Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
Samuel Johnson has a number of problems: his dad cares more about his car than his family; his mother is lonely, and only Samuel's dog, Boswell, truly understands him. Oh, and as if things couldn't get any worse, Samuel's neighbours, led by the villainous Mrs Abernathy, are trying to open the gates of hell. It's up to Samuel to stop them, except nobody will believe him, and time is running out ... Now the fate of humanity lies in the hands of one small boy, an even smaller dog, and a very unlucky demon named Nurd ...
Is The gates appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
Parents should know this middle grade fantasy combines humor with mild scary elements as a boy tries to stop neighbors from opening the gates of hell. Family dysfunction and loneliness are themes, with comedic horror throughout.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include death of parent and loneliness.
Who'll love this
Kids will love the humorous adventure of a lonely boy and his dog trying to save the world from demons and incompetent villains.