Code Talker: Navajo Marines Novel

POW! POW! BANG! BANG! This is the story of Kii Yazhi, also known as Ned Begay, a Navajo Marine who finds himself in the middle of some very dangerous battles in World War II. Ned Begay is in high school when America declares war on Japan. The Marines start recruiting only Navajos that speak Navajo and English fluently. These individuals will be used for a special duty assignment. Since Ned is able to speak Navajo and English, he signs up even though he is technically too young. Ned is sent to Hawaii and then to the Japanese controlled islands. It is there he learns the usefulness of the school he was sent to by his uncle at the beginning of the book. The school was the Rehoboth Missionary School and was on the southwest Navajo reservation.
The main character is Kii Yazhi (Ned Begay) who is very short and has dark hair. Ned loves to learn and to study. He also loves to travel and wants to see the world. Ned goes to high school during a time when only people with good grades attend. He grows up in a time and place where being Navajo is considered second class. Despite this background, he is very brave and ends up fighting for the United States in World War II.
I think the theme is to treat everyone with respect no matter what their race or background. It is important to remember that everyone has characteristics that are distinctive and valuable. In the book, it says that they tried “to beat the Navajo out of him.” He is even forced to give up his Navajo name, Kii Yazhi, and is called a new name, Ned Begay. He has to cut his hair short, even though it goes against Navajo tradition. If he or any of the other Navajos are caught not speaking English, they have their mouths washed out with soap. Being Navajo is considered to be something negative and undesirable. It is considered something that should be forgotten. However, later on it becomes apparent that being able to speak this unique language is a huge asset. Ned is able to use his knowledge of the Navajo language to save countless American lives as a Navajo code talker. In the end, the very things that people want him to forget ends up saving many lives.
I think the book is very good and one that you never get bored reading. It is helpful if you have an interest in history and if you have a little background knowledge of the history of World War II. With that being said, I love this book and think that anyone who loves American history and action will love it, too. I would recommend this book because it is so action-packed and gives the reader insight into a unique aspect of World War II history.

My 12 year old liked this book.

A heart and mind-opening must read for children and adults alike. Powerful and well-written, experience the world of a people who, despite sorrowful experiences, stand tall and strong in answering the call to duty. The Diné rise above petty prejudice to serve as proud marines creating a code that could not be broken and prove to be indispensable in the Pacific Theater.

The author carefully treats the combat zone so that you get the idea of the horrors without the gore. This makes it a valuable resource in the classroom. So many themes to capitalize upon–integrity, pride and appreciation for the Diné and other Native American cultures, friendship, dealing with prejudice–against the enemy and against others, locus of control, family, etc. As a teacher and a parent, I highly recommend Code Talker. In fact, I will be investing in a class set; my own money, of course, because Code Talkers is so powerful in creating a space for awareness–the kind of awareness that can change paradigms forever.

AUDIO VERSION REVIEW:
Code Talker is poignant to read, but Derrick Henry’s recording transforms the novel into a spellbinding fireside evening at “grandfather’s” knee. Thankfully, Henry must be Diné or can speak the language well enough to cause my friend, a fellow Diné to say, “He is Navajo.” The authentic pronunciation of Navajo words and phrases increases appreciation for why this was America’s best hope to create an unbreakable code.

If there is any book one should listen to rather than read, this is it. Actually hearing the sacred language elevates the experience of Code Talker, for it is no longer just a novel, it is now an oral history.

This book was very well written there were no slow parts. There were no boring parts and it was hopefully very factual.

This is a fantastic book about part of WW2. I am reading it with my son who loves this time in history. It is educational and eye opening. A great perspective of a part of WW2 we don’t hear much about.

My son had to read this book for school and he really enjoyed it. We ended up renting a movie with a similar theme and he enjoyed that also. I was glad he was able to learn about an important part of history.

I taught this novel a couple of times in my 6th grade class. I believe the text complexity would be appropriate up through high school. There are many opportunities to learn about different battles during the war and makes a great companion to a social studies or history class. Additionally, the book provides windows and mirrors for students in which students can either see themselves reflected, particularly Navajos, or they can gain insight into the lives of Navajo families. I found it to be an inspirational story, yet very realistic. Spoiler alert: In the end, Ned/Kii Yázhí reveals that in spite of serving for his country, those things didn’t matter and, oftentimes, didn’t change people’s narrow mindsets. However, it was up to himself, Kii Yázhí, to not let that affect him and persevere. It’s a powerful lesson for students to hear.

There are many themes woven throughout the novel. My students tracked these themes, and then presented a podcast on one of those themes, making connections to their life. My kids liked the book and loved making podcast. I’m a proponent for adopting this as a whole class novel in my current school district.