Code Word Courage - (Dogs of World War II) by Kirby Larson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Newbery Honor-winning author Kirby Larson delivers a heartwarming story of friendship, love, and courage, and the incredible contributions of Navajo Code Talkers during WWII.

Billie has lived with her great-aunt ever since her mom passed away and her dad left. Billie's big brother, Leo, is about to leave, too, for the warfront. But first, she gets one more weekend with him at the ranch.

Billie's surprised when Leo brings home a fellow Marine from boot camp, Denny. She has so much to ask Leo -- about losing her best friend and trying to find their father -- but Denny, who is Navajo, or Diné, comes with something special: a gorgeous, but injured, stray dog. As Billie cares for the dog, whom they name Bear, she and Bear grow deeply attached to each other.

Soon enough, it's time for Leo and Denny, a Navajo Code Talker, to ship out. Billie does her part for the war effort, but she worries whether Leo and Denny will make it home, whether she'll find a new friend, and if her father will ever come back. Can Bear help Billie -- and Denny -- find what's most important?

A powerful tale about unsung heroism on the WWII battlefield and the home front.

Review Quotes

Praise for Code Word Courage:

"With background research, including interviews with Navajo code talkers, and a knack for generating a heartwarming, genuine story, Larson seamlessly weaves the lives of the characters into the fabric of the 1944-45 home front setting." -- Booklist

"Remarkable, engaging and highly enjoyable historical fiction for young adults as well as all readers." -- Historical Novel Society

"A story of loneliness, loss, friendship, and identity." -- School Library Journal

"World War II continues to be a topic that fascinates young readers, and Code Word Courage will keep those obsessed with the era reading happily." -- YA Books Central

Praise for Liberty:

* "Larson once again creates an engaging story that is rich in historical details. She purposefully captures both the fear and the hope in a world torn by war as well as the simple love of a boy for his dog. Practically perfect." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"A slice-of-life tale for historical fiction fans and animal lovers alike." -- School Library Journal

"Larson brings the historical setting to life with vivid details and draws readers into the story with a heartfelt dog-and-child relationship." -- Horn Book

Praise for Dash:

Winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical FictionA Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

* "Emotionally satisfying and thought-provoking." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "[A] trenchant novel." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Historical fiction at its best." -- School Library Journal

Praise for Duke:

* "Exceptionally well-crafted and emotionally authentic." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "[An] incisive tale of loyalty, patriotism, sacrifice, and bravery." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A good example of how bravery comes in all shapes, sizes -- and breeds." -- Booklist

Praise for Audacity Jones to the Rescue:

* "Larson's thriller deftly mixes humor, heart-pounding moments, and a strongly evoked historical setting -- it's truly a story with something for everyone." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "The story's themes of trust, friendship, and good manners will resonate with many. Audacity's charm and smarts make this historical adventure a winner." -- Booklist, starred review

"Larson infuses her romp with plenty of humor, making Audacity, her cat, and friends into lively, likable characters. With characteristic deftness, she weaves her historical material seamlessly into the story; Audacity is a modern girl... Clever, funny, and sweet in equal measures." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Readers will cheer Audacity's ingenuity and bravery as they relish every moment of her adventures. Highly recommended." -- School Library Journal

Praise for Audacity Jones Steals the Show:

"A suspenseful little mystery with heart." -- Kirkus Reviews

"This caper is magical." -- Booklist

Praise for Hattie Big Sky:

A Newbery Honor Recipient

* "[An] engaging historical novel... [Larson] creates a richly textured novel full of memorable characters." -- Booklist, starred review

* "Larson... create[s] a masterful picture of the homesteading experience and the people who persevered." -- School Library Journal, starred review

"Refreshing." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

A snippet of a family story transformed Kirby Larson from history-phobe to history fanatic; her debut historical novel, Hattie Big Sky, earned a Newbery Honor. She's pursued her passion for historical fiction with titles such as Hattie Ever After, Duke, Dash, Liberty, and Code Word Courage and combined her love for both history and mystery in Audacity Jones to the Rescue, and Audacity Jones Steals the Show. Ironically, the next two books for this history lover are contemporary fiction, including the second title in the Shermy and Shake series, Shermy and Shake: The Not-So-Nice Neighbor, and Gut Reaction, which is co-written with her daughter Quinn Wyatt. Kirby lives in Kenmore Washington with her husband Neil and very naughty dog Raleigh.