What Were Chester Nez's Secret Codes?

By Silvia Miranda and Cathy Werling

"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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0998826650
• ISBN13: 9780998826653
• Release Date: December 2025
• Publisher: Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes
• Length: 34 Pages
• Weight: 0.23 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 6 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 7