Collins, S. (2004). Gregor the overlander. NY: Scholastic.
Interest Level 3rd - 8th grade
Summary and Analysis
*Same author that wrote The Hunger Game
The Gregory the Overlander has captures the imagination of it readers. This is book one of the Underlander Chronicals], which is a five book series written by the author of the Hunger Games. Gregory, the protagonist, finds himself in a new land below New York City when he and his two-year-old sister fall down a vent in the laundry room at his apartment complex. He is an 11-year-old boy who many readers can connect to. He is somewhat withdrawn from many at school, but does have a few close friends. Gregory stands up against bullies and has a strong connection and loyalty to his family. In this first book, he finds himself no longer on the sidelines in life, but the warrior a prophecy foretold about; a warrior that must save his father, his little sister, and all the people of Regalia. The more Gregory grows and changes in the book, the more the reader connects with him and his plight. Without this strong leading character, this fantasy book would not be a success much less a 5 book series.
Susan Collins spends a good amount of time in this story weaving in the necessary details to make the setting, the Underworld, a plausible place that is both beautiful and terrifying at the same time. She describes the water systems (underground river) and the city made of stone. As a reader, I could feel the warm spring baths and feel the cool, smooth stones clearly in my head. I enjoyed the adventure so much that I plan to read the other four books in the series as well.
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