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Navajo Code Talkers Paperback – January 1, 1994

by Nathan Aaseng (Author), Roy O. Hawthorne (Introduction)

58 customer reviews

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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

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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

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Product details

Age Range: 10 and up
Grade Level: 5 and up
Lexile Measure: 1170 (What's this?)

Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens; Reissue edition (January 1, 1994)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802776272
ISBN-13: 978-0802776273
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.4 x 230.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 58 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #96,189 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #69 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > History > Military & Wars
- #85 in Books > Children's Books > Geography & Cultures > Multicultural Stories > Native North & South Americans
- #208 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > Multicultural

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OUTSTANDING

ByMarc Ouelletteon June 6, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

The Navajo code talkers have not received proper recognition for their contribution to America's success in WW II. Most Americans know nothing but them. I served in the Marine Corps and do have knowledge of them. God bless the Navajo Code Talkers and the United States of America.

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Such a Fascinating Subject

ByWendy Sparrowon January 21, 2013

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I've been interested in the history of code talkers since I first heard about them and this was a great read for adults or kids. While you could tell there was some subjectivity to the way it was presented the bias wasn't so strong that you felt your emotions were being directed. It was just an awesome read. Not only did you learn about the code talkers themselves, but there was a lot of information on decoding and the war itself. And given that the Navajos who served in the war were heroes...that the book was clearly sympathetic toward their side felt justified.

I highlighted a bunch of interesting stuff in the book--and actually stopped reading to go tell people in my family about what I was reading...this excerpt from the book on the code they created was really interesting:

This alphabet was especially useful in communicating locations. For example, if a code talker was transmitting orders to attack the island of Saipan, he could say "Al-tah-je-jay dsibeh wol-la-chee tkin bi-sodih wol-la-chee nesh-chee." The code talker receiving the message would translate this message as "Attack sheep ant ice pig ant nut." He would recognize the alphabet words and would spell out "Saipan," using the first letters of each of the English words.

***

Great subject and a well-written book. You can't go wrong with this one.

0Comment One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Fighting Sprit

ByCharlie elginon November 21, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I did not like the way military commanders were indifferent to the CodeTalkers and the fact that high ranking officials did not let field commanders know the truth about who the Code Talkers were and why they were assigned to the various units.
I enjoyed the book and learned a lot about the Navajos. I met a Navajo while in service, but did not know about the Code Talkers although I was in the Signal Corp.

0CommentWas this review helpful to you?YesNo

An effective but short history.

ByDillon Valderemaoon February 18, 2013

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Navajo Code Talkers is a well-written history of the secret encryption program using Navajo speakers during World War Two. Aaseng provides a concise examination of the beginnings of the program, its difficulties and successes. It's a great story! Despite a tragic history at the hands of the US government, the Navajo people throw themselves into the war in support of the country that almost destroyed them. It's a compelling read.
The only criticism that I have is the brevity with which Aaseng tells this story. There is so much here that is not said, so many details that are missing. Events are brushed over quickly, individuals are discussed without enough substance and problems faced the the program that should take pages to discuss and explore, instead take paragraphs. Despite it being a well-written study of a noble subject Navajo Code talkers left me wanting more.

0Comment One person found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

New Insight on the Navajo Soldiers of World War 2

ByBob Bewickon October 12, 2012

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

The code talkers are an important part of WWII history. The book tells more of their story and is better than the movie from Hollywood. This author has done his research and presents the human story of the Native Americans who helped the country that had a long history of broken promises to their people.

Navajo Code Talkers is an excellent narrative of first person experiences and should be included in school history reading lists. It is that good.

0Comment 6 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Very interesting book about a little known aspect of word ...

BySteve Tobyon May 14, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Very interesting book about a little known aspect of word war II. For a long time no one was allowed to talk about it. There is no doubt that the Navajo Code Talkers had a very important place in the outcome of the naval battles in the Pacific.

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True sincere Americans.

ByJadwin Sortoreon September 5, 2013

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This well written review of the sheer bravery of the Navajo Indians, is a true story of true patriotism. After the way the US government treated the whole Navajo nation, by marching them ON FOOT to new reservations. many of them died on the way. Then to serve the US nation with such willingness and bravery, gives me such pride, because I am an American.

The Navajo Nation do not have casinos, they live from the land to this day, and are a very honorable American tribe.

If you want to read about sincere Americans, for America, read this book.

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amazing true story

ByLaura M. Eppigon October 21, 2012

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This book should be required reading for all American History students. It is the previously carefully guarded secret story of how a small group of Native Americans made a huge difference in the fate of the Allies in World War II. Engaging and riveting are two of the words that can be used to describe the telling of this historical episode in cryptography. The world will finally know how the Navajo Code Talkers literally saved countless lives, and probably ensured the outcome of The War.

0Comment 2 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

Most recent customer reviews

Five Stars

great book and great service

Published 5 months ago by Marlene Tollett

Great book!

I like that the Navajos got something they deserve. But they were no doubt heros. They also helped save America :)

Published 7 months ago by Amy Kozelka

He enjoyed it very much

I got this book for my husband. He enjoyed it very much. I have just started reading and I like it so far.

Published 10 months ago by Mrs. E. Jones

Three Stars

Good but not as good as others on the subject that I have read.

Published 1 year ago by Lee Bowers

Five Stars

Interesting topic for my nephew

Published 1 year ago by Diane Shaw

Was a gift. The person that got it, ...

Was a gift. The person that got it, raved. I saw these men in person in Albuquerque at Old Town for the Balloon Fiesta and have gotten very interested in this.Read more

Published 1 year ago by Carol J Yelisek

Great read

A story about True American Heroes

Published on July 5, 2015 by DK

Five Stars

Good book on an interesting subject.

Published on June 21, 2015 by Marilyn Sharp

Reasd How they did it

For my Wife

Published on May 3, 2015 by Joseph Milazzo

Five Stars

so very interesting

Published on April 3, 2015 by msmartha

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