[Nmtriblibs] New Navajo Code Talker book, an event in Albuquerque on Memorial Day weekend

[Osterloh, Cassandra, DCA]

I wanted to let you all know of a new book and upcoming book event.


Ohio University Press has a newly released book, Thomas H. Begay and the Navajo Code Talkers<https://ohioswallow.com/m/3f9C>, by Alysa Landry. I've read a review copy and found it very interesting, a good mid-grade book.



There is a planned event on Sunday, May 28th, 2 p.m., at Books on the Bosque<https://www.booksonthebosque.com/post/may-2023-event-calendar> in Albuquerque. It is a confirmed author event with Alysa Landry, who will be in from Farmington. The publisher is waiting to get confirmation if Thomas Begay will be able to make it in person, as well.





Thomas H. Begay and the Navajo Code Talkers

By Alysa Landry<https://ohioswallow.com/author/Alysa+Landry>

The life story of this World War II Navajo Code Talker introduces middle-grade readers to an unforgettable person and offers a close perspective on aspects of Navajo (or Diné) history and culture.

Thomas H. Begay was one of the young Navajo men who, during World War II, invented and used a secret, unbreakable communications code based on their native Diné language to help win the war in the Pacific. Although the book includes anecdotes from other code talkers, its central narrative revolves around Begay. It tells his story, from his birth near the Navajo reservation, his childhood spent herding sheep, his adolescence in federally mandated boarding schools, and ultimately, his decision to enlist in the US Marine Corps.

Alysa Landry relies heavily on interviews with Begay, who, as of this writing, is in his late nineties and one of only three surviving code talkers. Begay’s own voice and sense of humor make this book particularly significant in that it is the only Code Talker biography for young readers told from a soldier’s perspective. Begay was involved with the book every step of the way, granting Landry unlimited access to his military documents, personal photos, and oral history. Additionally, Begay’s family contributed by reading and fact-checking the manuscript. This truly is a unique collaborative project.





Cassandra E. Osterloh, MLS, MA (Cherokee Nation)
Pronouns: she/her/hers

[cid:a613a8da-9a7b-4057-ab51-d42f9533d931]Tribal Libraries Program Coordinator
Library Development Bureau, New Mexico State Library
1209 Camino Carlos Rey
Santa Fe NM 87507

505-264-2427 (cell)
505-476-9764 (office)
cassandra.osterloh at dca.nm.gov
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