The Gilded Ones
#1 in The Gilded Ones Series
on Goodreads (51,353)
What’s inside...
Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village. Already different from everyone else because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs.
But on the day of the ceremony, her blood runs gold, the color of impurity--and Deka knows she will face a consequence worse than death.
Then a mysterious woman comes to her with a choice: stay in the village and submit to her fate, or leave to fight for the emperor in an army of girls just like her. They are called alaki--near-immortals with rare gifts. And they are the only ones who can stop the empire's greatest threat.
Knowing the dangers that lie ahead yet yearning for acceptance, Deka decides to leave the only life she's ever known. But as she journeys to the capital to train for the biggest battle of her life, she will discover that the great walled city holds many surprises. Nothing and no one are quite what they seem to be--not even Deka herself.
Why read this book
- Empowers young girls through strong female protagonists.
- Highlights importance of courage and self-discovery.
- Encourages resilience and fighting against adversity.
- Supports development of personal and social identity.
Character compass
Deka
Belcalis
Britta
Keira
White Hands
Karmoko Thandi
Discussion points
How do you think Deka's journey in the book reflects real-life challenges faced by young people today?
What lessons can we learn from the way Deka and her friends deal with their fears and obstacles?
In what ways do the themes of friendship and loyalty manifest in the story?
How do the characters in 'The Gilded Ones' demonstrate resilience and what can we learn from that?
What does the book reveal about the importance of accepting oneself, and how can that be applied to your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before discussing the book, encourage your child to express their initial thoughts and feelings about the story. This gives you insight into their perspective and primes the conversation.
Explore the themes of the book by relating them to your child's personal experiences. This can make the conversation more relatable and engaging for them.
Ask your child which character they resonated with the most and why. This can lead to a deeper discussion about character traits and personal values.
Discuss the challenges the characters face and ask your child how they would handle similar situations, fostering problem-solving skills and empathy.
Encourage your child to think critically about the book’s conclusion and what alternative endings could look like, enhancing their creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empowerment and self-confidence
Explanation: The protagonist, Deka, overcomes societal rejection and discovers her inner strength by accepting her true identity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace their unique qualities and face challenges with confidence, promoting self-acceptance and resilience in personal and social situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and community
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Deka forms bonds with other girls who support and uplift each other, proving that solidarity can overcome adversity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of building supportive relationships and encourages them to foster community spirit and teamwork in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: Deka faces numerous fears but learns to confront them courageously, which is crucial to her survival and growth throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to face their own fears and understand that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
Example Lesson: Questioning and challenging unjust norms
Explanation: Deka questions the oppressive societal rules she encounters, sparking important change.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to critically analyze the world around them and advocate for fairness and justice in their communities.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through trials
Explanation: Deka's journey is filled with challenges, but her perseverance leads her to discover her true power and role in the world.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence and hard work in overcoming obstacles and achieving their goals.