In “Ghost”, why Castle called his school record a “rap sheet”?

Castle, the main character in "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds, is a troubled young man who has been in and out of trouble at school for years. He has a reputation as a troublemaker and is constantly getting into fights and causing problems. When he joins the Defenders track team, he is forced to confront his past mistakes and try to turn his life around. One of the ways he does this is by referring to his school record as a "rap sheet."

Castle calls his school record a "rap sheet" because it lists all of his bad behavior and mistakes in school, much like a criminal record. He sees himself as someone who has been labeled a criminal by the education system, even though he is just a young man who is struggling to cope with his circumstances. By using this term, Castle is highlighting how the education system can criminalize young people for their mistakes and punish them harshly, rather than trying to help them.

Castle's use of the term "rap sheet" also shows how he sees himself and how others see him. He feels like he is always in trouble and cannot be trusted, and this label has become a part of his identity. However, as the story progresses, Castle begins to realize that he is more than just his mistakes and that he has the power to change his future. Through his experiences on the track team, he learns to take responsibility for his actions and to work hard to achieve his goals.

Overall, Castle's use of the term "rap sheet" is a powerful symbol of the challenges that young people face in the education system. It highlights the need for a more compassionate and supportive approach to discipline, one that recognizes the complexity of students' lives and seeks to help them overcome their challenges rather than punishing them for their mistakes.