CODE TALKERS by Joseph Bruchac

Bruchac, Joseph. Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two. New York: Dial Books, 2005.

ISBN: 0-8037-2921-9

Plot Summary:

This is the riveting story of Navajo Code Talkers who served in World War II.  The story is told from Ned Begay’s point of view as a grandfather explaining to his grandchildren how he joined the Marines at 16 years old and was immediately whisked away to become one of the elite group of Navajos who served the United States during the war. The story is fascinating and is historically accurate and one that was not able to be told for many years after the war was over.  The Code Talkers are a little-known segment of the military whose language was used to send coded messages during the war that could not be intercepted and broken by the enemy.  The Code Talkers were involved in some of the heaviest fighting in World War II and risked life and limb to save American lives.  This is an important story that needs to be told and will hold readers at rapt attention at every turn.     

Critical Analysis:

Joseph Bruchac tells a significant story that is both fascinating and gripping.  Although a fictional tale, Bruchac relays the important role that the Code Talkers played during World War II.  The first person style gives the feeling of interviewing Ned Begay as he tells the story to his grandchildren.  Authentic Native American words and phrases are sprinkled throughout the text as Ned shares some of the Navajo language that was used in the codes.   The harsh reality of the Native American Boarding School experience is painfully told as Ned tells how he was not allowed to speak Navajo at the school.  Ultimately, though, the Navajo language became a saving grace for the United States during the war and readers will grow to care for Ned Begay and his platoon as the sacrifice that they endured is realized.  This is a story that honors the Navajo culture and language and is a realistic commentary on the horrors of war.   Bruchac includes an “Author’s Note” that tells about the Navajos as a people, the Code Talkers of WWII, and a selected bibliography to read more about the subject.  An excellent book with a riveting story that can finally be told. 

Review Excerpts:

“Bruchac’s gentle prose presents a clear historical picture of young men in wartime, island hopping across the Pacific, waging war in the hells of Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and Iwo Jima.  Non-sensational and accurate, Bruchac’s tale is quietly inspiring…” ~School Library Journal

“…the succession of scenes, impressions, and remarks build to create a solid, memorable portrayal of Ned Begay… Readers who choose the book for the attraction of Navajo code talking and the heat of battle will come away with more than they ever expected to find.” ~Booklist (starred review)

Connections:

**Other books about code talkers in WWII:

Warriors: Navajo Code Talkers by Kenji Kawano

Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir by One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII by Chester Nez and Judith Schiess Avila

The Comanche Code Talkers of WWII by William C. Meadows

Navajo Code Talker’s Dictionary by United States Marine Corp

**Other books by Joseph Bruchac:

Sacajawea

The Warriors

Wolf Mark

THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE DIARY OF A PART-TIME INDIAN by Sherman Alexie

Alexie, Sherman. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.  Ill. by Ellen Forney. New York: Little, Brown and Company. 2007.

ISBN: 978-0-316-01369-7

Plot Summary:

Set on the Spokane Indian Reservation and based on Sherman Alexie’s personal experiences, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is a powerful story of compassion and resilience.  Arnold Spirit, aka Junior, is 14 years old, was born with “water on the brain,” and loves to draw.  He is a budding cartoonist and shows promise and ambition in school.  With the encouragement of a caring teacher, he leaves the school on the reservation (the “rez”) and attends an all-white school in the nearest town of Reardon in an attempt to escape a future of no hope.  Fearing the worst at the new school, Junior ends up making some good friends and even becomes a starter on the basketball team.  Alexie addresses stereotypes and the reality of life on a reservation through sometimes humorous text and the brilliant illustrations of Ellen Forney.  In spite of a series of tragic events, Junior is able to overcome a life destined for mediocrity and succeed in a world where that he never thought he’d be a part of.  

Critical Analysis:

Sherman Alexie approaches the stereotypes of reservation life and tragedy with wit and compassion.  The setting of the Spokane Indian Reservation is adequately portrayed, as are the problems that are a part of reservation life for so many Native Americans.  The character development is extensive as readers get to know Junior and Rowdy intimately, as well as the students at the school in Reardon.  The compassion that Junior’s family has for each other is prevalent throughout the text as Junior seeks support regarding his decision to leave the “rez.”  Readers are emotionally involved with Junior from the beginning of the story to the very end.  The cartoon-like illustrations of Ellen Forney are appropriate throughout the text and add to the storyline, often portraying details and emotions of Junior.  Readers will never get the feeling of a superficial story as Alexie relates the experiences of Junior with grace and familiarity that will speak all who choose to read the story.  It will leave readers wanting more and is an eye-opening commentary on acceptance and resilience. 

