Navajo Code Talkers

by Andrew Santella

Explains the role that a group of Navajo Native Americans took in World War II, who sent secretly coded messages based on the Navajo language, helping the United States and its allies win the war.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

48 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for our classroom 40 book genre challenge because I didn't have any nonfiction yet. I was very interested to learn about the Navajo code talkers because I knew a little bit about them, but wanted to know more. I am horrified that we treated these people so poorly in the first place by kicking them out of their home. Then, even after such poor treatment, the Navajo were still willing to serve their country by joining the military and training to become code talkers. They were heroes in the war effort, often placed on the front lines in order to deliver enemy coordinates and plans. The saddest part for me was that they didn't get recognition for all that they did until 20-30 years after the fact because it was kept top secret! Very interesting and informative read.

[Tessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story! We really didn't know much about the Navajo code talkers before we read this book and now we want to know more. There were lots of pictures and the text wasn't too long or complicated for young readers.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a display at my library saying this was American Indian month so I picked up this book. I had heard about the Navajos helping during WWII, but this had more information. It was quite interesting.

[lprater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of literature unit:

This informational book about the Navajo Code Talkers from World War II gives insight to both how the idea to use the Navajo language as a code developed to facts about the Navajo Indians. Phillip Johnston, an engineer from Los Angeles, had learned the Navajo language even though he was not a member of the Navajo tribe. Thinking about the difficulty of learning this particular language gave him an idea for a code that would be hard to break by an enemy. Even though other Native American languages had been used in the past for codes by the military, the enemy had not spent time learning this particular language. The story of recruitment and training of the Navajo men bring this time alive for readers. Photos, maps and primary source documents are included, as well as a chart depicting letters and common military terms in the Navajo language and English translation. I would recommend this book for grades 4-8.

[katyjanereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. I've never known much about the Code Talkers. My husband told me what they were a few years ago, but I still didn't know much.
2. This book was a great overview of the Navajo's role in WWII.
3. I got emotional during this book, especially when it talked about George Bush giving them gold medals.
4. I was also sad about them having to cut their hair.
5. I loved reading General Clayton Vogel's letter recommending the code talker project.
6. Loved this little book! I think I'll read Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac next.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for elementary readers