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

This book held the interest of my 12 year old son that is a history buff of sorts. We read it together and it was very a good book. You could see the area and the situations in the story. Some books we sell after reading, this one is a keeper.

Code Talker is a thrilling yet at the same time humorous book that I think anyone will enjoy. The story begins with Kii Yazhi, on his way to boarding school to learn the `white man's way'. The book quickly explains about his life at the school and the school trying to erase his Navajo language from him (and his secret to always remember his sacred language). The book then fast forwards to him graduating and being accepted to go to high school. Soon though, in his 1st year in high school, World War 2 began. Many of his older friends and class mates of age begin joining the cause to fight the Japanese. He asks his parents to allow him to join but they tell him that they will when he is 17. 2 years later he gets his parents blessing and joins the marine forced, is trained and is sent to a top secret, Navajo exclusive training section to become a code talker. He learns the code and his shipped out to fight. More action and comedy ensue but you will have to read the book to find that out! This book however is a very good book, for ages 8-80. I have read it numerous times and still can't stop. Action may take place from furious firer fights to suspenseful radio calls. Comedy tops this great formula up to give any reader a real wild ride. Maybe you don't trust me well you can ask Kirkus Reviews- `With its multicultural theme and well told WWII history, this will appeal to a wide audience.' I love this book so much and I hope you will to.

This young adult novel tells the story of a fictional codetalker and how he came to be one. The codetalkers were essential to the Battle of Iwo Jima and successful in changing the lives of several men of Navajo origin. This is a very moving book designed to tell a story of how soldiers and minorities can make a difference in warfare. A simple, straightforward and moving book.

I found Code Talker to be an excellent read. The struggles face by Kii Yahzi/ Ned Begay (the main character, emphasis on THE) are captivating, particularly the racism he faces in boarding school. While it is at times bloody, the audience for the narrator (his Navajo grandchildren) gives Bruchac an excuse to avoid most of the violence. It still manages to vividly recreate other hardships the soldiers face, especially the harsh environments the marines were forced to fight in. The writing style is fairly easy to understand, so it's not a difficult read. Nice if you want a chance to relax with your brain mostly in park.

Not having the time to sit and read many hard copy books, I listen to audio books while I do my work around the house and garden. Like those who read the book of this title who said they couldn't put it down, I found that I hated to have to turn off the cassette recorder! I do think that I perhaps got more out of the story by listening to it, because I was able to hear the Navajo language spoken as it should be, rather than just reading the unfamiliar words and not knowing how they would actually sound. The Navajo language is both beautiful and seemingly impossible for a non-Navajo to pronounce! No wonder it made a perfect method for coding information! I recommend this to everyone, young and adult.