97 pages 3 hours read

Joseph Bruchac

Code Talker

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2005

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac follows Ned Begay, a Navajo man reflecting on his youth when he was recruited by the US military during World War II to use his language in creating an unbreakable code to aid the Allies. The story highlights Ned's experiences from boarding school to boot camp, his role as a code talker, and his combat experiences across the Pacific, culminating in the recognition of the code talkers' contributions post-war. The book contains depictions of racism and the harrowing realities of war.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Joseph Bruchac's Code Talker is widely praised for its engaging storytelling and valuable portrayal of Navajo contributions during World War II. Readers appreciate its historical accuracy and cultural insights, making it an educational resource. Criticisms include a perceived slow pace and occasional repetition, but overall, the novel receives high marks for its unique perspective and compelling narrative.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Code Talker?

Readers who appreciate historical fiction, Native American culture, and WWII stories will enjoy Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac. Fans of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse or Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief will find similar themes of personal courage and cultural identity woven into a compelling narrative.

RecommendedReading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

910L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Children's Literature

Period

WWII / World War II

Topics

Military / War

History: World