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kamckim's review against another edition
4.0
Very quick read, perfect for G5-6. Solid story introducing readers to the Trail of Tears era, the book covers fires, smallpox, shootings, and other atrocities of that journey for the Choctaw Nation. The story is told by a narrator after he has passed. There is heroism, sacrifice, and ultimately, hope.
jdintr's review against another edition
3.0
How I Became a Ghost is a tough book to categorize.
It seems to be written for a middle-grade audience. Kids as young as 3rd or 4th grade would be able to read and understand it. But the subject matter is very, very heavy, even disturbing for this 40-something reader.
The main character knows from the beginning that he will die. He witnesses horrific scenes perpetrated against his Choctaw tribesmen by American soldiers. He moves through an environment full of ghosts. The book is eerie. Disturbing. Haunting.
This is an important, vivid look at the Trail of Tears, taking the reader deep into the pain and horror that the Choctaw (along with the Chickasaw and Cherokee) faced as they left their homeland for the unknown. I'm just not sure who its intended audience is.
It seems to be written for a middle-grade audience. Kids as young as 3rd or 4th grade would be able to read and understand it. But the subject matter is very, very heavy, even disturbing for this 40-something reader.
The main character knows from the beginning that he will die. He witnesses horrific scenes perpetrated against his Choctaw tribesmen by American soldiers. He moves through an environment full of ghosts. The book is eerie. Disturbing. Haunting.
This is an important, vivid look at the Trail of Tears, taking the reader deep into the pain and horror that the Choctaw (along with the Chickasaw and Cherokee) faced as they left their homeland for the unknown. I'm just not sure who its intended audience is.
k8s's review against another edition
3.0
Well done, but stylistically not to my taste. It should be popular with reluctant readers who crave action, though. I do wish there had been a list of resources for kids who want to read more about the topic.
cboettcher's review against another edition
3.0
Upon discovering this book on the American Indians in Children’s Literature (AICL) blog, I knew that it was a story that I wanted to pick up and enjoy. Just the premise is an attention-getter: a young boy who is for sure going to become a ghost while walking the Trail of Tears. It’s a powerful idea for a story.
From the opening, there is an element of suspense. The very first lines introduce the main character, Isaac: “Maybe you have never read a book written by a ghost before. I am a ghost.” The story then goes on to tell you that he will become a ghost somewhere throughout the book. The instant hook is sure to pull in all readers: when will Isaac become a ghost? Or, to put it more bluntly, when does he die?
The suspense makes for a gripping story, as if a story about the Trail of Tears isn’t gripping enough. Seeing how Isaac navigates through this experience is heart-wrenching, and is sure to touch any reader’s soul.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
My main critique with this book, however, is that it almost puts too much of a happy spin on history. In the end, we are left with a daughter reunited with her family, but the circumstances in which she got there are unbelievable. When the girl (Naomi) saves the Leader and he lets her go, it seems absolutely ridiculous. Any group of people who would knowingly and happily light fire to people’s homes, give them smallpox blankets, and force them into servitude would not give one lick about whether their lives were saved. There are moments in which Isaac is able to see the humanity in some of the other soldiers, but Leader is portrayed as relentless, and to suddenly show him doing an extremely good deed is extremely off-putting. The idea of Choctaw people being stronger than the soldiers is a great premise; the idea of a cruel and evil-spirited man suddenly having a heart seems to be a bit too convenient, as if the story needs to be wrapped up with a nice bow.
END SPOILERS!
Despite my annoyances with some of the plot, I did find this to be an enjoyable and eye-opening read. It would pair really well with a middle- or high-school history lesson, because history is so often told by the victors, and this provides a fresh perspective and gets to the raw emotion of the Trail of Tears. I am glad to have read this book and look forward to any more installments in the series.
From the opening, there is an element of suspense. The very first lines introduce the main character, Isaac: “Maybe you have never read a book written by a ghost before. I am a ghost.” The story then goes on to tell you that he will become a ghost somewhere throughout the book. The instant hook is sure to pull in all readers: when will Isaac become a ghost? Or, to put it more bluntly, when does he die?
