Barbra Hesson

Gregor the Overlander

By Suzanne Collins

Book one in the Underland Chronicles

When eleven year old Gregor follows his little sister through a grate in the laundry room of his New York apartment they hurtle into the dark Underland beneath the city where humans live beside giant spiders, cockroaches, bats and rats.

When Gregor tries to find a way home he is trapped by the evil rats, but rescued by the humans who fly on their bats.

Gregor finds out that there is a growing conflict between the creatures, especially the rats and humans. He is shown a prophecy, which foretells a role for him in saving the Underworld.

He also learns that his father who disappeared two years ago is in the Underland and also part of the prophecy.  To save his father, he must fulfill a quest with his two year-old-sister, two Underland humans, two bats, two roaches, two spiders and one rat.

The story is face paced, and the dialogue is interesting.  The Underlanders speak a kind of broken English.

At 308 pages it’s a little intimidating, however it is an easy read with lots of action and strange creatures on every page.

Would be good for Grade 4 to Grade 6.  A good Grade three reader may enjoy it as well.  Good for both boys and girls as there are two central characters.

Teaches many lessons about acceptance in life, equality, hope and doing the right thing.

I really enjoyed this!