Gatekeeper (Guardian Book 2)
#2 of 16 in The Guardians of Ga'Hoole Series
on Goodreads (19)
What’s inside...
A month after solving her first murder, Maggie Johnson and her soul brother Serge Popov are seeking peace but get involved in another case when Kent Thomas, a well-liked and successful young man, is found murdered. As Maggie investigates to find the killer, she must be cautious to avoid meeting the same fate as the soul she's trying to save.
Discussion points
What do you think are the main qualities that make someone a good guardian? How did the characters in the book display these qualities?
How do you feel about the decisions made by the protagonist in challenging situations? What would you have done differently?
Why do you think trust and teamwork are important themes in 'Gatekeeper'? Can you share an example from the book where these themes were evident?
How do the characters grow throughout the story? Which character's journey did you find most relatable or inspiring?
What lessons did you learn from the book that you can apply to your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, reassuring them that there are no wrong answers to these questions.
Relate the questions to your child’s personal experiences to deepen their understanding and connection to the themes.
Listen actively and show genuine interest in your child’s responses, asking follow-up questions to encourage deeper thinking.
Suggest re-reading certain sections of the book together if your child is unsure about their answers, using it as an opportunity to explore the text and characters more thoroughly.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to think critically about how the story's messages can be seen in the world around them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Gatekeeper', the protagonist learns the importance of taking responsibility for her actions and decisions as she navigates her role as a guardian.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to acknowledge their actions and understand their consequences, promoting accountability in their day-to-day activities.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters face daunting challenges that require bravery and determination, highlighting the value of courage in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by standing up for what they believe in, facing fears, and tackling new challenges confidently in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The book portrays how understanding and sharing the feelings of others can lead to stronger relationships and better conflict resolution.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be considerate, improve their interactions with peers, and develop strong, empathetic relationships.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book often need to collaborate to solve problems, demonstrating how teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to work cooperatively in group settings such as school projects or sports, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.