78 pages 2 hours read

Namina Forna

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.