The Brilliant World of Tom Gates
#1 of 23 in Tom Gates Series
on Goodreads (14,814)
What’s inside...
Tom Gates is a creative and humorous middle-school student known for his imaginative excuses for being late and his doodle-filled exercise book. As he navigates school life, he aims to impress his classmate Amy Porter and score tickets to see his favorite band, Dude3. Tom's life is filled with humorous mishaps and excuses, from dog attacks to sibling rivalry with his sister, Delia. With a mix of doodles, stories, and the quest to avoid the annoying Marcus Meldrew, Tom's adventures are relatable and entertaining, drawing parallels to Jeff Kinney's Greg Heffley.
Character compass
Tom Gates
Derek
Mr. Fullerman
Marcus Meldrew
Delia Gates
Discussion points
How do you think Tom Gates feels when he's creating his doodles, and why do you think it makes him feel that way?
What are some of the challenges Tom faces at school and with his band? How would you handle similar situations?
Tom enjoys playing tricks and having fun. Can you think of a funny or clever trick from the book? What makes it memorable?
How do Tom's friendships and relationships with his family develop throughout the story? What do you think is important about those relationships?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your favorite part of the book and ask your child about theirs to kick off the discussion with mutual excitement.
Encourage your child to connect their personal experiences with Tom's adventures, enhancing empathy and understanding of the character's feelings.
Use humor found in the book as a way to make the conversation light-hearted and enjoyable, mirroring Tom’s fun-loving personality.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios in Tom’s world, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of creativity and expression
Explanation: Tom Gates showcases his creativity through his doodles and writings in his notebook, making the most mundane details of his life exciting and engaging.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own creative outlets, whether through art, music, or writing, boosting their self-esteem and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: The value of persistence
Explanation: Despite facing various challenges, such as dealing with a strict teacher or sibling rivalry, Tom consistently tries to find solutions and never gives up.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in overcoming obstacles in school or in their personal lives, helping them develop resilience.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Tom's spontaneous and sometimes mischievous acts, such as pulling pranks on his sister, often lead to consequences that teach him about responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children learn about accountability and the impacts their actions can have on others, which is vital for their social development.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and friendships
Explanation: Throughout the book, the interactions between Tom, his family, and his friends play a crucial role in the storyline, emphasizing the support and love they provide.
Real-World Application: This can remind children to cherish and nurture relationships with those around them, enhancing their emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.