Sioux Code Talkers of WWII

Cover Art by Frank White Bull
Frank White Bull Photography

Gold Medalist
Independent Publisher Book Award 2019
Multicultural Nonfiction Juvenile-Young Adult

Nominated
First Nation Communities READ 2018-2019 Children and YA Indigenous Literature Award

Details
Pelican Publishing
Publication date March 1, 2017 ISBN 978-1455622436
Reading age 8 – 12 Grades 3 – 7

Book Description

In SIOUX CODE TALKERS OF WORLD WAR II, the author explores an important time in United States history. Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941 by the Japanese, and shortly after, the United States entered World War II. This was the first time America was attacked on her own soil. Native Americans responded to the call to protect their homeland and enlisted in great numbers to fight against the enemy. At the young age of 18, men enlisted to serve in United States Army during World War II. Under the command of General MacArthur, seven Sioux Indian men formed a small unit and were allowed to speak their Native language to send coded messages back and forth. The Sioux Code Talkers risked their lives sneaking behind enemy lines to gather information and relay the top-secret messages from field to headquarters. Authentic photos sprinkled throughout the text bring this intriguing piece of history to life. (For info at publisher’s website click here. )

Reviews

"A valuable work for teens studying code talkers and American Indian contributions to the U.S. victory in the Pacific theater." Read Full B&N Review

"An engagingly written, deeply researched account of a little-known part of World War II." Read More

“The book is engaging from start to finish, with a well-written text that is enhanced by period photographs and reproductions of significant documents. VERDICT: A valuable work for teens studying Code Talkers and American Indian contributions to the US victory in the Pacific theater.” Read More

Video About Sioux Code Talkers

Learn how seven Native American men joined sides with the First Cavalry, a former enemy, to fight against a new enemy on the front lines and beyond. The Sioux were one of more than 30 tribes who had young men serve as code talkers in World War I and World War II. Even if you are not a history buff, you will be in awe of these men and their specialized service in United States military.

Testimonials

"I just finished your book. I’ve never read a book that grabbed me the way yours did - I can’t wait to share it with family, friends and teams I coach."

"I’m so glad you wrote this book! This story had to be told so proper recognition is given to all code talking groups. Very few people know this story and your book will shed light on the code talkers’ important contributions to the war effort."

"This book is a beautiful tribute to your uncle and all of the code talkers in WWI and WWII. I found the book to be moving. I was in tears at the end where you describe the silence in the room as code talkers and/or their family members accepted the gold medals. One reason that it is evocative is because your passion is felt throughout."

“I am struck more by the symbolism of the circle and how ironic it is that the First Cavalry destroyed villages of Native Americans in 1890 and then in 1945 the First Cavalry included Native Americans who saved American lives."

“This book has so much depth, so many levels- it’s the kind of book people will read multiple times and learn something new every time."

About the Author

Andrea M. Page has been an elementary teacher (science, math and/or ELA) for over 30 years in a public school in upstate New York. She reads books that inspire the important values of bravery, fortitude, generosity and shares stories with her students, inspiring curiosity and wisdom. Researching and writing her first book, and then achieving publication was a dream come true. Being an author helps her to motivate her students, to push them out of their comfort zone and reach for their own dreams.

Educator Resources

Teaching Books
https://school.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=55239

Photos

Media

Honor for Native American Code Talkers
Lakota Times article
https://www.lakotatimes.com/articles/sioux-code-talkers-of-world-war-ii/
January, 2017
The Rochester Knighthawks recently honored the last surviving Akwesasne Code Talker of WWII
Click Here to watch video report TWCNews
Click Here to watch news report RochesterFirst
November 20, 2013
The Code Talker Recognition Ceremony took place in Washington, D.C. in November, 2013. This is the result of so many people and tribes working together to honor these men of WWI and WWII.
I created a brief video summary of the Gold and Silver Ceremony that took place in Emancipation Hall, then the National Museum of the American Indian. A third ceremony was held for the Sioux in the Senate building.
We were privileged to be invited to the Washington ceremonies. The trip was the culmination of years of collaboration by many people and is a memory I will forever cherish.
Below is a video created by a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. (Dances with Leaves Production) Eddie Eagle Boy served as a Lakota Code Talker with my great-uncle John Bear King (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe).

American Indian Veterans Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery
Join us in supporting a National Memorial honoring American Indian / Alaska Native Veterans. The memorial committee provides more details about the project. Please check out these resources:
AIANveteransMemorial.com
2017 AIAN Veterans Memorial Case Study pdf