Chapter 1: Tom Gates is Enormously Excited
In the first chapter of Tom Gates is Absolutely Fantastic (At Some Things) readers are introduced to the main character, Tom Gates. Tom is an enthusiastic young boy who is eagerly anticipating his family’s upcoming holiday at the beach. As he gets ready to leave, he is overwhelmed with excitement and enthusiasm for the trip. He tries to distract himself by playing video games with his friend Derek, but this quickly proves to be another source of excitement as the two begin to argue over who will lead the game. Tom and Derek’s competitive nature in the face of an exciting adventure serves as a key theme throughout the book.
Chapter 2: Tom Gates Gets Himself a Puppy
In Chapter 2, Tom and his family arrive at the beach, but Tom finds himself becoming more bored as the days pass. To remedy this, he decides to take on a project and get a puppy. He arranges a deal with his family that if he agrees to help with the chores during the holidays he will be allowed to pick out a puppy from a shelter. Tom and his family quickly find a puppy that they all fall in love with. Throughout the chapter, readers can observe the growth of Tom’s responsibility and his relationship with his new puppy. The puppy quickly becomes Tom’s responsibility and through this, he learns the importance of being a responsible pet owner.
Chapter 3: Tom Gates Finds Himself in Trouble
In the third chapter, Tom’s behaviour starts to go downhill as he and his puppy become settled into the beach holiday atmosphere. Tom begins to ignore his duties around the beach house and becomes more and more distracted with his new puppy. Tom’s parents become frustrated with his disregard for his responsibilities and his irresponsibility with the puppy. This leads to a stern talking-to from Tom’s parents, as they remind him of the importance of completing his chores and being a responsible pet owner. This chapter serves to highlight the importance of responsibility.
Chapter 4: Tom Gates Learns to Love the Beach
In Chapter 4, Tom begins to understand the importance of responsibility and discovers what it’s truly like to have a pet. He grows increasingly fond of his puppy and realizes the joy it brings to his life. He also begins to see the beauty of the beach and to appreciate the clear ocean water and endless blue skies. After understanding the importance of taking on responsibility for his actions and for his puppy, Tom begins to indulge in all the exciting things the beach has to offer.
Chapter 5: Tom Gates Finds His Place in the Sand
At the end of the book, Tom is back in his normal routines in the city. He has taken on increased responsibility with his new puppy, and learned to appreciate the natural beauty of the beach. He looks back fondly on his beach vacation as he homeschools his puppy and takes it on regular walks. With his newfound appreciation of the place that he originally thought was boring, Tom is able to recognize all the great things that the most mundane places have to offer. Through this, he discovers that he can make his own fun wherever he goes.
