Code Word Courage

by Kirby Larson Narrated by Erin Stewart, Forrest Goodluck

Overview

Newbery Honor-winning author Kirby Larson delivers a heartwarming story of friendship, love, and courage, and the incredible contributions of Navajo Code-Talkers during WWII.

Billie has lived with her great-aunt ever since her mom passed away and her dad left. Billie's big brother, Leo, is about to leave, too, for the warfront. But first, she gets one more weekend with him at the ranch.

Billie's surprised when Leo brings home a fellow Marine from boot camp, Denny. She has so much to ask Leo -- about losing her best friend and trying to find their father -- but Denny, who is Navajo, or Diné, comes with something special: a gorgeous, but injured, stray dog. As Billie cares for the dog, whom they name Bear, she and Bear grow deeply attached to each other.

Soon enough, it's time for Leo and Denny, a Navajo Code Talker, to ship out. Billie does her part for the war effort, but she worries whether Leo and Denny will make it home, whether she'll find a new friend, and if her father will ever come back. Can Bear help Billie -- and Denny -- find what's most important?

A powerful tale about unsung heroism on the WWII battlefield and the home front.

Editorial Reviews

AUGUST 2018 - AudioFile

Erin Stewart and Forrest Goodluck alternate narrating this WWII story featuring 11-year-old Billie Packer and Denny, a Marine Navajo code talker. Stewart captures Billie’s spunkiness as well as the sadness she feels at her brother Leo’s going off to war. Depictions of her friends, the home front, and wartime efforts add atmosphere to the story. In particular, Billie’s guardian, no-nonsense Great-Aunt Doff, is one of Stewart’s best creations. When Leo returns home with his friend, Denny, Goodluck’s more restrained style fits his Navajo reserve. Most moving are Denny’s rescue of Bear, an injured dog that Billie nurses back to health, and depictions of Bear’s spirit protecting Denny on the battlefield. Only a small section focuses on the code talkers, but it’s gripping to hear how their words were chosen to convey vital information and bypass enemy spies. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

From the Publisher

Praise for Code Word Courage:

"With background research, including interviews with Navajo code talkers, and a knack for generating a heartwarming, genuine story, Larson seamlessly weaves the lives of the characters into the fabric of the 1944-45 home front setting." -- Booklist

"Remarkable, engaging and highly enjoyable historical fiction for young adults as well as all readers." -- Historical Novel Society

"A story of loneliness, loss, friendship, and identity." -- School Library Journal

"World War II continues to be a topic that fascinates young readers, and Code Word Courage will keep those obsessed with the era reading happily." -- YA Books Central

Praise for Liberty:

* "Larson once again creates an engaging story that is rich in historical details. She purposefully captures both the fear and the hope in a world torn by war as well as the simple love of a boy for his dog. Practically perfect." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A slice-of-life tale for historical fiction fans and animal lovers alike." -- School Library Journal

"Larson brings the historical setting to life with vivid details and draws readers into the story with a heartfelt dog-and-child relationship." -- Horn Book

Praise for Dash:

Winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

* "Emotionally satisfying and thought-provoking." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "[A] trenchant novel." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Historical fiction at its best." -- School Library Journal

Praise for Duke:

* "Exceptionally well-crafted and emotionally authentic." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "[An] incisive tale of loyalty, patriotism, sacrifice, and bravery." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A good example of how bravery comes in all shapes, sizes -- and breeds." -- Booklist

Praise for Audacity Jones to the Rescue:

* "Larson's thriller deftly mixes humor, heart-pounding moments, and a strongly evoked historical setting -- it's truly a story with something for everyone." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "The story's themes of trust, friendship, and good manners will resonate with many. Audacity's charm and smarts make this historical adventure a winner." -- Booklist, starred review

"Larson infuses her romp with plenty of humor, making Audacity, her cat, and friends into lively, likable characters. With characteristic deftness, she weaves her historical material seamlessly into the story; Audacity is a modern girl... Clever, funny, and sweet in equal measures." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Readers will cheer Audacity's ingenuity and bravery as they relish every moment of her adventures. Highly recommended." -- School Library Journal

Praise for Audacity Jones Steals the Show:

"A suspenseful little mystery with heart." -- Kirkus Reviews

"This caper is magical." -- Booklist

Praise for Hattie Big Sky:

A Newbery Honor Recipient

* "[An] engaging historical novel... [Larson] creates a richly textured novel full of memorable characters." -- Booklist, starred review

* "Larson... create[s] a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered." -- School Library Journal, starred review

"Refreshing." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

AUGUST 2018 - AudioFile

Erin Stewart and Forrest Goodluck alternate narrating this WWII story featuring 11-year-old Billie Packer and Denny, a Marine Navajo code talker. Stewart captures Billie’s spunkiness as well as the sadness she feels at her brother Leo’s going off to war. Depictions of her friends, the home front, and wartime efforts add atmosphere to the story. In particular, Billie’s guardian, no-nonsense Great-Aunt Doff, is one of Stewart’s best creations. When Leo returns home with his friend, Denny, Goodluck’s more restrained style fits his Navajo reserve. Most moving are Denny’s rescue of Bear, an injured dog that Billie nurses back to health, and depictions of Bear’s spirit protecting Denny on the battlefield. Only a small section focuses on the code talkers, but it’s gripping to hear how their words were chosen to convey vital information and bypass enemy spies. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170856626
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	04/24/2018
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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