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Code Word Courage: A WWll Navajo Code Talker and a Lonely Young Girl - Can a Stray Dog Save Them Both?

Code Word Courage: A WWll Navajo Code Talker and a Lonely Young Girl - Can a Stray Dog Save Them Both?

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Long Creek Center, S. Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2018

Review

Although not the first YA novel about Code Talkers during the Second World War, "Code Word Courage" is a good historical fiction novel that encompasses compassion for those serving and long distance communication with family and friends on the home front . Larson has weaved a classic dog story into a very real tale of warfare where a canine character named Bear is both the comforter and hero. Believers will love the fact that Bear could be two places at once or at least time travel where as cynics may reject the premise and therefore the book. Emphasis is places on the background of the Navajo soldier who is trained as a Code Talker. This is a historical novel that should not be missed by intermediate and young YA readers. There is content that appeals to male and female readers and the story is both revealing and lyrical. Add to all public libraries and to middle school media centers.

Overall Book Score: very good