The Unbreakable Code

In the lower right corner, we can observe the leg of the feral blogger

Miner, Julia. The Unbreakable Code. Flagstaff, AZ : Northland Pub., 1996.

Plot: John fears leaving the Navajo reservation for school, since it means leaving everything he knows. His grandfather, though, wants to tell him a story before he leaves. In World War II, he, like many Navajos, left their homes to help fight the battle. Their power did not come from their arms, strength, or schooling. It came from their own culture. Using the Navajo language as a base, they managed to produce an unbreakable code for the army. Eventually, he and most of his people returned home, without the parades or fanfare given to most veterans. Still, leaving taught him much about home, culture, and identity. John's grandfather assures him that leaving will strengthen him and his culture, instead of weakening it.

Genre: Picture Books, History

Reading Level: Grades 4-6

Similar Titles: The Silent Storm, The Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow

Personal Thoughts: The story offers an introduction to a vital, but still often overlooked, group of people in one of the worst wars in history. It also includes views into the horrors of a realistic battle and the importance of remembering history. Overall, the text is a dour, but effective, reflection on code talkers.