Ghost

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. What world record does Castle think he has?

2. Who helped Castle and his mother when they were in danger and running from his father?

3. As Castle watches the track practice, who is the fastest on the team?

4. How does Castle introduce himself to the track team?

5. What does Castle’s mother say he needs to do in order to remain on the track team?

6. How does Brandon start the fight with Castle?

7. Who picks up Castle from school after the fight?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What happened that Castle thinks taught him to run?

2. How does Castle join the track team?

Paired Resource

“Guinness World Record”

• This website from Global News includes links to numerous and varied world record articles.
• Theme connections include You Can’t Escape Yourself and Teamwork and Belonging.
• Which of these world records do you think Castle would be most interested in, and why?

“Guinness World Records”

• National Geographic Kids presents images and summaries of some world records, including most basketball slam dunks performed by a rabbit in one minute and most jelly eaten while blindfolded.
• Theme connections include You Can’t Escape Yourself and Teamwork and Belonging.
• How do world records impact Castle’s daily life?

Chapters 4-6

Reading Check

1. Who holds the world record for the 100-meter dash?

2. Who is the assistant coach of the track team?

3. While running, how does Castle fall?

4. What does Castle do to his sneakers?

5. The day after the fight, who is suspended from school?

6. Where does Castle go after he leaves school early?

7. What name does Castle give his new shoes?

8. How far does the team run on their long run?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Castle leave school early?

2. Why does Castle feel guilty while watching a movie with his mother?

Paired Resource

“Talking to Kids About Social Class Helps Shape Their Views—Here's What to Say” 

• Parents.com offers insights into the importance of talking with kids about money and classes and highlights some ways to talk about these issues (teacher-appropriate; not student-facing).
• Theme connections include Overcoming a Traumatic Childhood and Teamwork and Belonging.
• How does money affect Castle?

“Stealing in Children and Adolescents”

• The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry offers insights into reasons young people might steal and ways to help them if they do.
• The website connects to themes of You Can’t Escape Yourself, Overcoming a Traumatic Childhood, and Teamwork and Belonging.
• What reasons does Castle have for stealing?

Chapters 7-10

Reading Check

1. Where does Coach take the new runners?

2. Why does Coach not give Castle a uniform?

3. What consequence does Coach give Castle?

4. Whom does Castle see at the track meet running for the Bolts?

5. Who helps Castle focus right before the 100-meter race?

6. How does the book end?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How do Castle and Shamika interact the day after she laughs at his shoes?

2. What builds community between the new runners?

Paired Resource

“10 Ways to Practice Self-Acceptance”  

• Kids Help Phone examines the importance of accepting ourselves and lists and explains strategies to practice this skill.
• Theme connections include You Can’t Escape Yourself.
• How does Castle show that he is starting to accept himself more?



Recommended Next Reads 

Patina by Jason Reynolds

• This second book of the Track series focuses on Patina as she faces existing and new trauma and learns more about trusting herself and others.
• Theme connections include You Can’t Escape Yourself, Overcoming a Traumatic Childhood, and Teamwork and Belonging.
• Shared topics include track, friendship, family, school, and growing up.
• Patina on SuperSummary

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling

• In this first book of the series, Harry goes to Hogwarts, makes new friends, learns magic, and fights the evil Voldemort.
• Theme connections include You Can’t Escape Yourself, Overcoming a Traumatic Childhood, and Teamwork and Belonging.
• The book includes shared topics of friendship, family, school, growing up, and sports.
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone on SuperSummary