Navajo Code Talkers [Paperback]

Nathan Aaseng (Author), Roy O. Hawthorne (Foreword)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

On the Pacific front during World War II, strange messages were picked up by American and Japanese forces on land and at sea. The messages were totally unintelligible to everyone except a small select group within the Marine Corps: the Navajo code talkers-a group of Navajos communicating in a code based on the Navajo language. This code, the first unbreakable one in U.S. history, was a key reason that the Allies were able to win in the Pacific.

Navajo Code Talkers tells the story of the special group, who proved themselves to be among the bravest, most valuable, and most loyal of American soldiers during World War II.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-9-- A fascinating account that sheds light on a little-known contribution of the Navajos during World War II. A civil engineer who spent his childhood among them suggested that their language be used as a perfect unbreakable code. The result was one of the most secret and important aspects of U. S. intelligence work against the Japanese--Navajo code talking. Aaseng details the process by which native-speaking volunteers developed, learned, and used the complicated coding process to send and receive vital information even when the Japanese were intercepting the messages. He gives many examples of the dangers and prejudice the Native Americans faced in the armed services, as well as the special hardships they endured because of their cultural differences. The short, readable chapters are illustrated with photographs from the National Archives and the Library of Congress. This is a book that will appeal to a wide range of students--those interested in army intelligence and cryptography, and in World War II or Native American history. It should prove helpful for reports, but is interesting enough to recommend for recreational reading. --Yvonne A. Frey, Peoria Public Schools, IL
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“Few books so concisely summarize the Japanese advance and the American response to it, while none provides the same depth of insight into the conditions faced by these Navajo. . . . An important story, compellingly told.”—Kirkus (pointer review)

“A fascinating account that sheds light on a little-known contribution of the Navajos during World War II.” —School Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Walker Childrens (January 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802776272
• ISBN-13: 978-0802776273
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #308,283 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #65 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Military & Wars

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of The best books I have ever read., February 11, 2001

By 

Derek (Tapiola, Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Navajo Code Talkers (Hardcover)

First of all, I am an 8th grade student at Houghton Middle School. I read this for a book report, and I found this book fascinating, interesting, and exciting. It talks about from their roots and their culture, all the way to their finest hour at Iwo Jima and Mount Suribachi. I reccomend this book to anyone who is interested in World War 2 and the Navajo Code Talkers.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History Comes Alive!, June 9, 2000

By 

"eeguana" (Idaho) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Navajo Code Talkers (Library Binding)

A fascinating true story about the Navajo people, World War II, and creating and breaking codes. This book is of the sort that really makes history come alive for readers. I thoroughly enjoyed it. My husband will shortly be purchasing several copies for use in his Jeopardy Reading Tournament that he holds each year for 4th and 5th graders in the school district he is a media specialist in.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book to read in these times, November 21, 2001

By 

Eric Wimmer - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Navajo Code Talkers (Paperback)

After traveling to Northern Arizona last summer, I wanted to learn more about the Navajo. I found this book which tied in with my interest of WWII. It was a fast read and very informative.