Bibliography
Tingle, T. (2015). How I became a ghost. When a ghost
talks, listen: A Choctaw
Trail
of Tears story. Oklahoma City, OK: The RoadRunner Press. ISBN
978-1937054557
Summary
How I Became a Ghost follows Isaac, a 10 year old
American Indian from the Choctaw tribe. The Choctaw tribe Isaac’s friends and
family belong to are being forced out of their homes and land forced to seek
out a new place to call home. It is through events through this time, Isaac
retells the events that lead him in becoming a ghost. With the uncertainty of
what ghost life has in store for him, and new found courage, Isaac can help his
loved ones on this journey.
Critical
Analysis
Author Tingle brings history and fiction together in
How I Became a Ghost. With the setting in Choctaw Nation Mississippi in 1830
helps set the stage for this historical fiction.
The characters are those from the Choctaw tribes and are based on families living in those times. Because the main character in the story is a 10 year old boy, many readers can relate with his way of thinking and or feelings, even though the story takes place many years ago and the character is from a different culture.
Events in the story such as the Treaty Talks allow readers to learn about different events or reasons why American tribes were forced to leave their homes.
As the Choctaw tribe is one of the larger tribes reading about others such as the Nahullo people creates an understanding for readers there are other tribes in history and in the present than for example, the infamous Cherokee tribes. The native language used throughout the story (“Hoke”, “Yakoke”, and “Halito”) helps with the authenticity of the story.
If readers are unfamiliar with The Trails of Tears, a
story such as this one is a great way to begin discussions on the history of
the American Indians.
Review
Excerpts
Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2014) “Isaac is alive
and well at the start of this Trail of Tears story, beginning in the Choctaw
Nation in Mississippi in 1830. But soon there is Treaty Talk, followed by the
arrival of Nahullo (white) men, and the Choctaw must begin their journey west.
Tingle, a Choctaw storyteller, relates his tale in the engaging repetitions and
rhythms of an oft-told story.”
Kirkus Reviews starred (June 15, 2013) “A 10-year-old
Choctaw boy recounts the beginnings of the forced resettlement of his people
from their Mississippi-area homelands in 1830. He begins his story with a
compelling hook: "Maybe you have never read a book written by a ghost
before. I am a ghost. I am not a ghost when this book begins, so you have to
pay very close attention." Readers meet Isaac, his family and their dog,
Jumper, on the day that Treaty Talk changes everything. Even as the Choctaw
prepare to leave their homes, Isaac begins to have unsettling visions: Some
elders are engulfed in flames, and others are covered in oozing pustules. As
Isaac and his family set out on the Choctaw Trail of Tears, these visions begin
to come true, as some are burned to death by the Nahullos and others perish due
to smallpox-infested blankets distributed on the trail. But the Choctaw barrier
between life and death is a fluid one, and ghosts follow Isaac, providing
reassurance and advice that allow him to help his family and others as well as
to prepare for his own impending death. 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. (Historical fiction. 8-12)”
School Library Journal (November 1, 2013) “Gr 7 Up-The
ghost is Isaac, a Choctaw boy who dies on the Trail of Tears, yet continues to
interact with Joseph, another Choctaw boy who is a shape-shifter. Tingle's
historical novel normalizes Choctaw spirituality, presenting it as part of the
fabric of life of those who lived, died, and were killed on the Trail of Tears
of the 1830s.”
Connections
The series continues! If you enjoyed reading How I
Became a Ghost part 2 of the series can be found below. In addition you can
find other great reads with a focus on historical fiction.
Tingle, Tim. When
a ghost talks, listen : a Choctaw Trail of Tears story. ISBN 9781937054519
Tingle, Tim. Crossing
Bok Chitto.ISBN 9781933693200
Tingle.Tim. Stone
River Crossing. ISBN 9781620148235
Bibliography
Gansworth, E. L. (2015). If I ever get out of here.
[ebook] New York, NY: Scholastic.
ISBN 9780553395471
Summary
If I Ever Get Out of Here is about a 7th grade student
named Lewis Blake who is part of the Tuscarora Reservation. This story follows
the trials and tribulations of living on the Res and dealing with others while
attending school off the reservation. Lewis, makes a new friend, deals with the
unfairness of poverty, and a bully in school.
Critical
Analysis
Lewis Blake, the main character of the story, is
American Indian, which is a change of pace for the main characters in the
story. He goes through similar experiences like any other jr.high/high school
student may go through while attending school for example, being bullied, not
able to make friends, and figuring out his true identity. Lewis is an
intelligent individual and is in the top program in school, which goes against
the misconception of American Indians not being smart. The fact that Lewis is
able to make a new friend who does not see race or color, but loyalty is what
helps Lewis come to an understanding that we are all different and that is
okay.
References to Davi Bowie, attending concerts of the
Beatles, wacky packy, the Smurfs, helps create an accurate setting of the
story.