The suspense makes for a gripping story, as if a story about the Trail of Tears isn’t gripping enough. Seeing how Isaac navigates through this experience is heart-wrenching, and is sure to touch any reader’s soul.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
My main critique with this book, however, is that it almost puts too much of a happy spin on history. In the end, we are left with a daughter reunited with her family, but the circumstances in which she got there are unbelievable. When the girl (Naomi) saves the Leader and he lets her go, it seems absolutely ridiculous. Any group of people who would knowingly and happily light fire to people’s homes, give them smallpox blankets, and force them into servitude would not give one lick about whether their lives were saved. There are moments in which Isaac is able to see the humanity in some of the other soldiers, but Leader is portrayed as relentless, and to suddenly show him doing an extremely good deed is extremely off-putting. The idea of Choctaw people being stronger than the soldiers is a great premise; the idea of a cruel and evil-spirited man suddenly having a heart seems to be a bit too convenient, as if the story needs to be wrapped up with a nice bow.
END SPOILERS!
Despite my annoyances with some of the plot, I did find this to be an enjoyable and eye-opening read. It would pair really well with a middle- or high-school history lesson, because history is so often told by the victors, and this provides a fresh perspective and gets to the raw emotion of the Trail of Tears. I am glad to have read this book and look forward to any more installments in the series.
nattygsmith's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book at the recommendation of one of my students -- I'm glad I did! It is a wonderful little story about one of the most horrific events in American history. The book sometimes felt like it wanted a larger scope, covering more of the history of the Choctaw nation, but it was at its best when focusing on the small observations and interactions of the young Indian boy witnessing the horrors of the Trial of Tears.
apotts's review against another edition
4.0
I happened upon this book while searching for sources to support a genocide unit for our 8th grade. We were trying to find some fiction to help support the unit, and since Native American genocide is a category, this book seemed like a good fit.
Not only does the book demonstrate the atrocities of the treatment of Native Americans in our country's early history, it weaves a tale with lovable characters while teaching about culture and perseverance as well. The story is accessible for advanced fourth graders and up, but the story is high interest through middle school. It would make a great read aloud, too.
Considering the current climate in our country, I believe this book has an important tale to tell. And while I read it "for work" I would certainly have found the same value had it been handed to me on the fly. Read it!
Not only does the book demonstrate the atrocities of the treatment of Native Americans in our country's early history, it weaves a tale with lovable characters while teaching about culture and perseverance as well. The story is accessible for advanced fourth graders and up, but the story is high interest through middle school. It would make a great read aloud, too.
Considering the current climate in our country, I believe this book has an important tale to tell. And while I read it "for work" I would certainly have found the same value had it been handed to me on the fly. Read it!
megatsunami's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this. It's hard to imagine a book about the Trail of Tears could have any humor in it, yet this one does. Also some very painful and haunting images that stayed with me.
I did feel there were a few inconsistencies in the spiritual logic of the book (e.g. what ghosts can and can't do) but it didn't really get in the way.
The ending was a little abrupt.
I did feel there were a few inconsistencies in the spiritual logic of the book (e.g. what ghosts can and can't do) but it didn't really get in the way.
The ending was a little abrupt.
ollievera's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
How I Became a Ghost was a book about a Choctaw boy named Isaac who could see the ghosts of his fellow people. It was about his journey on the Trail of Tears and the process of Isaac's life getting closer and closer to him becoming a ghost. The book was interesting and told you a lot about the Choctaw Tribes journey on the Trail of Tears and their different customs and culture. Some parts of the book were boring and not very interesting. I'm not sure I really liked the part where Isaac was a ghost and I thought it was more interesting to read about him when he was still alive. I think this would be a good book for anyone who is looking for a bit of adventure and interesting stories about the Choctaw people.
crystal_reading's review against another edition
4.0
I read this in one sitting. Isaac tells the story looking back over recent events that have led to his death on the Choctaw Trail of Tears. Obviously there is distressing subject matter and it is not a book for readers bothered by death and bloody encounters. It's a well- told tale during an event that isn't often addressed in children's lit.