Code Word Courage

Dogs of World War II

by Kirby Larson

Newbery Honor-winning author Kirby Larson delivers a heartwarming story of friendship, love, and courage, and the incredible contributions of Navajo Code Talkers during WWII. Billie has lived with her great-aunt ever since her mom passed away and her dad left. Billie's big brother, Leo, is about to leave, too, for the warfront. But first, she gets one more weekend with him at the ranch. Billie's surprised when Leo brings home a fellow Marine from boot camp, Denny. She has so much to ask Leo -- about losing her best friend and trying to find their father -- but Denny, who is Navajo, or Diné, comes with something a gorgeous, but injured, stray dog. As Billie cares for the dog, whom they name Bear, she and Bear grow deeply attached to each other. Soon enough, it's time for Leo and Denny, a Navajo Code Talker, to ship out. Billie does her part for the war effort, but she worries whether Leo and Denny will make it home, whether she'll find a new friend, and if her father will ever come back. Can Bear help Billie -- and Denny -- find what's most important? A powerful tale about unsung heroism on the WWII battlefield and the home front.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Historical, Animals, Young Adult, World War II, Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 24, 2018

About the author

Kirby Larson went from history-phobe to history fanatic while writing the 2007 Newbery Honor Book, HATTIE BIG SKY. Her passion for historical fiction is reflected in titles such as THE FENCES BETWEEN US, THE FRIENDSHIP DOLL, as well as the sequel to HATTIE BIG SKY, HATTIE EVER AFTER, and her two latest titles, DUKE--which was nominated for 5 state Young Reader Choice awards as well as being a finalist for the Washington State Book Award-- and DASH--which has garnered two starred reviews, a NAPPA Gold Award and a Capitol Choices nomination. She will have two new books out in 2016 -- watch for them!

In 2006, Kirby began a collaboration with her good friend Mary Nethery resulting in two award-winning nonfiction picture books: TWO BOBBIES: A TRUE STORY OF HURRICANE KATRINA, FRIENDSHIP AND SURVIVAL, and NUBS: THE TRUE STORY OF A MUTT, A MARINE AND A MIRACLE.

Kirby lives in Kenmore, Washington with her husband, Neil, and Winston the Wonder Dog. When she’s not reading or writing Kirby enjoys beach combing, bird watching, and traveling. She owns a tiara and is not afraid to use it.

Reviews

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressive book to give a bit of an idea of another lesser known perhaps, aspect of WW2 with the Navaho Code Talkers. Those men were so long overdue proper recognition for their invaluable contribution in helping to win the war using their specialized talent in codes. It touched briefly on how many natives were treated harshly in not being allowed to speak their native language and taken from their homes to boarding schools. Horrible treatment so often on a local level as well from official levels with govt as well. Same here up in Canada too with native children being torn from their parent's arms to be forced into residential schools. So so many injustices throughout history :(

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent middle-grade historical fiction!
Life on the homefront was difficult for those with loved ones far away, fighting for their country. Letters and care packages were the only way to communicate during WW2, and the censors and uncertain delivery times sometimes tried patience with the slowness. Getting a letter from a service person was like a gift; the sight of a telegram deliverer was usually followed by bad news. Communities rallied together to make sure bereaved families were taken care of, unfailingly.
The passages about the work of the Navajo Code Talkers were inspiring to read. Only recently have the details about what these brave men accomplished been brought to light, because the “talkers” were ordered to keep quiet about their work. And they took those orders very seriously! The author’s notes at the end were very informative.

[Tj Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another amazing book from awesome author, Kirby Larson. Code Talkers were some of the unknown heroes of WWII and this story gently explains their struggles, but in a kind and gentle way. You get a glimpse into their struggles without a heavy handed touch. The main story is about Billie and is told with great care. Like all of Kirby's books, the words make you feel the character's struggles as if you were there yourself.

This book is not to be missed.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good introduction for anyone wanting a taste of the lives of the Navajo Code Talkers during World War Two. It should whet the appetite of our youth to learn more.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nearing the end of WWII and seeing her brother join the Marines, eleven year old Billie just wants a few things: for her brother to stay safe, a new best friend with whom to navigate middle school, and to hear from her father. Denny is a Navajo Code Talker in Marines struggling to define his identity as a Denè even as he finds solace and structure in the military. When Denny finds Bear, an injured dog, and leaves him with Billie for the remainder of the war, the action solidifies their lifelong friendship and begins to change their lives.

