Code Talker

One of the original 29 Navajo code talkers discusses his experiences in WWII and his early life in the Checkerboard area of tribal lands in the Southwest. The book is written in the first person, a choice that provides a preponderance of simple sentences. David Colacci captures the flavor of the Navajo speakers with an even tone, free of strong emotion. That's not to say his reading is flat or uninteresting--quite the opposite. He gives listeners the feeling of being in the presence of a Native American storyteller who is relating pieces of tribal history and lore. His facility with Navajo words makes the reading flow naturally. The book and the reading make this chapter of American history come alive in a personal way. A chart of the declassified code can be downloaded from the publisher. R.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine


Telling his story to his grandchildren, Kii Yazhi, renamed Ned at the Navajo mission school, relives his experiences as a secret code specialist during WWII Pacific battles. With the inclusion of Navajo language excerpts, Derrick Henry's narration of this critical role lends an authentic tone. The plot serves as a framework to describe the culture and traits of the Navajo people, as well as the horrific memories of war that haunt the former soldiers. The courage, accuracy, and continual communication of these skilled Marines made a significant contribution to the war effort. Henry's matter-of-fact narrative cadence combined with the author's poetic language gives this powerful story credence and bears witness to the talent and dedication of the Navajo Code Talkers. L.D.H. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine