(GHOST)
What fast-food snack is Ghost completely obsessed with and buys every day?
Sunflower seeds.
What is Coach Brody’s day job when he isn't coaching the track team?
He drives a taxi cab.
Who is Ghost's main school bully that constantly picks on him?
Brandon Simmons.
What is the name of the store owner who lets Ghost hang out and eat sunflower seeds?
Mr. Charles.
Ghost says he eats sunflower seeds because "it keeps his mouth busy." What real, underlying emotion does this habit help him cope with?
Nervousness, anxiety, and the trauma/fear left over from the night his father shot at him.
What traumatic event happened three years ago that caused Ghost and his mom to run to Mr. Charles’s store?
His father shot at them in a drunk rage.
Which teammate does Ghost race on his very first day at track practice?
Lu.
What grade is Ghost currently in?
7TH GRADE
What neighborhood or housing complex does Ghost live in?
Glass Manor.
How does Ghost’s perspective on running change from the beginning of Chapter 1 (running away from his dad) to Chapter 2 (joining the Defenders)?
Initially, he views running as a survival tool driven by fear; after meeting Coach, he begins to see it as a sport, a source of pride, and a potential outlet.
What record does Ghost claim to know by heart from the Guinness Book of World Records?
The record for the fastest runner in the world (Michael Johnson / 200m).
What nickname does Coach Brody give to the new, rookie track team members?
The "Newbies."
What punishment does Ghost receive after getting into a fight in the cafeteria?
suspension for the rest of the day.
What movie does Mr. Charles constantly watch on repeat in his store?
The World's Fastest Indian (or old Westerns/James Bond).
Cite the main reason Ghost gives for why he cut the tops off his shoes, and what actually happens when he wears them to school.
He claimed it was to make them lighter so he could run faster, but it backfired—his classmates, especially Brandon, made fun of him, causing him to feel ashamed.
What is Ghost’s real first and last name? WHY DOES HE GO BY GHOST?
CASTLE CRENSHAW
What secret agreement does Coach make with Ghost's mom so he can stay on the team?
Ghost can stay as long as he stays out of trouble at school; one mistake and he's off. GOOD GRADES
Who comes to pick Ghost up from school after his cafeteria fight so his mother doesn't find out?
Coach Brody.
What brand and color are the expensive track shoes that Ghost steals from Everything Sports?
Silver Nike's (the "Silver Bullets").
How does Ghost's view of Lu shift when he first sees him at track practice compared to after they race?
Ghost initially views Lu as arrogant and entitled because of his looks and albino appearance; after racing him, Ghost respects his speed but feels determined to prove he is just as fast.
What does Ghost do to his high-top sneakers so he can run faster in them?
He cuts the tops off with scissors.
Name all three of the other new runners who join the team alongside Ghost.
Lu, Sunny, and Patty.
What food item gets thrown during the cafeteria altercation with Brandon?
A chocolate milk box (or apple).
What alias/nickname does Ghost give Mr. Charles because of how he looks?
James Brown.
What evidence from Chapter 3 shows Coach Brody’s perspective on Ghost’s potential, despite Ghost getting into trouble at school?
Coach steps in as Ghost’s advocate by picking him up from school, claiming responsibility as his uncle/coach, and giving him a second chance because he sees Ghost’s raw talent and recognizes his troubled background.