If I had to pick a favorite sub genre it would be historical fiction and it makes me so excited to discover great historical fiction for children. Kirby Larson does a great job with character development, setting emotional scenes, and drawing you into the time period. There were parts that made me cry, particularly at the end. I highly recommend this middle grade novel and have added it to my kids’ list for fifth/sixth grade.

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

[Barbara Brodhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book to my husband while we were on a trip. He enjoyed it as much as I did. Kirby Larson does a very good job with historical fiction. I think age 12 and older would enjoy it.

[Jackson Boeseneilers]

It was a very good book I recommend it for fans of dog books and historical ficcion

[David Wozney]

I think this book is a really good book. There is a lot of up's and down's but at the end it is good. I think it was so good because of all that happens in it. It is based when WW2 was going on and it has a little cute dog. I liked it mostly because I like books that are based on older things, Like WW2. It is a really easy book to read and again I really liked it.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great WWII story about a girl on the homefront and the dog she got from a marine. I really enjoyed it - lots of kids helping the war effort - buying bonds, saving tin.

[June Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book by a review I read recently. This book has three elements I always look for in middle-grade books before I begin reading them: Historical fiction--this one is set during World War II. Animals as inspirational supporting characters--this one has a dog. Diverse characters--this one features Navajo and Mexican characters portrayed positively and in important roles.

The other component I look for as I am reading the book are the feelings of empathy and compassion and the maturing of a character through lessons learned. These elements can only be garnered by a skilled author.

This book possesses all of these traits.

What sets this story apart from others is Kirby Larson's awesome writing style. She seems to flawlessly place the right words on the page at just the right tempo and in just the right order. Her setting and characters are well-developed. Her novel is obviously well-researched from my reading of non-fiction about this time period.

I particularly liked the way the main character, Billie, reached beyond her lonely, mournful life to touch others through her kindness and friendship. In particular, she forges a friendship with a boy from Mexico whose father works on Billie's great-aunt's ranch. Tito is wise beyond his years, in my opinion, when it comes to his emotional intelligence regarding being bullied by the so-called popular kids in school.

Another exceptional aspect of this book is the World War II depiction of military life and the battle scenes the author so carefully researched. Billie's close relationship with her older brother, Leo, is admirable.

Finally, the inclusion of Denny, a Navajo friend of Leo's, and the abandoned dog he brought home to Billie's house enrich the plot ten-fold. The tribute to the 'Navajo Code Talker' program in WWII and the courageous men who participated in this ground-breaking mission was intriguing.

I believe this is a story that should not be missed by middle-grade readers. It would also make a worthwhile read-aloud in class or during a family's reading time. So many great life lessons are taught in its pages.

Highly recommended to middle-grade readers, fans of historical and military fiction, fans of animal-centered fiction, and fans of literature which includes diverse populations as strong characters.
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I borrowed this book from the 'New Book' shelf in the Children's Section of the local public library.

POST SCRIPT: I did not realize until I read the Goodreads page for this book, there are three preceeding books in the 'Dogs of World War II' series by this author. I will definitely be reading the other three titles as soon as I can get my hands on them!

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[Dorothy Minor · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader, I enjoy well-written books for all ages. Code Word Courage by Kirby Larson, written for readers ages eight to twelve, is certainly one of those books. Code Word Courage takes place during WWII. The story takes place through dual voices: Billie’s and Denny’s.

Billie, on the cusp of becoming a teenager, lives with her great-aunt on a farm in Arizona. Leo, her older brother, has just been called up to serve in WWII. When Billie and Leo’s mom passed away, their dad left them with Aunt Doff on her farm and the dad disappeared.

Billie is excited because Leo is coming home for a weekend before he ships out to places unknown to fight in the war. To Billie’s disappointment, Leo brings Denny, a buddy, with him. Along the way, the two soldiers are hitchhiking and Denny hears a dog whimpering in the field near the highway. He insists on taking the dog with them even though Leo tells him the dog will lessen their chances of getting a ride.

Luckily, a dog lover stops to give the two soldiers and the dog, Denny has already named Bear, a ride. Clearly, the dog is hungry and has been hurt. Once at Aunt Doff’s farm, Denny treats Bear’s wounds and Billie, already loving the dog, feeds him.

Billie discovers that Denny is Navajo, or Diné. He tells Billie a little about the Diné and some of their customs. Once Leo and Denny return to the war, Billie writes to both of them.

