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This text explores the untold story of the first all-Navajo platoon and their development of a secret code during World War II. Foreshadowing the involvement of 29 men, including Johnny Manuelito, the text delves into their unique contributions and challenges. It also delves into important cultural values, such as the Blessingway ceremony and Navajo respect and communication customs. Chapters focus on the recruits, their training in boot camp and code school, and their journey of learning and mastering the code.
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Chapter 8: “New Recruits” • “… I was not part of the first Navajo platoon, those twenty-nine men who developed out secret code.” • Is this foreshadowing?
More information about those 29 men • The first all-Navajo platoon • “It was as if they had fallen off the face of the earth …”
One of the men returns four months later • His name? • Johnny Manuelito • Others were sent overseas but he stayed as instructor
Figurative language • “… his words reverberated in my mind like drumbeats” • “He looked like an eagle staring down from a high mountain crag …”
“Soon you may be called up to fight by the draft.” • the draft: conscription
Chapter 9: “The Blessingway” • “The Blessingway is done for all that is good. That is its only purpose.”
Who is … • Big Schoolboy • Olta’i’ Tsoh • Frank Mitchell • Hosteen • Hosteen Mitchell • Wóláchíí
Inference • Page 52: Hosteen Mitchell begins to tell a story • “[He] flicked the reins to encourage the hosrse as they pulled us up the hill. When we reached the top, he continued his tale.” • What Navajo values does this show?
How does the family find out when the Blessingway will be? • How long does it last? • Where does it happen? • What happens during Blessingway?
Remember – how did Navajo children show respect in mission school? Think about eye contact • What is an important cultural value for Navajos? Think about Hosteen Mitchell
Important Character: • Georgia Boy
Chapter 11: “Code School” • Based on the title– what will happen in this chapter?
Chapter 12: “Learning the Code” • Based on the title– what will happen in this chapter?