The Last Gate of the Emperor
#1 of 2 in Last Gate of the Emperor Series
on Goodreads (583)
What’s inside...
From Kwame Mbalia and Prince Joel David Makonnen comes an Afrofuturist adventure about a mythical Ethiopian empire. Sci-fi and fantasy combine in this epic journey to the stars. Yared Heywat lives an isolated life in Addis Prime -- a hardscrabble city with rundown tech, lots of rules, and not much to do. His worrywart Uncle Moti and bionic lioness Besa are his only family... and his only friends. Often in trouble for his thrill-seeking antics and wisecracking sense of humor, those same qualities make Yared a star player of the underground augmented reality game, The Hunt for Kaleb's Obelisk. But when a change in the game rules prompts Yared to log in with his real name, it triggers an attack that rocks the city. In the chaos, Uncle Moti disappears. Suddenly, all the stories Yared's uncle told him as a young boy are coming to life, of kingdoms in the sky and city-razing monsters. And somehow Yared is at the center of them. Together with Besa and the Ibis -- a game rival turned reluctant ally -- Yared must search for his uncle... and answers to his place in a forgotten, galaxy-spanning war.
Character compass
Yared Heywat
The Ibis
Uncle Moti
Hyena
Discussion points
How do you think Yared's search for his family and identity helps him grow as a character? What changes do you see in him?
What role do the futuristic elements of the story play in Yared's adventure? How do you think the setting influences the story?
Yared faces several challenges throughout the book. Which challenge do you think was the toughest for him, and why?
The theme of friendship is prominent in the story. How do Yared and the other characters demonstrate the importance of teamwork?
If you were in Yared’s shoes, how would you handle the discovery of your heritage and the responsibilities that come with it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on Yared’s journey, making it a mutual exchange rather than a Q&A session.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between Yared’s experiences and their own, fostering deeper personal connections with the story.
Use open-ended questions that focus on character development and the moral lessons of the story to prompt critical thinking.
Discuss the futuristic elements and imaginative aspects of the book to spark your child’s creativity and ask how they might envision the future.
Highlight moments of teamwork and friendship in the story, discussing their importance in both the book and in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist, Yared, demonstrates immense courage and resilience in facing unexpected challenges and dangers in his quest. His journey symbolizes the power of perseverance and bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges with bravery, understanding that persistence and courage are key to overcoming obstacles in life.
Example Lesson: Importance of Heritage and Identity
Explanation: As Yared explores the futuristic world of Addis Prime, he uncovers truths about his past and the culture of his ancestors, emphasizing the importance of one's heritage and personal history.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value and explore their own heritage and culture, helping them build a stronger sense of identity and belonging.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork and Friendship
Explanation: Throughout his adventures, Yared learns the importance of working together with his friends to solve problems and face threats, showing that teamwork can achieve what might be impossible alone.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of collaboration and supporting each other, skills vital in classroom settings, group activities, and family tasks.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and Problem-Solving
Explanation: Yared's ability to adapt to new environments and his creative problem-solving skills are pivotal in navigating the challenges he faces, reinforcing the need for flexibility and innovation.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and adapt to new situations, fostering essential life skills that help in adjusting to various challenges in daily life.
Example Lesson: Impact of Choices and Consequences
Explanation: The story illustrates how Yared’s choices directly impact his journey and those around him, teaching accountability and foresight in making decisions.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that their choices have consequences and teaches them to consider the effects of their actions on themselves and others.