Code Talkers and Warriors: Native Americans and World War II

Children's Literature

Native Americans contributed in some manner during all of Americans Wars but were especially effective during World War II. The book begins with a brief history of Native American involvement in early wars against the British, French, and Spanish. It also highlights Native American involvement in the Civil War. Native Americans were looked at for service in these early wars due to their knowledge of the land and fighting tactics. The book then provides a more extensive look at Native Americans during World War II. Interestingly, Native Americans enlisted in far greater proportionate numbers than any other ethnic group. Some tribes gave land to the war effort to be utilized by the military, and other tribes even declared war on the Axis powers long before the U.S. Each chapter focuses on a few select Native Americans and their records of service in all branches of the military. There are chapters about the code talkers in the Pacific and in Europe, and there are excellent battle maps as well as sidebars containing some of the words used in the codes. This book is an excellent resource for any social studies, history, or multi-cultural class. The breadth of coverage of Native American involvement, in particular during World War II, really expands the scope of the world of Native Americans beyond the wild west. Part of the "Landmark Events in Native American History" series. Reviewer: Patrick Hunter