Affiliate link · we may earn a commission
Safe for the age band
Age-appropriate with no significant concerns.
Sign in to save your wishlist and reading history across devices.
- Published
- 2005
- Ages
- 12–16
About the book
About the book
A Navajo man recounts his experiences as a code talker during World War II.
AI summary
A Navajo man recounts his experiences as a code talker during World War II.
Why parents choose this book
What makes Code Talker worth choosing
An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.
Best for
- Age range: 12–16 (fits siblings across a range).
- Reading maturity: Young adult — teen protagonists and more nuanced themes.
- Kids who tend to love it: Historical Fiction.
- Personality fit: kids ages 12–16 who enjoy a good story.
Parents love this book because
- Age-appropriate content for the 12–16 band with no significant flags.
- Written by Joseph Bruchac, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.
Your child will probably enjoy Code Talker if they…
- Are curious about history
This book helps develop
Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 12–16 age band.
Things parents should know
- Violence: clear on-page conflict without lingering detail.
- Language: clean language throughout.
Reading commitment
Similar books your child may love
- The Bronze Bow · Elizabeth George Speare
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 12–16.
- Uprising · Margaret Peterson Haddix
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 12–16.
- Farewell to Manzanar · Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 12–16.
- Pharaoh's Daughter · Julius Lester
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 12–16.
- The Eagle of the Ninth · Rosemary Sutcliff
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 12–16.
- Catherine, Called Birdy · Karen Cushman
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 12–16.
- Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War · Steve Sheinkin
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 12–16.
- Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice · Phillip Hoose
Also popular with parents choosing books for ages 12–16.
Why we recommend it
We think Code Talker is a confident pick for the 12–16 age band. It leans into historical fiction in a way that feels genuine, not formulaic. Joseph Bruchac's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.
Content ratings
Genres
More by Joseph Bruchac
Other books by Joseph Bruchac
You'll probably like
Books parents also bought
Similar authors