This short story, I read it to my grandchildren in 20 minutes, is both educational and inspiring. In 1896, Philip Johnston, age 4, arrived on the Navajo Reservation with
his parents, William and Maggie. He grew up playing with Navajo
children, riding his pony to the trading post, going with his father to
visit Navajo families among many other activities. In 1901 William
brought Navajo leaders to Washington to plead their case to expand the
borders of the reservation. Nine-year-old Philip did all the translating
and interpreting between the Navajos and President Theodore
Roosevelt. Philip eventually took a job as an engineer in California,
but returned to the Navajo Reservation at least once a year to visit
family and Navajo friends. When the United States entered World War II
after the Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor Philip was dismayed that our
military efforts were failing because the Japanese were breaking all our
codes. Philip Johnston had an idea!
This is a fascinating short story about Philip's life growing up on the
Navajo Reservation and the equally fascinating story of his role with
the amazing Navajo Code Talkers.