There are many believes about what happens after death. Many cultures believe in an afterlife. Even going back to the myths there are stories of the underworld. We have shared a few books that share different views on the afterlife. Today we are sharing a new middle grade graphic novel about two kids who venture into the Land of the Dead to find loved ones. The book is Through the Black Gate by Alfredo Cáceres. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.
About the Book:
Thirteen-year-old orphan Irene believes her father’s soul is trapped inside her cat, Moses. Living at her caregiver Ruth’s hostel, Irene spends every waking hour studying a mystical book that her parents left behind in the fire that took their lives. Irene thinks the book can help her see them again, if only Moses will give her a clue.Then, just as a strange fog sweeps over their quiet Chilean town, a mysterious young musician named Francis moves into the hostel. Irene and her new roommate don’t particularly get along, but Moses soon leads them both through the fog to a strange tear in reality: an entrance to the Land of the Dead.
Believing this is the key to seeing her parents again, Irene and Francis cross to the other side. There, they encounter the Ferryman of the Dead, who is desperate to escape into the Land of the Living. The Ferryman offers to return Irene and Francis’s loved ones in exchange for their help. In the face of such a massive promise, Irene and Francis must decide whether to risk the fate of both the Lands of the Living and the Dead or be braver than they ever thought possible.
From Me:
Irene is living with Ruth. Ruth was her mother's best friend. Irene's parents recently died in a house fire. She believes her father's soul is in the family cat, Moses. Moses however does not want to live at Ruth's hostel. He keeps trying to escape and head back to Irene's parents' house. Then Ruth's nephew, Francis, comes to stay with them. His parents are always working and not around much for him. He is very into music and plays the guitar. His music seems to calm Moses. However, his awkwardness causes some issues between him and Irene. When Moses escapes due to Francis not being careful the two kids go to find him. When Irene follows Moses through portal, Francis realizes he needs to follow. They end up in the Land of the Dead. There the adventure truly begins. They meet people and wonder about the strange vines that are growing there. They meet various creatures and even see an old friend. Irene wants to help her father cross over, so she keeps following Moses. However, he keeps taking them into dangerous situations but also helps get them out. 
This book shares kids going through grieving as well as felling a bit left behind. They struggle to find common ground but eventually become friends. It also has some interesting twists on the afterlife and Land of the Dead. There are some characters that are familiar like the Ferryman, but the story is not something told before. There are definitely new parts to it and is all about dealing with grief of different kinds. This book is perfect for someone going through their own grief but also for kids interesting in mythology or just looking for an interesting tale. It is a great read and will keep readers interested to find out what might happen next.
