How I Became a Ghost by Tim Tingle

Bibliography

Tingle, T. (2017). How I became a ghost: A choctaw trail of tears story. CNIB. 

Plot Summary

Isaac, a ten year old Choctaw, and his family must leave their home. He begins seeing ghosts of Choctaw neighbors and people who have passed away from diseases and fires. His family and the rest of the Choctaw people are making their way from their homes to Oklahoma, where the Nahullos, or white people, have forced them to move. Along the way, the dangers that the ghosts have pre-warned Isaac about become reality. 

Critical Analysis

In this historical fiction book, author Tim Tingle tells the story of the Choctaw Trail of Tears through a ten year old boy. The narrator retells the story from the moment that his tribe is forced to make a treaty with the white settlers who are forcing them out of their homes. Shortly after, Isaac starts seeing ghosts that reveal the way his neighbors will die, and let him know that he too will die soon. This book includes elements of Choctaw spirituality with ghosts/spirits, shapeshifting people, and ceremonial events as the Choctaw people say goodbye to their homes. The ties of family and community are strong as they travel the trail of tears together. For example, Isaac must save another character, and afterwards he says, “Our deeds touch not only the living. We did more than save Naomi today. We made our people proud. That is the highest honor a Choctaw can ever earn, to make the ancestors proud.” Though this story is about the tragic and horrific experience of the Choctaw people during the forcible removal from their home, it speaks to the strength and hope of the Choctaw people. 

Full of ghosts, suspense, and historical fact, this book is a great read for middle grade readers!

Review Excerpts and Awards

American Indian Youth Literature Award, Winner 2014

From Kirkus Review: “Storyteller Tingle's tale unfolds in Isaac's conversational voice; readers "hear" his story with comforting clarity and are plunged into the Choctaw belief system, so they can begin to understand it from the inside out. The beginning of a trilogy, this tale is valuable for both its recounting of a historical tragedy and its immersive Choctaw perspective.”

Connections

See this author interview: https://youtu.be/EoGoRLA3Il0 

See these resources for teaching more of the historical context of the book: https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/resources/The-Trail-of-Tears-A-Story-of-Cherokee-Removal