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ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSNed Begay is a Navajo boy who, at age six, is sent away from his family in the Southwest to a mission boarding school where he is given an English name, has his hair cut off, and is forbidden to speak his native language. Despite being punished for it, he quietly holds on to Navajo throughout his years at school, excelling in his studies while keeping his culture alive in secret. When the United States enters World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Ned hears that the Marines are looking specifically for Navajos who are fluent in both English and their native tongue, for a special and classified purpose. The story is narrated by Ned in his old age as he tells his grandchildren about a medal he carries, a medal that can only be fully explained once he recounts everything that happened to him and the language they tried to take away from him.
Free Battle of the Books questions for Code Talker
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about Code Talker. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book is a six-year-old Navajo boy nicknamed Little Boy taken away from his hogan to a mission school?
✓ Answer
Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
Kii Yazhi, whose name means Little Boy, is sent away by wagon to Rehoboth Mission school. His mother gives him a small bundle of clothes tied in a blanket as he leaves.
- First half
In what book do Navajo recruits in a locked room write "Ant, Bear, Cat, Deer, Elk, Fox"?
✓ Answer
Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
Corporals Johnny Manuelito and John Benally speak Navajo words while the recruits write the matching English words in block letters. This is the very first lesson in learning the alphabet that anchors the secret messages.
- First half
In what book do four Marines secretly suck juice from prickly pear cactuses to fool a lieutenant called Stormy?
✓ Answer
Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
During desert maneuvers on the Big Island of Hawaii, Ned, Kee, Bill, and Henry use their traditional desert knowledge while the others run out of water. Stormy and his Marines collapse, and the four Navajos must hike to camp to fetch a water truck.
- Second half
In what book does a Marine mail his unwashed combat fatigues home for a protection ceremony?
✓ Answer
Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
Since Ned could not return home for the ceremony, he packed up his stained Bougainville uniform. His family prayed for his safety while holding it.
- Second half
In what book does a Marine think a sniper bullet feels like a hand slapping his shoulder?
✓ Answer
Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
During the last days on Guam, a sniper caught Ned in his sights. Georgia Boy carried him at a run to the medics while Smitty yelled for help.
- Near the end
In what book does a Marine stuff his pre-invasion T-bone steak between two slices of bread?
✓ Answer
Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
Ned skipped the traditional pre-landing breakfast and saved his steak for later. He brushed flies and grit off it that first long night on the volcanic island.