Denny discovers he has been put into the Marine Corps to be part of the Navajo Code Talkers, using the Navajo language to encode messages that the enemy cannot read and understand.

The story entails worry for Aunt Doff as she tries to keep her farm going. Naturally, both Aunt Doff and Billie are concerned about Leo and Denny and others in the war. Then Billie has to contend with bullying at school, including from an unlikely source, her former best friend. Billie’s bright spots include teaching Bear and her friendship with Tito, whose father is Aunt Doff’s ranch foreman.
Bear becomes an important part of the story, not just as a pet. Billie learns that good friends can help one through tough times. The story contains a number of topics for discussion: friendship, bullying, loss, trials of war, prejudice, and love.

Kirby Larson is an award-winning author. Her first novel, Hattie Big Sky, won the Newbery Honor Award. It is based on Larson’s great-grandmother’s experiences. Her other novels include The Friendship Doll, Hattie Ever After, Dash, Duke, and Liberty. On her website, she includes information for readers. Every Friday, on her blog, Larson calls attention to a fellow writer’s work. Kudos to her!

[Serenity · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*

I enjoyed the story of Billie, a young girl who, along with her brother, was abandoned by her father to live with her great aunt on her ranch. She loves her aunt but wonders about her father's whereabouts. Her best friend recently abandoned her for a more popular girl, and she is worried about her brother who is shipping off to fight the war (world war II). When her brother comes home to visit before shipping out, he brings along a friend, a young Navajo man named Denny. Denny finds an injured dog on the way and they bring him home to the ranch. This is how Billie finds Bear, the dog that starts to fill some of the holes in her heart. She also befriends the son of her aunt's ranch hand, a Mexican American boy named Tito. How Billie copes with the fears and stresses of her life makes for an interesting look at this era.

Billie's chapters alternate with a few chapters from Denny's point of view, as he trains in communications in the group that would eventually be known as the Navajo Code Talkers, and then goes to war. The war chapters are pretty gritty, so should interest readers who want a realistic look at the harshness of battle. However, there are also sections dedicated to Navajo prayers and Denny's inner battle about being a Marine and a Navajo. I am sure that Larson did thorough research (as she indicates in her notes) but I still felt just a bit unsure about reading a first person narrative from the perspective of a Native American that was not written by a Native American. I think some readers will also be disappointed that although the book is touted as a book about the code talkers, that's really only a small part of it. I was also a little weirded out by the kinda of spiritual scene with Bear and Denny, but that may just be me.

Overall, I did enjoy this book and I will include it in my collection because I have many readers clamoring for fiction from this time period.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billie Packer is a lonely girl. Her best friend, Hazel, has suddenly become infatuated with the popular girl, Kit. There are boys at school who are constantly berating her. Her beloved older brother, Leo, is away at boot camp preparing to join the fight in the Pacific. And her great aunt Doff, with whom she lives after her mother died and her father left her there, isn’t the warmest of human beings. There is the new kid, Tito, whose father is the new ranch manager of Aunt Doff’s farm. He is also a target of the bullies because Tito is Mexican and the bullies are bigots.

Thankfully, Leo is coming home from boot camp and Billie has the whole weekend planned. Until Leo shows up with a fellow recruit named Denny. And Denny has a dog with him. A dog that they found injured at the side of the road. “I met this dog, and I thought, he’s here for a reason ... And I think it’s to help you find what you’re looking for.” There is an instant connection between Billie and Denny; and also between Billie and Bear (the dog).

Denny is Dine (Navajo) and when he returns from leave he spends eight weeks in a communications classroom, working on code. It’s ironic to Denny that when he was young, he was taken away from his reservation and sent to a school where he was punished for speaking his native language and now that very language is being used to aid in the war effort.

“Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit.” Aristotle — As Billie learns how to open her heart again, with the help of Bear, she and Tito become friends. Which is exactly what Billie needs as news from the war keeps her on pins and needles, worrying about Leo and Denny, too. But what does Denny need? And how can Bear help him, too?

