Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac
Bruchac, J. (2005). Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two. Speak.
ISBN: 978-0142405963
Summary:
Code Talker is a revealing story about secret Navajo Marines, specifically the main character Ned, who were able to work with codes during World War II. It also highlights the atrocities placed upon Native American children by white educators. The story goes through the almost literal 'white-washing' of Native American culture in order to teach Native children that their own way of life is 'wrong' compared to a white man's way. Ironically, it is the Native language that is needed in order to send unbreakable codes during a difficult war, and this story exemplifies the rich culture of the Navajo peoples.
Analysis:
The most unnerving part of this novel is knowing that the extreme racism and oppression of indigenous peoples is true. Bruchac use extensive knowledge of the workings of WWII and understanding of the situations and elements forced upon his people in order to portray such a realistic view of the book. The writing style made it almost as if readers are experiencing a real transcript of actions rather than a fictionalized version of a realistic story.
The beautiful cultural aspects that the main character experiences are something to cherish and celebrate. The long held traditions that are sacred to a people are made iconic by the descriptiveness used by Bruchac. One example is the inclusion of the "Blessingway" that Ned seeks for his time in the War. It is a ritual that is meant to protect from harm, part of a rich culture of spiritualistic beliefs. This is a mere drop in the hat of the richness of culture within Code Talker.
Review Excerpt:
SLJ-
"Bruchac has penned a moving portrait of Chester Nez, a Navajo code talker who survived the residential school system and World War II."
Connection:
This is a short documentary on the history of Code Talkers that can be used as an extension of this novel:
Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Boulley, A. (2021). Firekeeper's Daughter. Henry, Holt and Co.
ISBN: 978-1250766564
Summary:
Sometimes coming to terms with your own culture is a journey among itself, especially when that journey has large hurdles and speed bumps along the way. For 18 year old, biracial Daunis Fontaine, this journey has been a struggle, especially since she doesn't quite fit in at her hometown or the nearby reservation. When she becomes a witness to something terrible, Daunis must learn what it means to embrace her culture, to be come a strong Anishinaabe kwe, and to find her own strength to stop a horrible situation from taking over both her tribe and hometown.
Analysis:
This book deals with so many things in such an effective way. There's drug abuse and addiction, abuse, sexual assault, grief, and all on top of the emotions of the main character. Boulley spends time developing each character, making them the driving part of the story, while wrapping it in the cultural references of the Ojibwe people. The conflict of not fitting in makes the exploration of culture come to life on the page, while dealing with realistic situations faced by many towns and tribes across the nation. Daunis becomes a bridge between the two peoples, and the culture of the Ojibwe shines through. One example is the discussion of the "Nish Kwe justice," otherwise known as a 'blanket party,' where when a man does something wrong to a woman, the other women in her life wrap him in a blanket and take their revenge, physically. The violence in this novel make it seem fit for a more mature audience, but the character driven writing style make it interesting for many readers.
Review Excerpts:
SLJ-
"The multiple languages spoken by characters in this book are best heard spoken aloud, making this a must-buy audiobook for any high school or public library."
Connections:
Here is a video of the author talking about her book on GMA:
The Christmas Coat: Memories of My Sioux Childhood by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve
Illustrated by Ellen Beier
Hawk, S. V. D. (2011). The Christmas Coat: Memories of My Sioux Childhood. Holiday House.
ISBN: 9780823421343
Summary:
Virginia needs a new coat; her current one was small when she got it, and she's completely outgrown it. Coming from the household of the local Episcopalian priest, Virginia is taught to choose from the boxes from "Theast" (the east) last so that others who need items more can have it first. When she sees a fur coat she wants, she holds her tongue and bites back jealousy as someone else gets it. She is stuck with a coat too big. The coat she wanted, however, turns out to be smelly and not what everyone expects. Virginia gives the too big coat away to replace the smelly fur coat. Thinking she does not have a new coat to survive the winter, Virginia is pleasantly surprised when her mama gives her a box specifically for the pastor's family: a new red coat she can grow into.
Analysis:
The author uses descriptive language mixed with phrases native to the culture and area to describe the sludgy winter, low economic status, and livelihood of the Sioux Rosebud Reservation. The illustrations mix Sioux tradition and European tradition, depicting both the Christmas Story and Native traditional headdresses in their pageant. The story is meant to teach a multi-facet theme is of patience, kindness, selflessness, and understanding. The underlying tone, however, is that the reservation comes first, even above the very real needs of the pastor's children. Virginia's patience and selflessness pay off, but it's almost understood that if there hadn't been a separate box for her and her brother, they'd have to deal with improper shoes and a too-small coat all of winter. It's the sense of community that pushes through above all.
Review Excerpts:
SLJ-
"This richly descriptive narrative is well matched by detailed and expressive watercolors.”
Connection:
This is a wonderful read-aloud that would be perfect to play in a classroom:
How I Became a Ghost by Tim Tingle
Tingle, T. (2013). How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story. Roadrunner Press.
ISBN: 9781937054533
Summary:
Isaac, a ten-year-old Choctaw boy, does not survive the Trail of Tears. In this historical fiction novel about a dark time in America's history, many families were displaced by soldiers taking over their land, forced to walk hundreds of miles away, many often not surviving. During their journey, Isaac's family suffers many losses. Able to seek help and guidance from the ghosts of deceased others that he can see, Isaac knows he is not going to survive the journey. This story of a brave young Choctaw boy is both captivating and heart-wrenching, as it is based on real events that is often overlooked in history.
Analysis:
There is such a strong theme of bravery in this story. Isaac is a very brave young boy who tries to save a girl, knowing the danger behind it. He is brave in the journey, not wanting to let his family know that he knows he too will die like others before him. His strength carries the story throughout their time on the Trail of Tears. It creates a sense of hope despite the atrociousness of the situation.
The biggest cultural parts of this story include the very real discussion of the Trail of Tears, and how the natives dealt with that situation. It also pays homage to their understanding of relying on their ancestors, and explains the struggle of having to relocate and depend on the wilderness for survival.
Review Excerpts:
Kirkus-
"Storyteller Tingle’s tale unfolds in Isaac’s conversational voice; readers “hear” his story with comforting clarity and are plunged into the Choctaw belief system, so they can begin to understand it from the inside out."
Connection:
If using this with a class, this video can be a great introduction to the history of the Trail of Tears; it's a 'History for Little Humans' explanation: