Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac

[katekintailbc]

Code Talker
by Joseph Bruchac
(Audio)

At the International Spy Museum today, I spent quite some time looking at photos and watching pieces about the Navajo Code Talkers. Just like the character in this book, many looked SO young in the photos I could hardly believe they were allowed to join the war efforts. However, I am very glad that they did. It's amazing that more than 400 Navajos were enlisted to send top secret messages during the war and not a single message was ever figured out by any enemy forces. The code is so simple but, after hearing some of those words spoken, I am in awe. Thanks to the museum's interactive programs, I only barely figured out what was being said, and that was with the key right in front of me and the ability for me to hit the play button multiple times until I deciphered it.

There's something about a fictional account of something real that hits me emotionally much more than a real account can. It's silly, yes, but fiction really does reveal truths that reality obscures! Ned is a great main character--he sees a lot and tells us his story in such an inviting and intimate way. He's telling us all his story as if he's our grandfather as well :-) I have nothing but respect for the Navajo culture and for the lengths the Code Talkers went to to do their jobs during the war. I loved getting to know Ned and seeing the battles and struggles through his eyes--first being told he was only to speak English and then being allowed and encouraged to speak his native language in order to save lives. I was pulled right in, worrying about his friends, worrying about him as well. Events like D-Day and the president's death brought plenty of emotion. And all the details of the culture--language, ceremony (pollen), etc. made the story feel real.