HOW I BECAME A GHOST BY TIM TINGLE

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY Tingle, T. (2020). How I became a ghost : a Choctaw Trail of Tears story. Roadrunner Press. B. PLOT SUMMARY I Became a Ghost by Tim Tingle follows Joshua, a young Choctaw boy who dies during the Trail of Tears, the forced removal of his people from their homeland. After his death, he becomes a ghost tasked with helping guide his family and tribe through the hardships of the journey. From his new perspective, Joshua witnesses the suffering, courage, and determination of his people as they face unimaginable challenges. He struggles with being a ghost while trying to protect and support those he loves. Through this experience, he learns powerful lessons about bravery, sacrifice, and the strength of community. The novel mixes history with supernatural elements, giving readers a personal and emotional view of this tragic chapter in Native American history. It’s a haunting yet inspiring story about resilience, cultural heritage, and the importance of remembering the past. C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS I Became a Ghost by Tim Tingle is a powerful story about Joshua, a young Choctaw boy who dies during the Trail of Tears and comes back as a ghost to help guide his people through the dangers of the journey. The book mixes history with supernatural elements, giving readers a personal and emotional view of this tragic time. Cultural markers like the Choctaw language, traditional storytelling, and the spiritual connection to ancestors are woven naturally into the story, showing how important heritage and traditions are for Joshua and his community. The novel also highlights the strength of family and tribal bonds, showing how the Choctaw rely on each other to survive despite unimaginable hardship. Joshua’s ghostly perspective adds depth, allowing readers to understand both the physical and spiritual struggles of his people. Joshua’s cultural knowledge and traditions guide him throughout the story. His respect for ancestral spirits, understanding of tribal practices, and connection to nature help him navigate life as a ghost. The inclusion of ceremonies, stories, and community survival strategies adds authenticity and emotional weight, while also showing the resilience of the Choctaw people. These cultural markers make the story feel real and meaningful, not just historical. I Became a Ghost is an emotional and inspiring story about courage, heritage, and remembering the past, blending supernatural elements with rich Indigenous culture. D. REVIEW EXCERPTS AMERICAN INDIAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION: "As the 2014 AIYLA Middle School winning book, it will come as no surprise that {this book} receives a rousing endorsement ... deserves a place in any collection that serves audiences interest in either American Indians or great stories." -- George Gottschalk KIRKUS REVIEWS: "The beginning of a trilogy, this tale is valuable for both its recounting of a historical tragedy and its immersive Choctaw perspective." -- Vicky Smith AMERICAN INDIANS IN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: "Throughout, this story shines with the warmth that Tingle's storytelling voice brings to his writing. I highly recommend How I Became A Ghost. I have it on good authority that we'll hear more from Isaac. I look forward to it." -- Debbie Reese THE HORN BOOK: "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." -- Dean Schneider E. CONNECTIONS Readers who value family or community might relate to Joshua’s dedication to protecting and guiding his family and tribe during the hardships of the Trail of Tears. Those interested in cultural identity can connect with his strong connection to Choctaw traditions, spiritual practices, and ancestral wisdom. Readers who have faced challenges or adversity may relate to Joshua’s courage and determination as he navigates both the physical and spiritual struggles of his people. Fans of supernatural or ghost stories may enjoy Joshua’s unique perspective, which allows him to see events with empathy and understanding.