Another winner in this series.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, Kirby Larson, you are one excellent storyteller. I'd probably be willing to read every line of the yellow or white pages in the phone book if those lines were written by you. This story, part of the Dogs of World War II series, has many elements that will attract young readers who enjoy historical fiction and even those who don't--a lonely but well-meaning protagonist, a loyal dog, a brother serving overseas, and a lesser-known account of the Navajo Code Talkers. Eleven-year-old Billie Packer hasn't had the easiest of lives. Not only does she barely remember her father who left her with her great aunt Doff years ago, but her best friend Hazel has deserted her for a more popular, more affluent classmate, Kit. She's losing her beloved older brother, Leo, too since he's about to head overseas. When Leo visits the family before shipping out, he brings with him a fellow Marine, Denny, and a dog the two young men rescued on their way home. The dog, Bear, becomes an essential part of Billie's life, accompanying her everywhere she goes, and helping her realize that the best friend she's been longing for has been right in front of her the whole time. I was impressed with the subtle ways in which the author weaves in social class and ethnic prejudices as well as providing some interesting information about those Code Talkers. While readers may wonder about the ending and how Bear could possibly save Denny and Tito and ultimately Billie, I loved that ending. I was sad to see this story come to an end, and I wish that it had been longer. Oh, those stories that are not known or remembered! What joy it is to be the author who chooses to research them and then tell them.

[Mary Louise Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courage has always defined Billie Packer, age eleven,ever since her mother died and her father left Billie and her brother Leo with their great-aunt Doff. But now Billie needs courage more than ever because Leo is a Marine headed to World War II. When Leo comes home on leave after basic training he brings a fellow Marine, Denny, who is Navajo. Denny finds an injured dog and names it Bear but can't take it with him so Billie convinces her great-aunt Doff that she'll save her babysitting money and work hard if Bear can stay on the ranch with them.

Bear is a big comfort. He helps distract the children Billie babysits especially when their mother receives a dreaded telegram. He helps Billie search for her Mexican-American friend, Tito Garcia, who disappears after being bullied. He even senses that Denny, now a Code Talker in Iwo Jima, is in danger. Above all Bear gives courage and is the connection to a lasting friendship.

While there are non-fiction books for children about the Code Talkers, this is the first time I've seen them mentioned in a fiction story. Kirby also opens the door to help young readers recognize that many Americans of Hispanic descent fought for our country. I was proud that Tito made a Valentine card and wrote a message in Spanish because, "I figure there have to be some Mexican-
American soldiers, too, right?"

I would have liked to hear more about Leo's experiences in the war from his perspective, just as we saw chapters in Billie and Denny's point of views.

[MJ2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a delightful book about friendship and loyalty, centering on an abandoned dog who brings people together and helps them find themselves and stay whole. People from very different backgrounds, including social and cultural backgrounds, are drawn together by an injured dog.

The main character, Billie, is one who will draw you in and make you like her. She almost reminds me of Anne Shirley of Green Gables (though not so plagued with problems) in that her intentions are pure and she desperately wants to connect with others. She is the kind of person we should aspire to be.

As Historical Fiction, Code Word Courage offers young readers a glimpse of daily life on the home front--bond stamps, recycling, censorship, pitching in wherever one could. It also highlighted important parts of WW2 that aren't frequently covered in books aimed at young readers, like the Navajo Code Talkers and Iwo Jima. It was fascinating to learn more about the language and beliefs of the Navajo--very respectfully handled. While the book doesn't shy away from the less fun parts of the 1940's, like those dreaded telegrams and the racism that characterized almost everything, those issues don't create an unbearable emotional burden or take the focus away from the main story of friendship.

Read an ARC I received at the NCTE Convention.

[Laura Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for CODE WORD COURAGE by @kirbylarson. Thanks to @scholasticbooks for the ARC (#partner). I will be sharing this copy with this #kidlitexchange network. It’s out 4/24/18!
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Swipe for the back!
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I have students who are super interested in war and I have students who are also really interested in the history of Navajo people serving as code talkers (sometimes those kids overlap 😉). All those kids, PLUS my dog-loving bookworm are going to devour this new book from @kirbylarson. It’s a quick, compelling read with two characters you’ll immediately fall for. Larson has done a great job depicting Billie—a friendless, orphan whose beloved brother is off at war. The other main character is Denny, a code talker in the Army who reminisces on the prejudice he has faced his entire life, including in boarding schools designed to erase his Navajo heritage. Everyone’s favorite character will likely be Bear, however. 🐕 (except imagine the dog is black—Larson explains Bear is a Belgian Shepherd in her author’s note). I recommend this for grades 3+. The other dogs of WWII books in this series by Larson are popular in my library so I will get this one, too.
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[Lily Humphrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Code Word Courage by Kirby Larson is a story that takes place in World War II and it is about a girl named Billie. Billie's brother has left to serve in the War and it is very stressful for her and her Aunt who anxiously check the paper every morning, hoping that his name won't be there under the section of the soldiers who have died. Leo (Billie's brother) has gotten leave for a while as well as his friend Denny, who is also serving. They come to visit Billie and her Aunt, but on their way over Denny hears something, a dog whimpering. Denny finds an injured stray dog who he names Bear. He brings it to the house where Billie cares for it and develops a strong bond with Bear. When Denny and Leo leave again, they cannot take Bear with them so Billie offers to take care of him. Her Aunt does not like the idea and says they can only keep him until he gets well again. As Billie and Bear grow closer, she knows she must keep him, but it's going to take a lot to convince her Aunt. Overall I thought this was a really good book, but at times I found it slightly confusing since it switched between perspectives and had a lot of flash backs/flash forwards.