Review Excerpts:

“Alexie nimbly blends sharp wit with unapologetic emotion…Junior’s keen cartoons sprinkle the pages as his fluid narration deftly mingles raw feeling with funny, sardonic insight.”  ~Kirkus (starred review)

“The many characters, on and off the rez, with whom [Junior] has dealings are portrayed with compassion and verve, particularly the adults in his extended family.  Forney’s simple pencil cartoons fit perfectly within the story and reflect the burgeoning artist within Junior.” ~School Library Journal (starred review)

“Alexie’s portrayal of reservation life, with the help of a great lineup of supporting characters, is realistic and fantastical and funny and tragic - all at the same time.  Forney’s drawings, appearing throughout the book, enhance the story and could nearly stand alone.” ~VOYA (starred review)

Awards:

National Book Award Winner

Connections:

**Books by Sherman Alexie:

Ten Little Indians (Short Stories)

The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven (Short Stories)

Indian Killer (Thriller)

War Dances (Short Stories and Poems)

**Other books by ethnic authors dealing with assimilating to American life

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Does My Head Look Big in This? By Randa Abdel-Fattah

THE CHRISTMAS COAT by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve

Sneve, Virginia Driving Hawk. The Christmas Coat, Ill. by Ellen Beier. New York: Holiday House, 2011.

ISBN: 978-0-8234-2134-3

Plot Summary:

This is a story based on an event from the author’s childhood.  Virginia lives on the South Dakota prairie and every day on her long walk to school, the frigid wind blows through her too-small winter coat.  The children at the school depend on “Theast” boxes of donated clothes, shoes and coats from New England (“the east”) communities that arrive every fall and spring. Virginia and her brother never get first pick of the items, though, because they are expected to consider the needs of others before themselves. Virginia fears she will never get a coat that fits, but the generosity of others and a Christmas surprise brings joy to her family.        

Critical Analysis:

This is a beautiful, heartfelt story that will delight readers of all ages.  The text flows freely and coveys the distress that Virginia feels as she realizes that, once again, she will not have a coat that fits to keep her warm this winter.  Since this is a story based on the author’s childhood growing up on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation, it is authentic in detail and rich with traditions sacred to the Sioux tribe.  The names of the characters such as Dan Reed Buffalo and Mrs. Little Money add to the Native American experience of the period.  Reference is made to an authentic Native American celebration meal of “corn soup, fry bread, and wojape, or chokecherry pudding.”  Virginia’s family is very close-knit and caring with each other, as well as with the community. 

The illustrations by Ellen Beier add a poetic element to the story.  The double-page spread pictures done in watercolor and gouache on Fabriano watercolor paper are breathtakingly beautiful and propel the story while adding details not found in the text.  Beier is able to depict the emotions of Virginia and her family and friends.  The illustrations respectfully portray the beautiful dark hair and the rich olive skin tone of the Native American characters. The details of the setting, a schoolhouse on the South Dakota Prairie, the blowing snow of the harsh winter, the festive Christmas Pageant - all are artfully drawn and give a feeling of serenity to the story.  The combination of text and illustrations combines to make a lovely story of kindness and selflessness. 

Review Excerpts:

“Virginia’s personality shines through in this poignant story that entertains and informs without recourse to stereotypes.” ~Kirkus (starred review)

“The author recalls a childhood when an act of simple kindness ultimately became its own reward.” ~Smithsonian Magazine

Awards:

American Indian Library Association Best Children’s Book of 2011

Connections:

The Sioux (First American Books) by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve

Enduring Wisdom: Sayings from Native Americans by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve (compiler) and Synthia Saint James (painter)

Dancing Teepees: Poems of American Indian Youth by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve (author and editor) and Stephen Gammell (illustrator)

Children of the Longhouse by Joseph Bruchac

UNDER THE MESQUITE by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

McCall, Guadalupe Garcia. Under the Mesquite. New York: Lee & Low Books, Inc., 2011.

