Unbreakable Code

by Sara Hoagland Hunter, Julia Miner (Illustrator)

John's mother is getting married and he has to leave the reservation. John's grandfather tells him he has the special unbreakable code to take with him. This story portrays the quiet pride of a Navajo code talker as he explains to his grandson how the Navajo language, faith and ingenuity helped win World War II. Full color.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Childrens, World War II, Native American, Cultural

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 25, 1996

Reviews

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful tale that explains the legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers, but in a way that is conversational and easy to understand for children. The story is told as part of a conversation between and grandfather (who was a code talker) and his grandson. While the back story is not entirely necessary, it helps to frame the reason for the conversation and it works well.

I really appreciated the author's note at the beginning of the book that helped to explain more of the finer details of the effect the code talkers had on the war, things that did not necessarily come out in the tale. We were quite familiar with these famous Marines, as my husband is a Marine too. It was a terrific way to help reinforce the history lessons we'd learned.

The illustrations are colorful and expressive and I liked the little details, like the turquoise ring that the grandfather wore throughout the book. (I actually thought it was quite appropriate that he had it on while on the ship, but off when he was in the jungle and needed to have cover and concealment.)

Overall, I thought this was a very well-written and engaging story that also teaches an important piece of American history. We really enjoyed reading this book together.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful way to introduce both children and adults alike to the powerful role of the Navajo Code Talkers and their valuable work in WWII. I love that this young man was given that heritage from his grandfather as a reminder to carry his Navajo language with him always and to never forget it, even as he is forced to leave the reservation. My favourite part of the book is that the code for the Navajo Talkers is included in the back.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction for kids with a realistic plot and beautifully rendered art. Additional info about the Navajo code breakers in the front of the and more about the code at the end. Also references kids taken away from their families and forced to "become American" in government boarding schools.

[R Waterfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated and simply written, this book taught me a lot about the Navajo code talkers during WWII. I love how the grandfather tells his grandson about his experiences as a code talker. Those Navajos were so courageous and selfless and the code really worked! Definitely recommend this book.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely illustrated picture book for older readers about the fascinating Navajo code talkers.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important story told by a grandfather to his grandson of his quiet pride to serve as a Navajo code-talker during WWII. A nice introduction to the Navajo's dedication to country and significant contribution to the war effort.

[Alaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boys and I loved this true story of how the Navajo's helped to battle in WWII. Their crucial role helped win the war.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

John doesn't want to move to Minnesota with his mom and new step dad. His grandfather tells him about how he had to go to a government boarding school and wasn't allowed to speak his Navajo language. He had chewed a lot of soap in those days. Grandfather continues to tell how he ran away and joined the Marines as a Navajo codetalker. "... 'All those years they told us to forget Navajo, and now the government needs it to save the country!'

A note from the author includes information about the code talker program. Back matter includes Navajo words used in the code. This book is a concise introduction to the role of the codetalker.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read the biography of Chester Nez, as well as a historical fiction for middle grades based on his life. This is the children's picture book version the Navajo code talkers of WWII. I wish the beginning were a little less clunky and offered a more genuine and organic beginning to the telling of Grandfather's story rather than what the author chose to write. A boy, John, feeling sorrowful about an impending move out-of-state and away from the reservation, Grandfather's encouragement begins, "You're going to be all right. You have an unbreakable code." He then goes on to explain what he means by telling John - apparently, for the first time - about his experience as a code talker in the Pacific Theatre during WWII.

Grandfather relating his story is where the book shines. It talks about the reasons and reality of the role of the code talkers, their triumphs and trials - a story that really is a special part of American history.

[Andrea Riffle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book! It focuses on John, a young boy whose mother is getting married. Not only that, but this means she's leaving the reservation, which means John has to leave too. John's grandfather tells him on an unbreakable code their people have, meaning the Navajo code used during World War II. His grandfather explains how this code helped the Allies win the war. The images are beautiful and the language used in the story is informative and intriguing. This book also explores finding yourself and coming to an understanding as to who you are. This book is relatable to any individual, as this is a question we all ask ourselves as some point in life. And the measures these brave individuals went to protect our country should instill pride in the reader. Overall, this book is excellent and well-worth a read!

[Dan Shonka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book needs to be in every school library. It covers the key role of the Navajo windtalkers who were assigned to various Marine Corps divisions to send commands in a "coded" language the Japanese had absolutely no chance of decoding. Not only is the story of the windtalkers lovingly told, but Sara Hunter manages to tell the reader about some of the unacceptable treatment the Navajo have had to bear. Julia Miner's illustrations are spectacular, colorful and so well done. I HIGHLY recommend you read this book. It is a valuable, necessary truly American story. Get this into the hands of our American youths.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d really like to read more about the Navajo code talkers now. I didn’t know about this part of our American history. This book was a gentle way to introduce my 7 year old to a small glimpse of how Native Americans were treated during the war, and how they still served America regardless. I just read Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and this book apparently was the conduit I needed to allow myself to grieve from the previous book. It took me three days to read it and I cried through the entire thing. My sweet 7 year old tried to comfort me, it was really sweet. We loved reading the Navajo words at the end.

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recently, we read the Battle of Iwo Jima (a Cornerstones of Freedom book). This book also mentions the Code Talker's help in this. It is amazing what they were able to help with in WW2 using their own Native American language. Excellent book teaching about this aspect of American and World history.

