Module 4 - CODE TALKER by Joseph Bruchac

Bibliography
Bruchac, J. (2005). CODE TALKER: A NOVEL ABOUT THE NAVAJO INDIANS IN WORLD WAR II. New York, NY: The Penguin Group. ISBN 10-0142405965

Plot Summary
Kii Yazhi is a young Navajo boy who is sent away from his family people to go to a boarding school run by White men.  He is given the name Ned Begay and does well as a student even though he is being taught to reject his culture and conform fully to the White people's ways.  He is told to forget his native language and only speak English, however his refusal to abandon his language allows him to serve his country.  Ned goes on to join the Marine Corp as a Navajo code talker during World War II.  The story is told from Ned's point of view as he relays his story which he had to keep secret for so many years to his grandchildren. 

Critical Analysis
Bruchac, who is of Abenaki heritage, has written many books for young readers.  This book is somewhat research heavy with many different locations, dates, war details, and statistics.  The story can be somewhat hard to stay with once Ned goes into battle unless you are a fan of war stories.  Bruchac includes an author's note at the end of the book with information about the Navajos and code talkers, including a bibliography of books about each along with World War II books.

Language, beliefs and values play critical parts in this story as Kii becomes Ned and goes on his journey through the war.  Navajo language is interspersed throughout the text, usually set-off in italics.  Bruchac does not always translate the Navajo words but the reader is not left confused or wanting to know more when this happens.  The Navajo language is not the only language that is spot-lighted as Ned's soldier friend Georgia Boy speaks with a southern accent and pronunciations of both languages are played with.  The Navajos beliefs and values are expertly explained and given a deep meaning through Ned's thoughts.  Bruchac's descriptions of the Navajo, White American, and Japanese people help create a picture of the different skin tones, hair, facial features, and dress of the cultures.  The reader is taken through different ceremonies, prayers, and songs of the Navajo people as Ned prepares to go to school and war and as he navigates a war zone.

Bruchac's story of the Navajo code talkers gives a glimpse into the culture of the Navajo people, as well as an interesting narrative about the little known code talkers of World War II.

Review Excerpts
School Library Journal: "Bruchac's gentle prose presents a clear historical picture of young men in wartime...Nonsensational and accurate, Bruchac's tale is quietly inspiring..."

Booklist Starred Review: "The narrative pulls no punches about war's brutality and never adopts an avuncular tone. Not every section of the book is riveting, but slowly the succession of scenes, impressions, and remarks build to create a solid, memorable portrayal of Ned Begay."

Connections
Bruchac, Joseph. 2003. OUR STORIES REMEMBER: AMERICAN INDIAN HISTORY, CULTURE, AND VALUES THROUGH STORYTELLING. Golden, CO: Fulcrum Publishing. ISBN 10-1555911293
Bruchac, Joseph. 1996. CHILDREN OF THE LONGHOUSE. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 10-9780140385045
Mazer, Harry. 2001. A BOY AT WAR: A NOVEL OF PEARL HARBOR. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 10-0689841604