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bubblegumcreams's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this up in honor of indigenous people's month and day in November, but need to read more about and from native and indigenous people year-round.
I learned so much while reading this book. It was also nice to read about something that has parts of the story occur near me. I got to hear lots of references to New Mexico towns.
Highly recommend this to everyone to learn about early examples of American family separation policy, racism and colonialism, war, and more.
Read this by listening to an audiobook from the library and really enjoyed it (listened on 1.25x speed).
I learned so much while reading this book. It was also nice to read about something that has parts of the story occur near me. I got to hear lots of references to New Mexico towns.
Highly recommend this to everyone to learn about early examples of American family separation policy, racism and colonialism, war, and more.
Read this by listening to an audiobook from the library and really enjoyed it (listened on 1.25x speed).
maximum_moxie's review against another edition
5.0
A deeply important and beautiful book that sensitively engages with race, difference, and the power of peace and understanding even when you must fight to protect what you love. I have no idea why this book wasn’t recommended in my high school, but I’m bound and determined to teach it myself in future.
smarieg's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
jpederson4's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
erinricks's review against another edition
5.0
I actually really enjoyed this book. I know that some of the kids in my class found it boring, but it was interesting to me. Read it if you're interested in WWII fiction, based on a true story.
midwifereading's review against another edition
3.0
Though it's a novel, it reads more like non-fiction, with piles of facts laid out in a row, most about battles in the Pacific. Rather than centering on the code talkers and how their work directly impacted the success of American forces in WW2, it feels almost incidental. For example, after detailing the battles on Okinawa, all that is said is that during the battle, all the messages were sent by Navajo code talkers.
There are several lighter anecdotes of the main character's experience, but none that really highlight his work as a code talker. The story is honoring to the Navajo, but lacks a richness that it could have had. It felt slower than it needed to be. Perhaps that was intentional, but it wasn't a writing style I could really enjoy.
I really appreciated some of the details that were brought in a s woven skillfully into the story, such as the utter failure of ANY white men who tried to become code talkers. I was also deeply affected by his honest, unvarnished, and peaceful handling of the racism so prevalent during this era in American history.
There are several lighter anecdotes of the main character's experience, but none that really highlight his work as a code talker. The story is honoring to the Navajo, but lacks a richness that it could have had. It felt slower than it needed to be. Perhaps that was intentional, but it wasn't a writing style I could really enjoy.
I really appreciated some of the details that were brought in a s woven skillfully into the story, such as the utter failure of ANY white men who tried to become code talkers. I was also deeply affected by his honest, unvarnished, and peaceful handling of the racism so prevalent during this era in American history.
x_librarian's review against another edition
4.0
A great look at a little-known piece of history. The story was enthralling, until I hit all the military jargon. Though the author tried, the inclusion of so much military details interupted the flow of the story for me. Despite my tendency to get bogged down, I still think its a wonderful novel.
kristalall's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
3.0
I wanted to like this book more than I did. It was informational, but it was a bit too simplistic without a larger character arc that would have made it more enjoyable.
caitlink's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: War and Racism
Minor: Violence
blakely_10's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25