Code Word Courage

Kirby Larson gives the often-overlooked Navajo Code Talkers a middle-grade spotlight that feels respectful and authentic, weaving their story alongside Arizona homefront girl Billie and her new dog Bear. The dual narrative — homefront and wartime — keeps the pacing lively, and Bear's presence broadens the story's appeal for animal lovers. The diversity of characters, including Tito and Denny, is handled without tokenism. Resolution is somewhat predictable, and secondary characters don't get the depth the leads do, but those are minor complaints. Educators teaching WWII diversity and sacrifice will find this especially useful. Ages 8-12, completely family-friendly, with wartime themes kept age-appropriate throughout.