76 pages • 2 hours read
How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story
A 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.
Book Brief
141
Novel • Fiction
Mississippi • 1830s
2013
Middle grade
8-12 years
480L
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.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Fantastical
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
3,014 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
3,014 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Joseph
Joseph
Joseph is a young man who can transform into a panther and assists in a rescue mission, symbolizing a deep connection to nature and bravery.
Nita
Nita
Nita is a young Choctaw girl traveling with her family, forming a protective bond with Isaac and having a significant impact on the story's progression.
Naomi
Naomi
Naomi is Nita's sister, characterized by her strength and endurance, who faces challenges alongside other characters in the narrative.
Luke
Luke
Luke is Isaac’s older brother who evolves from being unhelpful to playing a significant part in ensuring the safety of another character.
141
Novel • Fiction
Mississippi • 1830s
2013
Middle grade
8-12 years
480L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.