Code Talker Guided Reading Questions

Code Talker Chapters 1-3 1. In the first sentence of chapter 1, the author refers to "our hogan", what do you think Hogan means? How do you know? 2. Do you think Ned is going to stay at the mission school? What will happen next if he does? Be sure to explain your thinking. 3. How do you think Kii Yahzi feels when his name was changed and his Navajo belongings were taken away? Why? Code Talker Chapters 4-6 1. Jesse Chee says to Ned, "My relative, you will return to balance again." What does he mean by this statement? 2. Why do you think that Ned wanted to help the poor Japanese families so much? 3. Why do you think that Ned has an interest in Japan? Code Talker Chapters 7-12 1. Why do you think Ned is so eager to fight for a country (U.S.) and its people when throughout his entire life he has been treated so unfairly by white people? 2. Ned is sprinkled with pollen during the Blessingway ceremony. What significance do you think pollen has in this ceremony 3. Do you think Ned and Georgia boy will serve and fight side-by-side? 4. How do you think Ned and his Navajo peers felt when major Shannon insisted three white men join the code talkers? Why. 5. What does Neds attitude about his newly gained skills of a code talker say about Navajo values? Code Talker Chapters 13-19 1. Sam mentions that he realized the enemy was not a monster but human being. Do you think this is a beneficial realization to have when one is in the middle of combat? Why or why not?

2. How do you feel about med not showing his secret about the water in the cactus with the other Marines in training? It could possibly save their lives later. Does this make Ned as bad as the other soldiers who discriminated against him? 3. What is ironic about the US Marines (and Navajo) fighting to get Gene-genes peoples land back from them? What other examples of irony are found in the story? 4. At what other point in the story did Ned return his blood back to the land? What is Joseph Bruchac trying to show the reader with this return of blood to the land? Code Talker Chapters 19-25 1) In depth (4-6 sentences) On page 139, Ned says, war is a sickness that must be cured. War is a time out of balance. When it is truly over, we must work to restore peace and sacred harmony again. What does he mean by this statement? Think by to the previous times the author has referenced balance in the story. When was Ned out of balance (when he was at the school) when was he back in balance (when the blessingway ceremony was performed). Is it possible for Ned to be in balance while the world around him is out of balance? 2) Joseph Bruchac uses a metaphor to explain how Ned feels about going back into battle after a short recovery period in the medical unit. On page 162, Ned says, That old truck and I belonged to the Marines and we had to go back into battle. What is he trying to explain to the readers by comparing himself to an old truck? 3) Why do you think it bothered Ira Hayes so much that he was not one of the original Marines raising the first flag on Mount Suribachi? Code Talkers Chapters 27 End of novel 1) Why do you think Ned did not focus on the racism he experienced in the bar when he was refused service because he was a Navajo? What would you have done in that situation? 2) The theme of the story is the authors message about human nature or life. What do you think the theme of this story is? What is the ultimate message? 3) How does Joseph Bruchac share that Neds Navajo roots are protecting him and keeping him strong?