LSSL 5360: Module 6 -- Realistic Fiction, Fantasy, & Graphic Novels

Ghost

By Jason Reynolds

1)    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Reynolds, J. (2016). Track. NY, NY: Atheneum Books For Young Readers.

2)    PLOT SUMMARY

Castle Cranshaw nicknames himself Ghost because that’s what he feels like since his father tried to shoot him and his mother.  Ghost gets into altercations at school and feels as if he merely exists.  The night his father tried to shoot him is the night he learned to run fast.  He and his mother escaped from his father to Mr. Charles’ store and there life hasn’t been the same since.  Ghost wanders home from school slowly since his mom works late, and one day comes across a track practice.  After he watches awhile he believes that he can beat them and challenges Lu to a race.  The race is very close and Coach Brody wants him to join the team.  Coach convinces Ghost’s mom to let him join the team and she agrees as long as Ghost stays out of trouble.  Throughout his training the coach bails him out a few times and even shares that he had a similar story growing up.  Also, during practices Ghost grows closer to his teammates, especially the fellow newbies Patty, Lu, and Sunny.  Ghost proves himself to Coach Brody, is able to compete in the first race, and makes his mother proud. 

3)    CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Ghost is a captivating story and Reynolds does a great job of developing his main character.  Ghost is very relatable to readers, and shows that just because you’ve been dealt a rough hand doesn’t mean it has to stay that way.  Coach Brody shows Ghost that there’s an outlet for him and his future can be different if he works hard.  Reynolds gives readers a glimpse into the lives of fellow newbies Patty, Lu, and Sunny which should hook readers to want to continue reading the Track series.  He gives a great preview with his newbie dinner where they all confess something about themselves.  When he sets Ghost’s home in the Glass Manor it ends up being a crucial part in his bond with Coach Brody and that he’s not alone with his struggles.  A few of the characters mention life lesson takeaways such as tomorrow is another day and don’t run away from your problems.  There are also themes of forgiveness, friendship, and compassion.  Reynolds wrote an amazing story and I can’t wait to read more about the newbies in his Track series!

4)    REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Publisher Weekly’s Review:  “Ghost is a well-meaning, personable narrator whose intense struggles are balanced by a love of world records, sunflower seeds, and his mother. Coach's relationship with Ghost develops into a surrogate father-son scenario, adding substantial emotional resonance and humor to the mix.”  (8/8/16).

Kirkus’ Revies:  “Ghost’s narration is candid and colloquial, reminiscent of such original voices as Bud Caldwell and Joey Pigza; his level of self-understanding is both believably childlike and disarming in its perception. He is self-focused enough that secondary characters initially feel one-dimensional, Coach in particular, but as he gets to know them better, so do readers, in a way that unfolds naturally and pleasingly. His three fellow “newbies” on the Defenders await their turns to star in subsequent series outings. Characters are black by default; those few white people in Ghost’s world are described as such.”  (Reviewed 7/20/16)

5)    CONNECTIONS

o   After reading Ghost, have students reflect on what their dreams are and have them outline how to achieve those goals.

o   Other similar stories:

Reynolds, Jason.  PATINA  ISBN 9781481450188

Reynolds, Jason.  SUNNY  ISBN 9781481450218

Reynolds, Jason.  LU  ISBN 9781508246176

Rhodes, Jewell Parker.  GHOST BOYS  ISBN 9780316262286