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The Gate in the Wall by Ellen Howard

Summary

Set in Victorian England, ten-year-old Emma has a tough life, working ten hours a day at a silk-spinning machine and hoping to avoid a beating by her brother-in-law when she gets home. She finds her life completely changed when she accidentally finds a gate that leads to a water canal boat and a way to escape her harsh existence.

148 pages, 4th grade and up

Summary

Spoiler alert! Some of the questions contain key elements of the plot. Do not read if you don't want to know what happens!

  1. Describe Emma's home life at the start of the book.
  2. What did you know about Victorian England before reading this book?
  3. Why do you think the gate was open that morning? Was Emma just lucky?
  4. Do you think it is wrong that Emma leaves her sister with her abusive husband?
  5. Describe Mrs. Minshull? What is she like? Why do you think she takes Emma in?
  6. How does Mrs. Minshull show Emma that she loves her?
  7. What is life like on the canal? Had you heard of these canals before reading this book? What could you compare the canals to in modern day life?
  8. Emma has to decide whether to stay with Mrs. Minshull or go back to her family. What decision does she make? Do you think it is the right one?
  9. Emma says that she feels like a whole new person. How is she new?
  10. At the end of the novel, do you have hope for Emma?

Snacks: Try a raw potato, like the one Emma took a bite of. Then, try hot tea and shortbread cookies!

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