." 
Starred review in 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."

Connections
- For readers who are interested in learning about World War II told from the perspective of a Navajo Marine soldier.  
- Recommended to readers who enjoy historical events, specifically World War II era.
- Similar book recommendations:
Bruchac, Joseph, 2019. TWO ROADS. ISBN 9780735228870.
Bruchac, Joseph, 2024. CHESTER NEZ AND THE UNBREAKABLE CODE: A NAVAJO CODE TALKER'S STORY. ISBN 9780807511350.

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