[Jennifer Cicchetto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating children's picture book of how the Navajo code talkers' sacrifices helped save the United States during World War II. An excellent example of historical fiction for the young- all made possible because the Navajo Language is oral and not written. I would like to go in search of more info, regarding this now!

[Lyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend recommended this book. She is from the Navajo Nation and her grandfather was a code talker and she said this was a well done book. I agree, it was a great history lesson and life lesson. I especially liked the list of code words included at the end of the book.

[Checkthebook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book actually makes a good read-aloud for elementary ages. The Navajo code talkers were an amazing part of our WWII history. I read this to my students almost every year. They can hardly believe it is true! The illustrations are beautiful and add a lot to the story.

[Stephen Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so important in teaching young people of how the Navajo code talkers' sacrifices helped save the United States during world war II. This is one of the best historical fictions for children that I've ever read.

Thank you for the loan Franklin Public Library!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

More of an upper elementary book than younger.

[Megan B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story!

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found a copy of this beautiful book at Half Price today. I love the story and the illustrations. It makes the story of the Navajo Code Talkers easy for even a young child to understand.

[Zoey Matzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, I didn’t understand how the code worked very well, but I’m starting to understand. I think it’s cool how the Navaho worked with the army.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going on the list of books to read next year in the school library

[Ezra · Rating 5 out of 5]

its a good book.....

[Shea Lavalier]

Interest Level: Lower Grades
Reading Level: 4.2
Guided Reading Level: S
Genre: Historical Fiction
Support for the genre: The book uses real events from history to create a fictional narrative.
Additional Genres: Picture Books

Summary:
John fears his move to Minnesota to live with his mother’s new husband. When he runs away to hide, his grandfather finds and comforts him by telling the story of when he first left home and joined the military. His grandfather tells him about the gift that John has as a Navajo, the unbreakable code. During World War II, he served as a radio operator in the Pacific theater using his native Navajo language to relay messages. When he finishes the story, John is not nearly as afraid to move away. He is the son of a Navajo code talker and he has a language that helped save the country.

Mentor Writing Traits:
Ideas:
The title, The Unbreakable Code, entices the audience to read the book. Instead of just facts about Navajo code talkers, the theme is presented in a comforting and approachable manner.
Organization:
The story leads the reader in an unanticipated direction when the grandfather begins telling John his stories from the war. It is easy to become engrossed in the descriptions and stories he tells.
Voice:
The author uses the grandfather as a storyteller to relay the theme of the book. The narrative of the grandfather is compelling and the feelings he had during his childhood and the war are conveyed well.
Word Choice:
The writer uses metaphors and similes to bring imagry to the writing. Rivers are described as a “silver thread” through John’s home and later as “blood red”. The author also uses words from the Navajo language to help the reader understand how it was used.
Sentence Fluency:
The storytelling from the grandfather makes the piece easy to read aloud. His story is rhythmic and engrossing, enhancing the theme of the book.
Conventions:
The writing has mechanical correctness and uses punctuation, grammar, and capitalization correctly throughout.

Classroom Integration and other suggestions:
This book could be integrated into many different lessons in the classroom. It could be used as a means for students to embrace their culture, who they are, and be proud of themselves. For social studies, it could be used to learn about World War II or other wars and strategies used during them. It could also be integrated into Native American lesson to discuss how they were forced out of their homes and sent to boarding schools in an attempt to “civilize” them. This would provide a way for student so view a topic from two different perspectives and use that to examine Manifest Destiny and westward expansion from not just a Eurocentric viewpoint.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story. I learned a piece of WWII history about the Navajo code talkers that was novel to me and that I can now pass on to my students and children. The Navajo children should have great pride in the way their ancestors were able to serve our country when no one else could as their language was not written.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might go with 3.5 stars on this one, but opted for the higher 4-star rating.

I enjoyed the history of the code talkers from World War II at a simplified level presented for kids, but the book was very wordy (especially for a picture book) and didn't keep the attention of my 1st grade boy very well. The setting the story is told in by a grandfather to his grandson, who is moving away from the reservation. To me, the connection the author attempte to make between that situation and the code talkers fell totally flat, but, as I said, I did enjoy the code talker narrative.

Very interesting is the list of the code with the Navajo pronounciation and the English translation in the back of the book.

[Amanda Catalina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Th Unbreakable code is a captivating story of the unbreakable code of the Navajo language during World War II. In this story a young boy listens to his grandfather's story of how he became apart of the war because they needed boys who could speak Navajo. This remained the only code that the Japanese could not decode. This story is great for children because it shows a side of America that is rarely discusses. It also shows how America's multicultural has been beneficial to the nation. This art displays watercolor drawings of the war and the beautiful landscape of the desert. The author informs the reader of both an important part of history and the uniqueness of a different culture and it's language. Also how language is part of a culture.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite liked the story of the codetalkers that this relates, and the author prefaces the book by discussing how she interviewed actual code talkers before she wrote the book. I didn't really like the framing story about the boy who was leaving his grandfather to move out of the reservation and needed to hear this story to gain confidence. I thought that it detracted from the overall story, and that it sent a conflicting message about the importance of heritage and the importance of land and family.

[Sharon]

I picked this up at a book sale recently and read it aloud to my kids today. It's the first time they've seen me cry while reading a children's book. The Navajos fought to save and protect a country that was unjust to them. Facing that kind of goodness brings the tears. I don't think the kids will be able to forget this story after seeing how their mom reacted.

Beautifully illustrated and reads aloud well. The realities of war are described, so it's not a easy light book, but definitely worthwhile.