Friday, February 5, 2016

Gregor the Overlander 
by Suzanne Collins


Collins, Suzanne. (2003). Gregor the Overlander. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

While all of the other children in the neighborhood are away at camp, 11-year-old Gregor is stuck at home bored watching his 2-year-old sister all summer.  However things take a dramatic turn one day when both Gregor and his sister fall through the dryer vent in their laundry room down into the mysterious world of the Underland.  Here they encounter 4 foot tall roaches, giant man eating rats, and humans that you can practically see through.  While all Gregor wants to do is get himself and his sister home, he soon learns that there are bigger things in store for him and you don't always have a choice in your destiny.

Evaluation Criteria: Plot and Setting

Both the plot and setting of this story play a key role in this high fantasy tale of bravery and loyalty.  Early on in the book, Gregor and his 2-year-old sister Boots find themselves tumbling down through the dryer vent leading from their New York City apartment building to the fictional setting of the Underland.  This world down deep in the earth is very dark and mysterious, and inhabited by giant cockroaches, rats, bats and translucent humans among other bizarre and “creepy,” creatures who have all formed alliances and are at war with each other over land and power.  Here Gregor is told of The Prophecy of Gray, and learns that the Underlanders believe him to be the warrior they have been waiting for who will fulfill the prophecy and restore peace.  He also discovers that his father who has been missing for over two years, fell into the Underland and is being held captive, and if he wants to save him, he must agree to take part in this epic odyssey.  The obstacles encountered and the battles they face are terrifying, yet thrilling, and will take readers on an emotional roller coaster.


Book Trailer for Gregor the Overlander

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