Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac is a historical fiction novel that follows the remarkable journey of Ned Begay, a young Navajo boy who becomes a Code Talker during World War II. Inspired by his heritage and language, Ned enlists in the Marines and is trained to use the Navajo language as a secret code to transmit vital military messages, confounding enemy forces. The book explores his struggles with racism, the challenges faced by the Code Talkers, and the bravery and contribution of Native American soldiers to the war effort. Through Ned's perspective, the book sheds light on an important and often overlooked aspect of American history and honors the cultural legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers.
The most compelling aspect for me was how the novel talks about the little-known history of the Navajo Code Talkers during World War II. I was blown away by the cleverness of these Native American soldiers who used their language as an unbreakable code, making a vital contribution to the war effort. It highlights the resilience of the Navajo people and shows an essential part of American history that deserves recognition. I was disappointed by the overuse of racial discrimination. I feel like it was used too much and thrown around lightly. I would recommend Code Talker to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially those interested in World War II and the untold stories of unsung heroes. This book is not just a captivating tale of war, but also an exploration of identity, courage, and the resilience of the human spirit. Whether you're familiar with Native American history or not, this book will elaborate how the Code Talkers operate and the history of the Navajo. I give this book a 4 out of 5.