How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story

Multiple Choice and Long Answer questions create ideal opportunities for whole-book review, unit exam, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. What is the importance of Isaac’s visions in the novel?

A) They create confusion about what will happen.

B) They guide him in preparing for important events.

C) They help him to understand the spiritual realm.

D) They foreshadow the downfall of the Nahullos.

2. What does Isaac’s early narration in the novel reveal about his understanding of the tribe’s displacement?

A) He has a deep understanding of what is happening.

B) He understands very little of it.

C) He is confused about the Choctaws’ relationship with the Nahullos.

D) He recognizes his connection to the physical world.

3. What does Isaac’s description of himself as a ghost foreshadow in the novel?

A) That something terrible is going to happen

B) The deaths of the tribes

C) Isaac’s death

D) The attack of the Nahullos

4. Based on the Choctaws’ actions following the Treaty Talk, what can the reader infer about their connection to the land?

A) It is a physical flesh-and-blood connection.

B) They do not have a home.

C) It is not hard for the people to leave it.

D) The Choctaws will miss the land.

5. How does the Choctaw tribe react to the Nahullos destroying their homes?

A) They feel resentment toward the Nahullos.

B) They attempt to have meetings to appease them.

C) They plan a counterattack on the Nahullos.

D) They must focus on survival.

6. Why is it important that the novel is told from Isaac’s perspective?

A) As a Choctaw, he has a personal investment in the Trail of Tears.

B) As a ghost, he can see things others cannot see.

C) As a child, he simplifies and humanizes the story.

D) As a panther, he has superior spiritual powers.

7. What is the importance of community in the novel?

A) The community is stronger when they work together.

B) It creates a welcoming presence for outsiders.

C) It allows the characters to develop deep friendships.

D) The independence of the families is an important aspect of the Choctaw culture.

8. How does the complicated relationship between Nahullos and Choctaws affect the reader?

A) It illustrates the varying perspectives of the Choctaw on the Nahullos.

B) It reinforces the constant conflict between the two groups.

C) It portrays the misunderstandings of the Nahullos.

D) It demonstrates the differences in perspectives and treatment among the Nahullos.

9. What is the purpose of the supernatural elements of the novel?

A) They create surprising twists and turns that create interest.

B) They illustrate the Choctaws’ superiority over the Nahullos.

C) They highlight the connection the Choctaws feel with the spiritual world.

D) They reinforce the disconnect between the Choctaws and Nahullos.

10. How does Isaac’s character change throughout the novel?

A) He grows to dislike the Nahullos and feels resentment.

B) He becomes bolder in his battle tactics.

C) He begins to respect his family more.

D) He accepts his supernatural visions and abilities.

11. How does Isaac become emboldened to rescue Naomi?

A) He realizes he cannot be harmed in his ghostly form.

B) His friendships give him the will to execute his plan.

C) He is motivated by his compassion for Naomi.

D) Joseph’s panther form makes him feel safe.

12.What can the reader infer Isaac feels for Chief Pushmataha?

A) Distrust

B) Relief

C) Respect

D) Comradery

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating text details to support your response.

1. How does the author use the supernatural element of Isaac as a ghost to provide details about historical events and experiences of Indigenous peoples?

2. Most of the story is told through dialogue. How does this relate to the role of community in the story?