"Finding beauty and hope in the middle of hard times is not easy, but it is something that Chester Nez's Navajo upbringing instilled within him."
In What Were Chester Nez's Secret Codes? Latham Nez and his classmates dive into a school coding project that takes an inspiring turn. They discover the incredible legacy of Latham's grandfather, Chester Nez, a Navajo Code Talker in World War II. Michael Nez, Chester's son, shares his father's life story, recounting how he and his fellow soldiers utilized their Navajo traditions, resilience, and an unwritten language to devise an unbreakable code during the war. Inspired by Chester's strength and values, Latham and his friends create a computer game highlighting the importance of honesty, courage, and kindness. Through their project, they learn that the best codes are those that make the world a better place.
Author Cathy Werling and Co-Author Silvia Miranda based Chester's story on in-person interviews with Chester's son, Michael, his grandson, Latham, and the author of his memoir, Judy Avila. Through these interviews, they learned of Chester's caring nature and determined spirit as he sought to defend and serve his country, despite the many hardships he and his family had faced before the war.
Malicke, Christina: - "Illustrator Christina Malicke is an award-winning professional artist and native Kansan. While her career is in the graphic arts, her works have spanned many media - her favorites being drawing and painting. Christina finds joy in using her talents toward positive impacts in her community and beyond. After hearing Chester Nez's story, she felt honored to help further share it with others. She states, "Chester was not only a Navajo Code Talker, but a person of immense character. He reminds us that when we are true to ourselves, strength and perseverance will shine through." Christina strives to continue taking each opportunity to make a difference through her love of art and to foster the connections that it brings forth."
Miranda, Silvia: - Co-Author Silvia Miranda is a passionate 5th-grade teacher, recognized as a 2018 New Mexico Milken Educator and a 2019 Lowell Milken Center Fellow. In her classroom, she highlights the importance of unsung heroes, particularly those from diverse and minority backgrounds. Silvia believes that children thrive when they see themselves reflected in the stories of those who made meaningful contributions to the world. She gained insight into the legacy of Navajo Code Talker Chester Nez through interviews with his son, Michael, and grandson, Latham. Chester's story comes to life for her students through presentations and discussions highlighting the impact of Chester's heroism. Students are encouraged to explore the lives of heroes from diverse backgrounds, such as Chester's, to develop their unsung hero projects.
Werling, Cathy: - Author Cathy Werling is a retired, award-winning elementary educator from Fort Scott, Kansas. Her passion for helping students develop positive character traits by seeking out worthy role models led to her work at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. In the fifth book of her Children's Unsung Heroes Book series, "What Were Chester Nez's Secret Codes?" Cathy collaborated with elementary teacher and LMC Fellow Silvia Miranda to share the story of Navajo Code Talker Chester Nez. Through conversations with Chester's family and Judy Avila, the author of his memoir, Cathy learned that Chester's personal "codes for life" exemplified the essential traits that fueled his success as a WWII Code Talker and guided him through many difficult times in his life.