[American Mensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Kirby Larson tells the story of a little girl named Billie growing up in Arizona during WWII, a stray dog who finds a loving home, and a U.S. Marine and Navajo code talker, Denny. In Code Word Courage, Larson blends a heartfelt coming of age story with important realities occurring on the home front of WWII, as well as the struggle of the Navajo Indians. This is a brilliantly written, well researched, and incredibly creative story that both kids and parents will enjoy. The reading level is appropriate for children starting in about third grade, but it deals with a sensitive topic. Although this book achieves a good balance of truth and optimism, parents of more sensitive children may want to wait to introduce this book until fifth grade. This book is one that I wish I had read in middle school, as it deals with themes such as real friendship and loneliness, leading readers who are experiencing similar situations to feel less alone. I, for one, truly enjoyed this book, and I give it five stars.
Reviewed by Martha C., age 16, Northeast Indiana Mensa

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. I wanted to love it, but found that the part of the book I was most intrigued by was the part of the book that got the least amount of time. I picked this one up because it was going to look at and explore the Navajo Code Talkers. But most of the book is spent with the young girl Billie, who must learn what it means to be a true friend. While her story was well told, it's a book we've read countless times. I was hoping for more about Denny, but we got very little. I get that it's for young readers and that war is hard to depict in an age appropriate way, but I think Larson could have had an even number of chapters for each of the characters. It would have been interesting to see more of what it was like for the Code Talkers, both in the training and in battle. It's a good book, and I think it will get students interested in learning more about the Code Talkers, but the book left me wanting to learn more about Denny.

[Libby Ames · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billie is a lonely, eleven-year-old girl afraid of losing her older brother Leo as he fights in WWII. Denny is a young Navajo Marine, brought up in a boarding school that punished him for speaking his native language. The two develop an unexpected friendship as they care for a wounded stray dog they name Bear. Alternating between Billie’s and Denny’s perspectives, Kirby Larson gives us a taste of the trials of wartime.

Billie worries about the soldiers while dealing with prejudice and unkindness at home. Denny is asked to face the horrors of battle, using his native Navajo to send vital messages through the military. Through it all, Bear comforts them and teaches them the power of friendship, loyalty, and courage. Code Word Courage is a beautifully written story that will introduce young readers to life during WWII. It is engaging while remaining age appropriate for elementary school--a book I would highly recommend.

Recommended ages--9 and up

[Bev Walkling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a quick easy read which I enjoyed and felt would be suitable to pass on to my grandchildren. I wondered as I was reading it if it had ever been on the list of banned books in the USA. I didn't find an answer to that in my searches but did find a review that was very concerned about a white author writing about what she imagined a Navajo soldier might be thinking or feeling. The novel does have an afterwords from the author with a list of those who provided assistance including an original code talker and the son of a code talker. She also included a list of the books that she used as sources. The book includes bullying against a girl, a young Mexican boy and recollections of bullying from a Navajo marine. It also included rendition of bullying. I believe the author did her best and that her intent was to honour.

[Alex Persichetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code word courage is a very entertaining book. It kept me reading, as I wanted to know what happened to the characters next. I rated this book as 5 star because of how perfectly it is written. Kirby Larson used a lot of cliffhangers, to keep the reader into the book. I also give this a 5 star because of what it is about. I personally enjoy learning about past events in history, and how she made this about dogs in WW2 was very liked by me.

