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HOW I BECAME A GHOST by Tim Tingle – Review by Nancy Bo Flood
From Chapter 1, “Talking Ghost”
“MAYBE YOU HAVE never read a book written by a ghost before. I am a ghost…I should tell you something else. I see things before they happen. You are probably thinking, ‘I wish I could see things before they happen.’
Be careful what you wish for.”
Author Tim Tingle is a masterful storyteller in person on stage or in a book with the written word. With this newest book, I warn you that you might have the same experience I did. You begin the first chapter, intending to read for a little while, but you can’t stop. One surprise happens on the heels of another. To create HOW I BECAME A GHOST, Tim Tingle re-walked the steps of his great-great-grandfather, recorded the stories of tribal elders, and then wrote this incredible page-turner for young readers (and adults as well). Yes, this book is about the Choctaw Trail of Tears but no, it will not leave you sad or depressed; instead, you will be amazed at the strength of community and the courage and of many individuals – even a talking dog!
Once you read one of Tingle’s books, you will want to read more. I encourage you to look at CROSSING BOK CHITTO, “…a moving and wholly original story about the intersection of cultures,” praises from Publishers Weekly. One more suggestion: SPIRITS DARK AND LIGHT which was given this description: “Tingle is a master storyteller, his flow and timing are superb. Young readers will feel like he’s talking directly to them,” by American Indians in Children’s Literature.
BUFFALO BIRD GIRL written and illustrated by S.D. Nelson, is a very different book, but one filled with images and information that give a rich account of the daily life of the Hidatsa people of the Dakotas. The actual words and stories once told by Buffalo Bird Girl are illustrated with archival photographs, maps, drawings, and the brilliant, startling images painted by S. D. Nelson.
These two books offer two very different stories, two Native perspectives, of American history told in engaging voices and accessible formats. What an opportunity to discuss with young readers the impact of “western expansion” on these two tribal nations.
Nancy Bo Flood, author of several award-winning books, most recently,COWBOY UP! RIDE THE NAVAJO RODEO.
I read How I Became a Ghost recently and was really blown away by it. You are so right – Tim Tingle is a masterful storyteller and now I want to read more and more of his works.
Would love to have book reviews put in suggested age levels…
Sent from my iPad
I read How I Became a Ghost last spring and immediately ordered a copy for our library. I knew a bit about the trail of tears, but ended up doing research to find out more. I ended up also purchasing Trail Of Tears by Lynn Peppas as a nonfiction companion book. I will definitely look up these other titles.