Gateway From Hell (Shades Series)
Shades of London Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
This is the story of Lisa and her friends who are determined to stop a new road being built because it would mean Mott Hill would have to be destroyed. Mott Hill is sacred and shouldn't be disturbed because of what lies beneath it - something ancient and dangerous, maybe even deadly.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-12
Length
62 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when faced with challenges? Can you relate to those feelings in any of your experiences?
What do you think the 'Gateway from Hell' represents in the story? Is there more than one way to interpret it?
What lessons do you think the characters learned by the end of the book? Have you learned similar lessons in your own life?
If you had to face a similar situation as the protagonist, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events and characters, and relate them to their own life experiences.
Discuss the moral and ethical dilemmas presented in the book, fostering a deeper understanding of right and wrong.
Enable your child to interpret the symbolic elements like the 'Gateway from Hell' to enhance their analytical thinking.
Use parallels from the book to discuss overcoming fears and adversity, reinforcing resilience and problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage
Explanation: In 'Gateway From Hell', the protagonist faces daunting challenges and confronts fears head-on, depicting acts of bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle their fears and stand up in difficult situations at school, at home, or in social settings.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the storyline, the characters support and rely on each other, showing that teamwork and unity are strengths.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes to children how building strong, supportive friendships can help overcome obstacles and foster a sense of community.
Example Lesson: The consequences of choices
Explanation: Characters in the book make decisions that lead to various outcomes, teaching readers that every choice has a consequence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by thinking critically about the consequences their own choices might have before acting.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the characters in the book persist in their goals, illustrating the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to continue working toward their goals, despite challenges, in their educational and personal pursuits.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: The characters in 'Gateway From Hell' come from diverse backgrounds and have different perspectives, which enriches their collective experience and helps them succeed.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of inclusivity and learning from differing viewpoints in their classrooms and communities.