"Gateway of the Sun" is the compelling, coming-of-age tale of Huallpa, a 13-year-old Quechuan boy who lives with his family outside the capitol of the Inca Empire. A smallpox epidemic sweeps through Huallpa's village claiming the lives of his mother, father and baby sister. Waking from sickness, Huallpa finds himself head of his house and custodian of 8-year-old Taruca. In their grief, brother and sister decide to make a fresh start in the mystical city of Machu Picchu. For several days, Huallpa and Taruca travel with their llamas up the Inca Trail. The scenery is breathtaking, and adventures abound - including run-ins with a venomous pit viper and a chinchilla with no social graces. Meanwhile, bearded men in floating wooden houses approach from the coast, and the reigning Inca is struck with smallpox. To appease the gods, priests call for a special sacrifice. Who will be the chosen one? "Gateway of the Sun" addresses harsh religious rituals and customs in a factual manner while exploring the culture of the South American natives and the toppling of their empire by Spanish conquistadors. Students and teachers alike will enjoy this book with its entertaining yet educational format. Complete with glossary, discussion questions, quotes from Pizarro's secretary and authentic Inca poetry, "Gateway of the Sun" captures the interest and imaginations of readers of all ages.