This is one of my favorite books because of how interesting it was. I mentioned this a lot, but it is one of the biggest reasons that it deserves my 5 star rating. The use of imagery on every page and every word was a big contribution to how much I enjoyed reading this book. She utilized the literary elements like metaphors and similes and dialogue perfectly, which made this book satisfying to read and made me feel like I was experiencing the event occurring in the story with the characters.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Billie's mom died and her dad left Billie and her brother with Aunt Doff when he took off after losing the farm. When Leo joins the Marines, Billie is left to deal with mean classmates, rationing, and getting along with little affection or support from Doff. Billie is looking forward to Leo's return home, even if leave is brief. Leo does return home, but he brings a friend, Denny, a Navajo code-talker.

Even though I was fascinated with the Navajo codetalkers in Middle School, this generation of readers may not be familiar with this bit of WWII history. Denny and Billie work to rehabilitate an injured dog they name Bear. Bear comes to Billie's rescue many times after that and the novel goes on to explore themes of friendship, love, and loyalty.

[Debbie Tanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a World War 2 story about a girl who lives with her great aunt and her older brother on a farm. Her brother enlists in the Army and befriends a young Navajo man, Denny. When they come to the farm after basic training, they bring a dog and leave it on the farm. The dog connects Billie and Denny. Each of them are having a hard time-Billie is dealing with bullies and her best girl friend, who has become friends with a new girl. Denny is dealing with the horrors of war and the aftermath of an upbringing in a Catholic boarding school that tried to strip him of his Navajo culture. It introduces a lot of history-it mentions the Depression, World War 2, Mexican immigration, women's rights, and the Navajo code talkers just to name a few. It was an interesting read.

[Ruthe Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate all of Kirby Larson’s research about the Navajo Code Talkers of WW2, plus her recommended further reading on the subject I also appreciated the way she wove a good story using people of various ethnic groups and showing their value. I loved the way she made the characters show care and compassion toward the dog. I thought the WW2 war scenes were well done, though there were some mystical moments I didn’t appreciate. I felt that her portrayal of the angst of the middle school peer pressure was well done, except I felt she had already made her point without messing up a good story with that tissue-in-the-bra scene. Some things just don’t need to be said. I felt it that part was unnecessary and inappropriate.

[Ryland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well first, you meet all the characters like Spinner, Del, Hazel, Billie, Kit, and Tito. Hazel and Kit are mean to Billie. Denny finds a dog named Bear. Denny and Leo leave to fight in the army. They learn that Leo died, Billie helps Tito when he falls into a ditch. Last, old Billie and old Denny are talking, telling stories.

The theme for the book Code Word Courage, is to always have courage. This book shows that when Billie has to let her brother Leo and his friend Denny go to the war, it also shows this when Leo has to sign the papers himself so he can go to the war, and finally Billie shows courage when Tito gets hurt and Billie has to save him.

My biggest dislikes of this book are just how sad it is. But other than that it is pretty great because Denny gets home okay.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book that I read was code word courage the author of this book is Kirby Larson this book is relistic Fiction. The main character in this book is Billie. She lives with her Aunt, her brother Leo and there dog named Bear. The way that they got there dog was they found it injured and lost on the side of the road with no owner in sight. So Billie decided to take him home and have it be the familys pet. Billie and her family live on a ranch with lots of land where Bear and Billie go exploring alot. Bille loves the dog and goes every where with him. I would rate this book a 6 out of 10 because I liked most of the book untill it got a little confusing at some spots. I would reccomedn this book to peopla that like reading about dogs and adventure.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost didn’t finish it, but I kept hoping there would be more of what was promised. Namely, more about Navajo Code Talkers. But there wasn’t.
The book tried to include so many elements and present them in such a basic way that ultimately it felt like a nothing of a story. Was the dog a main character? not really, the dog just appeared when it was poetic. Were Navajo Code Talkers the main subject? Maybe but the book shared almost nothing about them except to indicate that they existed and were important. Was the prejudice against Mexican Americans meant to be a driving force for the plot? If so, it was oversimplified and somehow simply, almost magically overcome.

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the history of the Navajo Code Talkers and the spiritual connection between the characters and the dog. I also appreciated how she wove in the history of the people most affected by the depression, who lost their jobs and their ability to care for their families. The way communities, including all the children, saved their pennies to buy war bonds and help to support all the men who served was so touching. A great way for kids 10 and up to learn the history of our country. I will read more by this author!