Many references of living in poverty on the Res are
made throughout the story for example, how Lewis is embarrassed having his new
friend George over because his house is falling apart (“crumbling house”), not
having enough money at the end of the month, using a “welfare Indian” card to
receive free lunch, and having to work to help pay for things at home. Living
in poverty on the Res, being American Indian, wondering what it would be like
to white, not able to make friends is what Lewis struggles with throughout the
story.
Lewis and George go through many ups and downs in the
story. Lewis can’t believe someone is being nice to him and wants to be his
friend. Certain customs are learned by Lewis and vice versa; for example, it is
not customary for Lewis to take leftovers home, sleep in pajamas, and owe
someone something.
Events in the story give readers insight of traditions
on a reservation such as how they celebrate the new year by having the younger
people go door to door and let the elders know the new year is upon them, in
return they receive cookies. In addition, life on the reservation is a bit
different than living on the outside for instance, when Lewis’s friend steals
the car and goes out for a joy ride. The fact that Lewis is able to make a new
friend who does not see race or color, is what helps Lewis come to an
understanding that we are all different and that is okay.
Review
Excerpts
School Library Journal (November 1, 2013) “Gr
6-9-Through an exquisite use of Beatles music, Gansworth connects with readers
on multiple levels in this story of Lewis, an Onondaga teen, as he develops a
friendship with George, a white teen from a nearby Air Force base. The family
and community of both characters figure prominently throughout.”
Kirkus Reviews (June 15, 2013) “It's 1975. Lewis lives in abject poverty on the reservation. His favorite band, the Beatles, has broken up. He's the only Indian in the class for smart kids. And he's in middle school. Times are tough. When George, a military kid, arrives, the two bond over their mutual appreciation of music. Lewis shares select pieces of his life with George. However, he struggles to avoid revealing the true nature of his life on the rez. Things deteriorate for Lewis when he catches the attention of a school bully who makes his life miserable. Forces of nature eventually compel Lewis to face everything: the bully, what he is hiding and his own shame. Lewis' desire to move between cultures, and his difficulty doing so, will resonate with readers of many backgrounds. The action in this book builds slowly, providing readers with the context to understand the distrust that makes Lewis reluctant to fully commit to a friendship with George. Some readers may not be enthralled by the extensive exposition and sometimes-stilted dialogue, but those who stay with the story to the end will find their hearts touched by Lewis, George and their families. Gansworth's debut for young people is a worthy exploration of identity and friendship between middle school boys who live in different worlds. (discography)(Historical fiction. 11-14)”
Connections
Other great reads with a focus on American Indians are as follows:
Gansworth, Eric. Give
Me Some Truth. ISBN 9781338143546
Gansworth, Eric. Apple, Skin to the Core. ISBN 9781662039706
Gansworth, Eric. Extra
Indians. ISBN 9781571310798
Gansworth, Eric. Give
Me Some Truth. ISBN 9781338582161
Bibliography
Bruchac, J. (1999). The Trail of Tears. Ill. Diane
Magnuson. [ebook] New York, NY: Random
House. ISBN 9780385374736
Summary
Trail of Tears is the story of what the Cherokee
Nation endured within their 1,200 mile journey in hopes of finding new land to
call home. Promises were broken, mistreatment of the Native Americans was
taking place, dealing with injustice, and being pushed out of their homes were just
some of the unfortunate repercussions they dealt with as the American settlers
took over the Cherokee Nation’s land.
Critical
Analysis
Trails of Tears is full of facts that showcases what
the Cherokee Nation went through during that time period. Author Bruchac does a
great job by providing the facts without watering down the events in history.
Showcasing how at the beginning The Cherokees were civil with the “white
settlers” and got along with them for about 100 years or so. He writes about
the American Revolution and its effects on the Cherokee Nation and their land.
As hard as it is to imagine presidents and the
government going against their word this too was happening at the time for
example, Treaty of New Echota, the Indian Removal policy, and being held
captive.
Cherokee’s were inventors and successful just like
others, unfortunately because of this they were forced out of their land. These
facts help readers with misconceptions that the Native Americans were not
successful. They invented their own alphabet, which is how they were able
to write down the Cherokee language, created their own newspaper, created a new
government for themselves, and eventually they were able to build stores,
hotels, and a Supreme Court building among many other
establishments.
Culture symbols and beliefs are referred to
throughout the book such as the “Cherokee Phoenix, the mythical bird that rises
from its own ashes”, and black skies representing an omen of bad luck.
Perseverance and determination are themes in the story, where there is a will,
there is a way.
The illustrations help readers bring the words to
life. The illustrations are vibrant and depict a very hard time in history for
the Cherokee Nation. The drawing of the traditional clothing that was worn by
the Cherokee people brings cultural authenticity to the story. The
illustrations depict the setting with accurate buildings, houses, clothing, and
transportation. I appreciate how the illustrator shows how the Cherokee Nation
has become modernized within time and can be seen in their style of clothing as
well as the buildings. Readers may think Native Americans dress in traditional
clothing at all times.
Review
Excerpts
Booklist (Vol. 96, No. 7 (December 1, 1999))- “Gr.
