Code Talker

                                                                            Book Review:

Bibliography-

Bruchac, J. (2005). Code talker. Scholastic Paperbacks.

ISBN- 978-0142405963


Plot Summary- 

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. Now Joseph Bruchac brings those stories to life 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. This deeply affecting novel honors all of those young men, like Ned, who dared to serve, and it honors the culture and language of the Navajo Indians.


Critical Analysis-

Although the novel is based on true events and the experiences of Navajo code talkers, Bruchac takes artistic liberties in the portrayal of Ned Begay's personal journey. Sometimes it is challenging to separate fact from fiction, which can lead to a blurred understanding of the historical context. Because of that, sometimes it appears that Code Talker lacks depth in its exploration of the broader historical and social context. While the book does discuss issues of racism, discrimination, and cultural assimilation faced by Native Americans, it does not delve deeply into these themes. Because the narrative primarily focuses on Ned Begay's personal experiences and his role as a code talker, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis of the historical backdrop and its implications for Native American communities. The story still has high educational value for shedding light on an often-overlooked part of history. Code Talker introduces readers to the vital role Navajo code talkers played in the war effort and highlights the bravery and contributions of Native American soldiers. It serves as a gateway for further exploration of Native American history and culture.


Review Excerpts-

"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

 

Connections-

-For students to comprehend the complexities of war, here are some informational texts about the world wars. The selection of texts spans unique events and perspectives surrounding World War II. With students, emphasize the different perspectives on war seen in Code Breaker and these texts.

https://www.commonlit.org/en/texts/cracking-code-purple?ref=blog-content.commonlit.org

https://www.commonlit.org/en/texts/a-flag-that-honors-war-veterans?ref=blog-content.commonlit.org

https://www.commonlit.org/en/texts/the-bombing-of-hiroshima?ref=blog-content.commonlit.org

https://www.commonlit.org/en/texts/army-code-talkers?ref=blog-content.commonlit.org

-The Indigenous experience in the United States is a diverse and complex one. The following paired texts expand on the history of strife and the traditions that have persisted despite that:

https://www.commonlit.org/en/texts/excerpt-from-trail-of-tears-diary?ref=blog-content.commonlit.org

https://www.commonlit.org/en/texts/the-medicine-bag?ref=blog-content.commonlit.org

-More texts from Native American authors and regarding Native American history:  

  Text Sets - Native American History and Authors (commonlit.org)

References:

Wicinas, L. B. (2022, November 4). Decipher code talker in your classroom with CommonLit's book pairing. COMMONLIT. https://www.commonlit.org/blog/decipher-code-talker-in-your-classroom-with-commonlits-book-pairing/

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