Code Talker
Author: Joseph Bruchac Themes: Coming of Age, Adventure, Family/Tradition Genre: Historical Fiction Recommended Age for Reading: The reading level for this book is a 6.5, but the content is appropriate for students in lower grade levels. For some of the gifted readers, students in grades 4-6 may enjoy this book. There is some violence since the premise of the story is World War 2, but it isn't anything that isn't appropriate for students in the elementary grades. Plot: This book tells the story of a young Navajo boy who begins his life on a Navajo reservation. He speaks only Navajo until the age of 6 when he begins school. His school is ran by white people who are trying to "educate" the Navajo. Speaking Navajo is forbidden at this school because the white people think there is no purpose for Navajo boys and girls to keep their language. The boy has a Navajo name, but when he starts school, the white people change his name to "Ned Begay