What reading level is Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers?

Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers by Rachael L. Thomas is at a Level 5-6 reading level. Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers appropriate for?

Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 10LP (Light — Physical). Content flags: Mild Peril, War & Conflict.

What genre is Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers?

Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers is nonfiction — Juvenile Nonfiction. Part of the Alternator Books; Cryptology (Alternator Books) series.

Does Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers have any content warnings?

Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers has a HootRating of 10LP (Light — Physical). Content flags include: Mild Peril, War & Conflict. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers?

Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers by Rachael L. Thomas is 36 pages (approximately 1,842 words).

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated May 18, 2026

Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers

Rachael L. Thomas

Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Rachael L. Thomas

Alternator Books; Cryptology (Alternator Books)

Reading Level 5-6 10LP Ages 9-12 Balanced Read Page-Turner

The text is written at a 5th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

Buy on Amazon Listen on Audible Find on Bookshop.org

We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.

About This Book

Discover how Navajo Marines played a crucial role in World War II by using their unique language to create secret codes that helped win battles. Journey through their brave missions and learn why the Navajo language was perfect for keeping messages safe. Unlock the special words they used and test your own code-breaking skills!

Themes

World HistoryAdventure Social Justice

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 5-6 book with mild content intensity. Content themes include mild peril, war & conflict. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers 10LP

Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers is written at a Level 5-6 reading level across 36 pages (approximately 1,842 words). Strong independent readers around grade 6.7 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers works for readers up to grade 7.7.

Read aloud, Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers takes about 12 minutes, which fits within a single read-aloud session.

We rate Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers as 10LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, War & Conflict.

Thematically, Secrets of Navajo Code Talkers explores world history, adventure, and social justice — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Reluctant readers who need fast-paced, hook-heavy stories to stay engaged.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about world history, adventure, social justice.
✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there is one more book in the Alternator Books; Cryptology (Alternator Books) series.
✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.