Ghost Chapters 1-5 Quiz

Author and Characters

• Jason Reynolds is the author of "Ghost."
• The narrator of the story is Ghost, the main character.
• Ghost's real name is Castle Cranshaw.

Themes and Motifs

• Ghost is fascinated by world records and regularly reads the Guinness Book of World Records.
• He eats sunflower seeds daily, reflecting a habit that signifies comfort and routine.

Background and Family

• Ghost learned to run as a means of escape from his father, who shot at him and his mother.
• His father received a 10-year prison sentence for the shooting incident.
• Ghost and his mother sleep in the living room for safety, following the traumatic event.

School and Challenges

• Ghost's mom is reluctant to let him join the track team due to concerns over his schoolwork and behavior.
• Despite challenges, Ghost remains altercation-free for 17 hours and 2 minutes after joining the Defenders.
• He experiences humiliation during his first track practice by tripping and losing his shoes.

Personal Growth and Friends

• Coach encourages Ghost to join the track team, suggesting it would benefit his basketball skills.
• Ghost feels safe only with his mother and struggles with self-doubt, expressing fear of himself.

Running and Goals

• Ghost's favorite athlete is LeBron James, while Coach favors Michael Jordan.
• The novel highlights sprinting as the running specialty for Ghost and his friend Lu, who has albinism.
• Usain Bolt is mentioned as the fastest runner alive, with a record time of 9 seconds and 58 milliseconds in the 100-meter dash.

Peer Relationships

• Brandon Simmons, a bully, nicknames Ghost "Shack," adding to Ghost's struggle with identity and acceptance.
• Ghost's choice to only purchase fries for lunch stems from a desire to save money for sunflower seeds.

School Behavior and Consequences

• After being suspended, Ghost is required to do extra work on the track as a punishment.
• He skips school out of embarrassment over his old shoes, seeking solace at Everything Sports.

Theft and Consequences

• While at Everything Sports, Ghost steals silver track shoes, demonstrating his desperation for acceptance in the running community.
• Mr. Charles, the store owner, always greets Ghost with a quip about sunflower seeds, showcasing their established relationship.

Personal Struggles and Family Dynamics

• Ghost's mother's pursuit of a nursing degree through online courses indicates her determination for a better life.
• Ghost’s panic while helping at Mr. Charles' store arises from being trapped in a supply room, reminiscent of past trauma.

Cultural Context

• The story delves into the themes of poverty and aspiration, reflecting the challenges faced by individuals in difficult neighborhoods like Glass Manor.