Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac

Wow. I learned so much from this book. I knew vaguely that Navajo Indians had made codes that were used in World War II, but I didn't know any details. Joseph Bruchac, who is himself a Native American, obviously did a ton of research to write this book. The character in the book is a young Navajo who enlists in the Marines and becomes a Code Talker. I found the story to be gripping, and I knew as I was reading it that it was entirely grounded in fact. The most fascinating part to me was the descriptions of what it was like for the Marines who fought the Japanese on the islands of the Pacific. Conditions were horrible, and so much needless killing occurred. Any reader interested in war will devour this book, and will enjoy a fast-paced war story with the added advantage of the perspective of the Navajo Indians who were told their language and culture was worthless, and later told to use that language to help their country.

Buddha Boy by Kathe Koja

Buddha Boy is one of the Maud Hart Lovelace books for next school year. I listened to it on CD this week. It's about a new kid at a high school who at first seems pretty weird. His head is shaved and he begs in the lunch room. It turns out that a lot of what the new kid does is based on Buddhism, and when Justin unwillingly becomes his friend he finds out what an incredible artist he is. Unfortunately, the powerful jocks of the school pick Jinsen to harass, and Justin has to decide where he stands. This book has lots to think about--religion, art, friendship--and is short and easy to read. It's only mature because of some of the language in the book, which isn't anything everyone hasn't already heard, but it is not language you can say at school. I think this one will be enjoyed by 7th and 8th grade boys and girls alike.