Navajo Code Talkers: Top Secret Messengers of World War II

Amazing World War II Stories

by Blake Hoena, Marcel P. Massegú (Illustrator)

During World War II U.S. forces had to keep battle plans and other top secret information out of the enemy's hands. Coded messages were often used, but secret codes could be broken. To solve this problem, the U.S. military turned to an unexpected source to create an unbreakable code. The Navajo people spoke a complex language that few outsiders knew how to speak. Several Navajo soldiers were recruited to develop a code based on the Navajo language. The result was a complex code that could not be solved by the enemy. Learn all about the brave Navajo Code Talkers and how their unbreakable code helped defeat the enemy and win the war.

Genres: Nonfiction, Graphic Novels, History, World War II, Historical, Graphic Novels Comics, Middle Grade

32 pages, Paperback

Published July 31, 2019

About the author

Blake A. Hoena grew up in central Wisconsin, where, in his youth, he wrote stories about robots conquering the Moon and trolls lumbering around in the woods behind his parents house, and the fact that the trolls were hunting for little boys had nothing to do with Blake’s pesky brothers. Later, he moved to Minnesota to pursue a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Since graduating, Blake has written more than thirty books for children, including retellings of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the Perseus and Medusa myth. Most recently, he’s working on a series of graphic novels about two space alien brothers, Eek and Ack, who are determined to conquer our big blue home.

--from the author's website

Reviews

[M Aghazarian]

Not sure a graphic novel was the best format decision for this, but ok. I understand it's basically a picture book but I wish it had a little more depth

[Liza]

Nice companion to Bruchac’s novel!

[Caryn Byrnes]

So in sharing some learning with my middle schooler... And testing a theory of our librarian... I read this book and a YA level book on the same subject. The short graphic novel gave a good overview and all of the basic facts of the story. The YA gave a little more story. I feel I now have a decent amount of info on the subject. Reading kids history books is a great way to learn a bit about just about anything. And then you can read higher level books on the subjects that really catch your interest.

[Meredith]

This is a short graphic novel that will appeal to readers aged 9-13. While this book does not go in to depth or mention any of the Code Talkers' names, it does give a lot of basic information as an introduction to the Navajo Code Talkers and thier role in WWII. This is definitely an introductory book to get kids interested in learning more about Code Talkers, or a companion book that could be used with novels on the same topic (ie: Joseph Bruchac's, "Code Talker").

[Robin Pelletier]

The only flaw of this wonderful book is that it’s too short! I was hoping to include it as an option for my high school students when we read graphic novels. The novel contains beautiful illustrations and great information, but it’s not a good fit for high school.

[SIMON J.]

Amazing book still can not believe that no army has cracked the code.

[Valerie]

Great resource for reluctant readers - engaging, detailed history of Navajo Code Talkers. Inspired me to read another book on this topic.

[Karen]

A great introduction to the Navajo Code Talkers of WWII

[Andrea]

This is a good introduction to Navajo Code Talker history. The graphic novel format also might draw in reluctant readers.

[Leo]

Awesome ww2 book