Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code

If I had to recommend just one picture book about languages, I’d choose this one, because it does so much. First, of course, it shares a long-secret episode in American history—the triumph of the Navajo “code talkers” in World War II. (Not the first time bilingual heroes came to our country’s rescue: see my own picture book Gingerbread for Liberty! How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution.)  But this book also addresses language justice in a way that kids will find easy to understand. Through Chester, we feel the pain and confusion of being told one’s… show more.

Who doesn’t like secret codes? And the Navajo code in World War Two was the ultimate secret code as well as a critical weapon that helped us win the war. In addition to this fascinating piece of history everyone should know, Chester Nez’s life exemplifies how important it is to be proud of your heritage, no matter what others think or how much they try to change you (as in, Indian boarding schools). By combining cultures, you can make a richer life for yourself and those around you—and potentially save the world. The book shows how the code was used… show more.