Unsung Heroes of World War II: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers - Hardcover

Durrett, Deanne

3.52

33 ratings by Goodreads

9780816036035: Unsung Heroes of World War II: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0816036039 ISBN 13: 9780816036035

Publisher: Facts on File, 1998

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Describes the role of a select group of Navajo Marines who developed a code based on their own native language that provided a means for secure communications among American forces in the Pacific during World War II.

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About the Author:

Deanne Durrett has published numerous nonfiction books and biographies for children and young adults, plus two “as told to” memoirs for adult readers. For more information about Ms. Durrett’s books please visit her Web Site at http://www.deannedurrett.com.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 6 Up-This book presents readers with a fine combination of Navajo history and culture and background information about World War II in the Pacific. In historical terms, the story of the Code Talkers is a recent one as it was kept secret for many years after the war. Durrett describes the establishment of the program from its inception through declassification and the official recognition of the Code Talkers' contributions. The well-written text examines the failures, successes, and problems that the program encountered from training the first group of Marines until the war's end. It also stresses the fact that the Navajo developed the code themselves rather than just using the language as it is normally spoken. Sidebars add interest and details to the text. Maps and vintage photos are well placed and fully documented. One minor flaw appears; the text states that President Roosevelt declared war on Japan; legally, only Congress can declare war. This title is similar to Nathan Aaseng's Navajo Code Talkers (Walker, 1992), but it focuses more on the individuals who were part of the original 29 Code Talkers while still presenting an overview of the whole subject. It's a definite purchase for World War II shelves, especially if the collection does not include Aaseng's title.
Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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