How I became a ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears story

Tingle, T. (2017). How I became a ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears story. Toronto: CNIB.
ISBN: 1937054535

Plot Summary

How I Became a Ghost by Tim Tingle is a historical fiction book about a Choctaw young boy named Isaac. His tribe is forced to leave their land by violent colonizers.Isaac and his family go on this long dangerous journey to the West known as the Trail of Tears. Through rain, sleet, snow, and drought his family will not give up on their voyage to their new land. Isaac foresees many things that will happen to his tribe from the destruction of their land to the spread of diseases. During his journey, he learns that he can also see ghost and eventually finds out he will some become one. After his death, he becomes a spiritual hero that helps safely guide his family and friends to their new land.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Although this book is historical fiction, this is a recommended read for ages 10+ or anyone interested in learning more about the Trail of Tears. Many young readers will like that this book combines drama, adventure, suspense and history all in one read. Tingle’s repetitive writing style makes it seem like you are listening to a Storyteller. This will make Isaac truly come to life. Readers will empathize with the Choctaw tribe and connect with the two major themes of the book which is perseverance and bravery.

There are many cultural markers found throughout this book. Tim Tingle combines family stories that were passed down from generation to generations in this historical read. In addition, readers will understand when and where the story begins (Mississippi, 1830). The date alone makes this book a historical read!

This book will reveal the disturbing mistreatment the Choctaw tribe experienced during their long walk on the Trail of Tears. Many Natives died from starvation, dehydration, disease, and violence on the Trail of Tears. Readers will also be exposed to the two important elements found in the Choctaw culture which are spirituality and family.


REVIEW EXCERPTS

School Library Journal (November 1, 2013)
Gr 7 Up-The ghost is Isaac, a Choctaw boy who dies on the Trail of Tears, yet continues to interact with Joseph, another Choctaw boy who is a shape-shifter. Tingle's historical novel normalizes Choctaw spirituality, presenting it as part of the fabric of life of those who lived, died, and were killed on the Trail of Tears of the 1830s. 

Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2014)
Isaac is alive and well at the start of this Trail of Tears story, beginning in the Choctaw Nation in Mississippi in 1830. But soon there is Treaty Talk, followed by the arrival of Nahullo (white) men, and the Choctaw must begin their journey west. Tingle, a Choctaw storyteller, relates his tale in the engaging repetitions and rhythms of an oft-told story.

Connections


Tingle, T., & Walker, S. (2017). When a ghost talks, listen: A Choctaw Trail of Tears story. ISBN: 1937054462
Tingle, Tim. (2014) House of Purple Cedar. Paw Prints. ISBN: 1935955241