For Educators and Librarians
Practical reading, discussion, creative-writing and library resources for Jamie Cooper and the Touchscreen Portal.
These materials are designed for teachers, librarians, home educators and reading-group organisers who want to explore the novel beyond the story itself. They can be used selectively for independent reading, group discussion, comprehension, creative writing, character work, art and library activities.
Quick suitability guide
Primarily readers aged 9–14.
Upper middle-grade portal fantasy / science fiction.
Portals, games, quests, maps, mystery and fantasy worlds.
Friendship, courage, grief, responsibility, teamwork and belonging.
Independent reading, guided discussion, book clubs and creative-writing work.
Kindle, paperback and hardback.
Ways to use the book
Reading and discussion
Use chapter checkpoints, comprehension questions and discussion prompts to follow Jamie’s move to a new town, his developing friendships with Dan and Lakshmi, and the gradual discovery that Myridiam may be far more than a game.
Creative writing and worldbuilding
The Gateway, the Selection Chamber, magical artefacts and the peoples of Myridiam provide starting points for pupils to create their own portals, objects, cultures and alternative points of view.
Character, empathy and personal development
Activities explore first impressions, misjudgement, friendship, teamwork and the difference between reputation and evidence — especially through the way Jamie comes to understand Dan and the group learns to rely on one another.
Reading groups and libraries
The reading-group pack, debate activity, prediction sheet, shelf talker and bookmarks are intended to make the book easy to use in informal groups, school libraries and public-library displays.
Core educator resources
Teacher and Educator Guide
Book suitability, themes and suggested classroom use.
Before-Reading Activity Sheet
Prediction and discussion prompts before the story begins.
Chapter Discussion Guide
Questions for discussing the novel in manageable reading sections.
After-Reading Discussion Sheet
Prompts for reflection after finishing the book.
Book Suitability Information Sheet
A concise guide to age, genre, themes and classroom/library use.
Content and Themes Guide
Spoiler-light guidance on the story’s themes and potentially sensitive material.
Reading and comprehension
Reading Schedule
A practical session-by-session plan for reading the novel.
Chapter Checkpoint Worksheets
Short checkpoints to confirm understanding as readers progress.
Reading Comprehension Worksheets
Factual, inferential and discussion-based reading questions.
Vocabulary Workbook
Vocabulary practice built around language and context from the story.
Reluctant-Reader Progress Chart
A quest-style progress chart for tracking completed reading.
Character and personal development
Character Comparison Worksheet
Compare Jamie, Dan and Lakshmi’s personalities and development.
Character Evidence Chart
Support observations about characters with evidence from the text.
First Impressions and Misjudgement
Explore how first impressions and reputation influence judgement.
Friendship and Teamwork Worksheet
Identify how trust, loyalty and teamwork develop through the story.
Empathy and Point-of-View Worksheet
Consider how the same event can feel different to different characters.
Creative writing
Mysterious Message Writing Prompt
Create an impossible message arriving through an ordinary device.
Design a Portal Story Worksheet
Plan a gateway, destination, rules and consequences for a new story.
Create a Magical Artefact Worksheet
Invent an artefact, its abilities, limitations and chosen owner.
Alternative Point-of-View Exercise
Rewrite an event through another character’s perspective.
Invent a New Myridiam People
Develop the culture, appearance, territory and traditions of a new people.
Art and design
Design a Gateway Symbol Sheet
Create and explain a personal portal or Gateway symbol.
Selection Chamber Artefact Template
Illustrate and describe a new magical artefact.
Myridiam Travel Poster Activity
Design a travel poster for a location in Myridiam.
Reading groups and libraries
Reading-Group Discussion Pack
A compact set of questions and activities for book clubs and libraries.
Would You Enter the Gateway? Debate
A structured debate about risk, curiosity and stepping into the unknown.
Book Two Prediction Sheet
Record theories and predictions about what may happen next.
Printable Bookmarks
Branded bookmarks for readers, groups and library displays.
Librarian Information Sheet
Quick-reference book information for library staff.
Printable Shelf Talker
A small display card for recommending the book on a shelf or display.
Read-Alike Recommendation Sheet
Reader-interest positioning for people who enjoy similar themes and adventures.
Preview the book first
The free Gateway Preview Pack contains the opening chapters, the map of Myridiam and audio preview links.