78 pages • 2 hours read
The Gilded Ones
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2021
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Introduction
Teacher Introduction
The Gilded Ones
- Genre: Fiction; young adult fantasy
- Originally Published: 2021
- Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 780L; grades 8-12
- Structure/Length: 37 chapters; approximately 400 pages; approximately 12 hours, 46 minutes on audio
- Protagonist/Central Conflict: The story centers on Deka, a 16-year-old girl in a patriarchal society who discovers she is nearly immortal with gold blood, marking her as a demon. The central conflict arises as Deka faces ostracization and decides join a group of warrior women like her to fight for the emperor. The narrative explores themes of identity, belonging, and fighting against oppression.
- Potential Sensitivity Issues: Violence and discrimination; exploration of gender roles and societal expectations; sexual content and other mature content; references to sexual assault; scenes depicting battle, gore, reincarnation, and personal struggle; profanity
Namina Forna, Author
- Bio: Born in 1987 in Sierra Leone; raised in the United States; known for incorporating feminist themes and African mythology into her writing
- Other Works: The Merciless Ones (2022)
CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:
- Discrimination Based on Difference
- Coming of Age as the Chosen One
- The Power of Love
STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:
- Deepen understanding of systems of oppression to contextualize the story and increase understanding of the novel’s structure, conflict, and themes.
