#tbt: Code Talker: by Joseph Bruchac

Image: Penguin Random House

#tbt features Code Talkers: a Novel about the Navajo Marines of World War II by Joseph Bruchac. This novel illustrates one of the great ironies in American history. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, parents of Native American children were "encouraged" to send their children to boarding schools for an excellent education and chance for a better life. These boarding schools were many miles away from the reservation and once the children arrived, their hair was cut, their clothing was confiscated and they were given uniforms. Most importantly, they could not speak their tribal language or practice their tribal religion. It was English only and the consequences were severe. Most also had to practice Christianity.

Ned Begay is the narrator of this emotionally resonant novel. He is a grandfather who is telling his grandchildren of his childhood, when he was sent to a boarding school. At the age of 16, recruiters arrived with an offer. The military were looking for Navajo speakers who could be code talkers in the Pacific Theater of the war. The Japanese military were very successful in cracking all the American codes and the military needed an unbreakable code. The soldiers were sworn to secrecy and unable to speak of their service and heroism until 1968, when the project was declassified.

The research behind the story was meticulous and the author shared extra information in an author's note along with suggestions for further reading on the subject.

Code Talker was published in 2005 and named to YALSA's Best Books for Young Adults list as well as the ALA Notables list.