How I Became A Ghost

                                                                          Book Review:

 

Bibliography-

Tingle, T. (2015). How i became a ghost. Roadrunner Press.

ISBN 978-1937054557

Plot Summary- 

Told in the words of Isaac, a Choctaw boy who does not survive the Trail of Tears, How I Became A Ghost is a tale of innocence and resilience in the face of tragedy. From the book's opening line, "Maybe you have never read a book written by a ghost before," the reader is put on notice that this is no normal book. Isaac leads a remarkable foursome of Choctaw comrades: a tough-minded teenage girl, a shape-shifting panther boy, a lovable five-year-old ghost who only wants her mom and dad to be happy, and Isaac’s talking dog, Jumper. The first in a trilogy, How I Became A Ghost, thinly disguises an important and oft-overlooked piece of history.

Critical Analysis-

How I Became A Ghost tells a story from a unique perspective. By telling the story from the viewpoint of a young Choctaw protagonist, Tingle provides readers with a rare insight into the experiences and struggles faced by Native Americans during a dark period. The narrative weaves together historical facts with supernatural elements, creating an engaging and thought-provoking story. Tingle's writing style is accessible and engaging, making the book suitable for young readers. He captures the voice and perspective of Isaac, effectively conveying his innocence, vulnerability, and courage in the face of adversity. The story also emphasizes the importance of storytelling and oral tradition within Native American culture, allowing the reader to appreciate the significance of these traditions. The incorporation of supernatural elements adds an intriguing layer to the story, but at times, can overshadow the historical context and themes being explored. The balance between the fantastical elements and the historical elements could have been more finely tuned to continue a stronger focus on the cultural and historical aspects of the story.

Review Excerpts-

"The beginning of a trilogy, this tale is valuable for both its recounting of a historical tragedy and its immersive Choctaw perspective." --Kirkus Reviews

"Tingle, a Choctaw storyteller, relates his tale in the engaging repetitions and rhythms of an oft-told story. ... The novel comes alive in Isaac's voice and in the rich alliance of the living and the dead." --The Horn Book Magazine

Connections-

-This book is full of profound sayings worthy of a whole class discussion. Discuss how imagery happens, the scene goes from text on paper to an image inside our heads. Discuss the scene where Isaac’s feet are frozen in a puddle, then he pulls his feet up and the skin tears off. It is awful to think about but helps students understand how the bitter cold can affect the body and the desperate conditions of the Choctaw people. It is also interesting to see imagery taking shape through students’ imaginations.

Whole group questions: What is the author saying? Why does the author make a point of one hundred footprints turning into a thousand? Why were the footprints bloody and not regular footprints?

Have students draw a picture of the imagery they form in their heads during a specific scene in the story.

-Use this map at the beginning of the book to give students some geographical knowledge of where the walking took place in 1830, and to follow along with as the resilient story of Isaac unfolds.

 Discussion Questions-

 1.What graphical elements do you see?

2.What on the map looks strange or unfamiliar?

3.Describe anything that looks like it does not belong on a map.

4.What places does the map show?