Last Gate of the Emperor
#2 of 2 in Last Gate of the Emperor Series
What’s inside...
Yared has traveled light years to find his place in the universe after the battle of Addis Prime left the Axum Empire fractured. The once benevolent empire returns to Earth, its origin planet, to find it in disarray with its atmosphere cluttered with space debris. As Yared is set to speak at the Royal Trials, a piratic attack disrupts the event, leading to a series of events unveiling deeper conspiracies within Debris Town. Kwame Mbalia and Prince Joel David Makonnen introduce an Afrofuturist adventure combining sci-fi and fantasy in this epic journey to the stars.
Discussion points
What did you think about Yared's journey throughout the story? How do you think he felt during his adventures?
How does the setting in 'Last Gate of the Emperor' compare to our world? What differences and similarities can you see?
What lessons do you think Yared learned by the end of the book? Are there any lessons that you learned as well?
If you could meet any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How do you think teamwork and trust played a role in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open-ended conversations by asking your child how they felt about the characters' decisions and the outcomes. Use specific scenes from the book as a reference to discuss themes like courage, friendship, and resilience. Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences to help them connect with the characters and plot. Praise your child’s insights and thoughts to foster a positive reading environment. Highlight the cultural aspects presented in the book and discuss how they compare or contrast with your own culture to broaden understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: The protagonist, Yared, showcases resilience and adaptability throughout his adventure, as he faces unexpected challenges and adapts to new realities about his family and identity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace change and adapt to unforeseen circumstances in their own lives, understanding that flexibility is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Importance of Heritage and Roots
Explanation: Yared's journey is deeply tied to discovering his heritage and the history of his family, highlighting how understanding one’s roots is crucial for personal identity.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and appreciate their own family histories and cultures, enhancing their sense of identity and belonging.
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Fear
Explanation: Throughout the book, Yared must muster courage to face dangerous situations and unknowns, learning to push through fear to achieve his goals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears and understand that bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but the ability to move forward despite it.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: Yared often relies on his friends and allies to navigate challenges, proving that teamwork and cooperation are vital for success.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of collaborating with others, sharing tasks, and supporting one another to accomplish common goals.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonist employs critical thinking and problem-solving skills to unravel mysteries and make strategic decisions, which are pivotal in his quest.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use reasoning and logic to solve problems and make informed decisions in their daily activities and studies.