Book Detail

Ghost Train

Publication Information
Author:  Yee, Paul Illustrator:  Chan, Harvey
Title:  Ghost Train Date:  1996
Publisher:  Groundwood Books City:  Toronto
ISBN, paperback:  0-88899-257-2 ISBN, hardback:  

Recommended audience:
ABE/ABLE:   Yes ESOL:  
Family:   Yes Young Adult:  
Picture:   Yes

General Information:
Book Type(s):    legends, tales and myths, fiction

HSE Descriptor(s):   

Summary:
Choon-yi is a painter. Her father leaves China for North America to find work. He asks her to join him, but when she arrives, she discovers that he has been killed on the job. As Choon-yi tries to paint the train, a ghostly presence beckons her.

Teaching Ideas:
The lovely illustrations are an integral part of the narrative; students may want to consider how mood, etc. is expressed in the art. The history of the Chinese work on the railroads is accurate, but some learners may be put off by the magical qualities, so teachers will want to approach the book carefully. Could be part of a text set about Asian immigration.

Keywords: select any link below for a list of resources which also have that keyword
bullet Art and Photography > art > painting
bullet Social Studies > anthropology > folklore > folktales
bullet Social Studies > anthropology > folklore > magic
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > emotions > grief
bullet Emotions-Personal Issues > emotions > loss
bullet Family > father > father-child relationships
bullet Social Studies > sociology > social issues > immigration
bullet Transportation > trains


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