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-
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?
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