ISBN: 978-1-60060-429-4

Plot Summary:

Lupita is the oldest of eight children. Her family is extremely close and her mother is the “rock” of the family.  As Lupita enters high school she discovers that her mother has cancer and suddenly priorities change; the things that seemed so important to Lupita don’t seem so important anymore.  The most important thing now is doing whatever it takes to save her beloved Mami.  Lupita must take on more responsibility in her family along with the demands of high school.  Ultimately, she must take care of her seven siblings one summer while her father takes Mami for treatment out of town.  When life gets too stressful, Lupita finds refuge under a mesquite tree where she can be alone with her thoughts and write in her journal.  This beautiful story of resilience and hope will capture the hearts of readers as they follow the coming-of-age journey of Lupita.

Critical Analysis:

This is a heart wrenching novel in verse that will appeal to all ages. The setting takes place along the border of the United States and Mexico and is an authentic portrayal of the lives of many immigrant families.  Lupita is a complex character and the depth of her development draws readers into the story where they will have an emotional stake along with Lupita.  The family bond in the story is a strong one and Lupita’s complex relationship with her Mami is one that underscores the loyalty and depth of love that a daughter can have for her mother.  The story is rich in cultural details and McCall does an excellent job of placing Spanish words in the text to provide vivid imagery and to help readers understand the emotion and love that Lupita has for her family and the land of her ancestors.  When describing the mesquite in the garden that is Lupita’s refuge, she states, “the mesquite is my confidant./ I lean against its sturdy trunk/ and read aloud every word/imprinted en mi corazón./ The mesquite listens quietly - /as if the poems budding in my heart,/ then blossoming in my notebook,/ are Scripture - and never tells a soul/ the things I write” (123). Readers can identify with Lupita’s concern for her mother and can appreciate the need that she has to escape, even for a few minutes, to be alone with her thoughts. An excellent book full of hope.

  

Review Excerpts:

“With poignant imagery and well-placed Spanish, the author effectively captures the complex lives of teenagers in many Latino and/or immigrant families… A promising, deeply felt debut.” ~Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“The simplicity of the story line belies the deep richness of McCall s writing. Bravo to McCall for a beautiful first effort.” ~School Library Journal

Awards:

Pura Belpré Award

Connections:

**Other multicultural novels written in verse:

Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson (National Book Award Finalist)

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse (Newbery Medal Winner)

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai (Newbery Honor Book and National Book Award Winner)

NEIGHBORHOOD ODES by Gary Soto

Soto, Gary. Neighborhood Odes. Ill. by David Diaz.  New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1992.

ISBN: 0-15-256879-4

Plot Summary:

A collection of 21 poems written by Gary Soto depicting everyday moments of the childhood experience growing up in an Hispanic neighborhood.  The poems are funny and vividly describe simple pleasures such as cold snow cones, the park on a Sunday afternoon, water sprinklers on a hot summer day, fire works on the 4^th of July and fresh tortillas cooking in the kitchen.  The bold, black and white illustrations of David Diaz add to the ethnic feel and celebratory atmosphere of these defining moments of childhood.

Critical Analysis:

Gary Soto shares beautiful free verse poetry with readers that transports them to the heart of the Hispanic neighborhood.  Through vivid, expressive language he captures the carefree atmosphere of tight-knit families and closely bonded communities.  When describing the delight of eating a cold, melting snow cone on a hot day, Soto says, “And the juice runs/To their elbows,/Sticky summer rain/That sweetens the street” allowing readers to imagine this summer treat.   Soto utilizes diverse voices, using the voice of 6-year-old Rachel in “Ode to la Piñata” and a third person “Ode to Pablo’s Tennis Shoes.”  Interlingual use of Spanish adds to the authenticity of the poems - peppering the poetry with Spanish phrases and words.  A glossary is provided in the back of the book to assist in translation.  The illustrations by David Diaz add to the cultural representation of the poems, adding an almost old world feel of Aztec culture.  They are beautiful, simple and contribute to the ethnic celebrations contained in the poetry.  This book will especially appeal to young adults, but can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, young and old.    

Review Excerpts:

“Affectionate without being overly sentimental, the collection provides a good introduction to contemporary poetry as well as a fine homage to a Chicano community.” ~Publishers Weekly

“The rewards of well-chosen words that create vivid, sensitive images await readers of this collection of poems…Each selection is an expression of joy and wonder at life's daily pleasures and mysteries.” ~School Library Journal

Connections:

** Other poetry books by Gary Soto:

A Fire in My Hands by Gary Soto

Canto Familiar by Gary Soto

Partly Cloudy: Poems of Love and Longing by Gary Soto

**Students can choose a topic of their own and write a free verse poem about it.

**Modeling after “Ode to Family Photographs” students can draw pictures of their own silly family photograph.