How I Became a Ghost (A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story)

Told in the words of Isaac, a Choctaw boy who does not survive the Trail of Tears, renowned author Tim Tingle tells tale of innocence and resilience in the face of tragedy. From the book's opening line, "Maybe you have never read a book written by a ghost before," the reader is put on notice that this is no normal book. Isaac leads a remarkable foursome of Choctaw comrades: a tough-minded teenage girl, a shape-shifting panther boy, a lovable five-year-old ghost who only wants her mom and dad to be happy, and Isaac's talking dog, Jumper. The first of two books, this novel highlights an important and oft-overlooked piece of history. Readers can continue the story in When a Ghost Talks Listen. Winner of the 2014 American Indian Youth Literature Award.