2-4. Part of the Step into Reading series, this is a history of how the
Cherokees were robbed of their homes and removed from their land to make room
for white settlers. Bruchac focuses on the Trail of Tears, the bitter
1,200-mile forced journey from Georgia to Oklahoma in 1838-39 during which thousands
died. He sets that march within a wider, quite detailed narrative of the
Cherokee nation's struggle and resistance. Magnuson's colorful pictures, packed
with people and action, are a little bright for the subject, but strong new
readers will find that nonfiction can tell a powerful story.”
Connections
The following are books with a learning focus on text
structure (sequence) with the classification on Trail of Tears.
Bealer, Alex W. Only
the Names Remain. ISBN 9780316085199
Byers, Ann. Life
as a Native American on the Trail of Tears. ISBN 9781502617835
Caswell, Max. My
Life on the Trail of Tears. ISBN 9781538203118
Vander Hook, Sue. Trail
of Tears. ISBN 9781604539462
Bibliography
Sneve, V. D. (2011). The Christmas coat: Memories of
my Sioux childhood. Ill. Ellen Beier
New York, NY:
Holiday House. ISBN 9780823421343
Summary
The Christmas Coat is about a young girl who wishes
for nothing more than a coat that will fit her for the cold winter season.
Every year the school where she attends anticipates the Theast boxes full of
donated used clothing. She spots a coat she wants, but has been taught other
people need it more than she does. Her unselfishness goes unnoticed as she is
gifted a brand new red coat for Christmas.
Critical
Analysis
The Christmas Coat offers readers a great window that
focuses on empathy. The story follows a young girl who wants nothing more than
a “new” used coat that will keep her warm. When the donation box arrives she
notices a coat she wants, but with her morals intact, she gives it to another
girl on two occasions. A theme of the story could be, good things come to those
who wait. In addition, readers gain the opportunity to read about the Sioux
congregation and some of the traditions which are a part of their culture
for example, how they celebrate Christmas like others do, put on plays, and eat
traditional meals such as corn soup, fry bread, wojape (chokecherry) pudding,
and attend Christmas Eve church services.
One of the illustrations towards the end of the book
shows readers three Native American children dressed in headdresses, but the
text does explain “only the wise leaders and elders of the tribe could wear”.
Other illustrations throughout the story shows the attire of the characters
which is nontraditional Native American clothing. This helps the readers see
that traditional Native American clothing is sacred for some individuals and
used only at particular times. As a reader, I can almost feel what the
characters are experiencing with how clear the facial expressions are.
Review
Excerpts
Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2012) - “It's a harsh
winter in Virginia's Sioux village. When donated clothing arrives, Virginia
(the Episcopal priest's daughter) gets last pick, and a flashy coat she covets
goes to another girl. With its authentic portrait of a Sioux childhood and
Christmas traditions (captured in watercolor and gouache illustrations) and its
eventual happy ending, this is a quiet but affecting picture book.”
Horn Book Magazine (November/December, 2011) - “It's a
harsh winter in young Virginia's Sioux village on the South Dakota prairie.
Virginia longs for a new coat but knows she'll have to make do with her
too-short, too-thin one, at least until the boxes full of donated used clothing
arrive from "Theast"; i.e., New Enland. As the Episcopal priest's
daughter, Virginia always gets last pick, and she can't help feeling a pang
when a flashy fur coat she covets goes to another girl. With its authentic
portrait of a Sioux childhood and Christmas traditions (captured in watercolor
and gouache illustrations) and its eventual happy ending (a final box arrives
containing the beautiful red coat Virginia had dreamed of, a reward for her
unselfishness), this is a quiet but affecting picture book. martha v.
parravano”
Kirkus Reviews starred (September 1, 2011) - “This
straightforward, heartfelt reminiscence recalls a Christmas season from the
author's childhood on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, a time
when she needed a new winter coat and her younger brother needed snow boots.
When boxes of donated clothing arrive before Christmas, Virginia and her
brother are the last to receive anything. Because their father is the Episcopal
priest at the reservation, the children are trained to let others take
precedence. A snotty rival of Virginia's selects a fur coat that Virginia
covets, and when that doesn't suit, she later takes the plain cloth coat set
aside for Virginia as well. But on Christmas Eve, two special boxes sent just
for the priest's children are set out for Virginia and her brother, containing
a soft red coat and sturdy cowboy boots. The story unfolds in a linear,
matter-of-fact way reminiscent of the writing of Laura Ingalls Wilder, with
school and family scenes and a strong sense of the main character's emotions
and family ties. Realistic illustrations in watercolor and gouache capture the
snowy, flat landscape, the simple schoolroom and the crowd of children each
experiencing something different at the holiday events. Virginia's personality
shines through in this poignant story that entertains and informs without
recourse to stereotypes. (Picture book. 5-9)”
Connections
Other great reads by Virginia Sneve are as
follows:
Sneve, V.D. When
Thunder Spoke. ISBN 9780803292208
Sneve, V.D. Standing
bear of the ponca. ISBN 9780803228269
Sneve, V.D. Lana’s
Lakota Moons. ISBN 9780803260283
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