Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac

Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac brings to life the crucial yet often overlooked role of Navajo code talkers during World War II. The story follows Ned Begay, a sixteen-year-old Navajo boy, as he becomes a code talker and braves some of the war's heaviest fighting. His journey is not just about the battles but also about the preservation of his culture and language, which played a pivotal role in the war effort. The novel is a deeply affecting tribute to the young men who served and the Navajo culture that provided the unbreakable code that saved countless lives. This novel is praised for its nonsensical and accurate portrayal of historical events, making it a quietly inspiring read. It honors the Navajo code talkers and their contributions, providing readers with a richer understanding of their bravery and the significance of their native language in the war. The story is both educational and emotionally resonant, offering a unique perspective on a lesser-known aspect of WWII history.

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews · 2026-02-15

engaging 4.50

The novel is a leisurely exploration of fate and chance encounters, offering a big, expansive narrative that touches on various aspects of the characters' lives. The story is well-crafted and engaging, making it a enjoyable read.

This big, expansive novel is a leisurely working out of fate, of seemingly chance encounters and events that ultimately touch, like dominoes as they collide. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to weave together various aspects of the characters' lives, creating a rich and engaging narrative. The story is well-crafted and thoughtfully presented, making it a enjoyable read. The reviewer notes that the novel's leisurely pace allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and their experiences, enhancing the overall impact of the story.

Quick quotes

This big, expansive novel is a leisurely working out of fate, of seemingly chance encounters and events that ultimately touch, like dominoes as they collide.

The story is well-crafted and thoughtfully presented, making it a enjoyable read.

The novel's leisurely pace allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and their experiences, enhancing the overall impact of the story.

OceanWriter · 2025-07-24

fascinating 3.50

The book is a fascinating exploration of a lesser-known piece of history, but it could benefit from being more detailed and expansive. The story is engaging and well-told, making it a worthwhile read.

The reviewer enjoyed this book because they find the story of the Code Talkers to be a fascinating piece of history. The narrative is engaging and well-told, making it a worthwhile read. However, they wished the book had been longer and more fleshed out. The story's simplicity and humbleness are noted, but the reviewer feels that more detail and depth could have enhanced the overall impact. Despite this, the book is praised for its ability to capture the reader's interest and provide a compelling account of the Navajo code talkers' experiences.

Quick quotes

I enjoyed this book because I find the Code Talkers' story a fascinating piece of history.

I do wish it had been longer and more fleshed out to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.

The story is engaging and well-told, making it a worthwhile read.

Colorful Book Reviews · 2018-11-16

inspiring 4.00

The novel effectively captures the historical significance of the Navajo code talkers, offering a compelling narrative that educates and engages. The story's simplicity and humbleness make it a powerful read.

This novel follows the life of Ned Begay, focusing on his experiences as a Navajo code talker during World War II. The story is told with a simplicity and humbleness that makes it both accessible and profound. It effectively captures the historical significance of the Navajo code talkers, offering a compelling narrative that educates and engages readers. The author's ability to weave together personal experiences with broader historical events makes the book a valuable read. The reviewer found the narrative to be both moving and informative, highlighting the bravery and contributions of the Navajo code talkers.

Quick quotes

This novel follows fictional narrator Ned Begay through his life, focusing particularly on his experiences as a Navajo code talker.

The story is told with a simplicity and humbleness that makes it both accessible and profound.

It effectively captures the historical significance of the Navajo code talkers, offering a compelling narrative that educates and engages readers.

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