Ghost by Jason Reynolds is a fictional novel set in a modern day city and follows the life of 7th grader, Castle “Ghost” Cranshaw as he struggles to overcome a difficult childhood and find a new direction in life with the help of his mentor, Coach Brody.
There are many themes present throughout the novel Ghost: Family, Teamwork, Mentorship, Bullying, Courage, Identity, Memory and the Past, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Lawbreaking and Justice, Domestic Violence,
Poverty. Students can explore theme in a novel by identifying a theme or being given a theme to track throughout their reading. Then, students can create a storyboard illustrating the examples of that theme from the text.
Storyboard Text
COURAGE
CASTLE CRANSHAWAIN'T NO JOKE! YOU ARE!
COUNTRY STORE
FAMILY
CASTLE CRANSHAWAIN'T NO JOKE! YOU ARE!
COUNTRY STORE
TEAMWORK
Coach confides to Castle how he also had to overcome tremendous obstacles. Ghost learns to reconcile with his traumatic past, face bullies, own up to his mistakes, and his fear of failure on the track. With courage, Castle overcomes all of these things and heads towards a brighter future.
Family is very important to Ghost. Castle has a close relationship with his mother who works hard to care for him. Castle appreciates her sacrifices. Mr. Charles is a grandfatherly figure to Castle. For his first big race, his family joins enthusiastically cheers him on.
The Defenders is the first team that Castle has ever been a part of. He longed to play basketball at his local court but was never included. He has a few friends but never confided in anyone about his past. Lu, Sunny, and Patty are the first friends he told. It makes him feel seen and accepted.
BULLYING
Themes in Ghost
MENTORSHIP
Brandon Simmons torments Castle daily. Castle has a large “file of altercations” but it is Brandon that ruthlessly makes fun of Castle’s background, clothes, mother, and housing. The book shows how bullying affects kids as it is impossible to feel safe and learn when you live in constant fear.
Coach becomes an important mentor in Castle's life. At a time when he is in longing for a father figure, Coach gives him support, advice, and guidance. Coach is someone Castle can trust and he changes Castle's life considerably.