76 pages • 2 hours read
Tim TingleHow I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
How I Became a Ghost by Tim Tingle tells the story of 10-year-old Isaac, a boy from the Choctaw Nation, who becomes a ghost while his family is forced to relocate during the Trail of Tears. As a ghost, Isaac navigates his new reality, helps his family and friends, and uses his supernatural abilities to find a missing girl named Naomi, all while dealing with the perils of their journey and the actions of the Nahullo soldiers. The book includes sensitive topics such as forced displacement, violence, and disease.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
How I Became a Ghost by Tim Tingle is widely praised for its powerful storytelling and cultural depth, offering a poignant portrayal of the Choctaw Trail of Tears. Readers appreciate its blend of historical accuracy and supernatural elements, though some feel the narrative pace is uneven. This novel stands out for its emotional resonance and educational value.
Who Should Read How I Became a Ghost?
Fans of historical fiction blended with Native American folklore will find much to appreciate in Tim Tingle's How I Became a Ghost. Comparable to works like The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and The Birchbark House, the book appeals to readers who enjoy poignant, culturally rich narratives featuring young protagonists.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
480LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Children's Literature
Magical Realism
History: U.S.
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
History: World
Life/Time: Mortality & Death
Society: Colonialism
Society: Community