Book Summary: Gregor is disappointed when he does not get to go to summer camp because he has to care for his younger sister, Boots. Things get interesting when Gregor and his sister find themselves in an unfamiliar land known as the Underland. While in the Underland, he realizes he is the chosen one to fulfill a prophecy that will ultimately lead to him being reunited with his father. While in the Underland, he has interactions with giant bats, rats, roaches, and spiders, and has to befriend them in order to help them on his quest.
My Impressions: I usually do not care much for science fiction books, but there was something about this book that kept me interested. I love how Gregor looked after his sister and took such good care of her, even during the strangest of circumstances. Kids love how the roaches think of Boots as a princess because of the way she smells when her diaper is dirty. This book leaves readers in suspense and rooting for Gregor to fulfill the prophecy so he can be reunited with his father and return home. There are many twists and turns along the way that keeps the book interesting!
Professional Review: Gr 4-8-- In this accessible, almost-cinematic fantasy, Gregor and his two-year-old sister fall into an amazing underground world. Taken in by people who have lived beneath the earth for centuries, the 11-year-old learns about the giant-sized talking creatures that also reside there, including bats, cockroaches, and vicious rats. Gregor just wants to get home, but a prophecy hints that he may be the "overlander" destined to save the humans from the warlike rodents. He is reluctant until he learns that his father, who disappeared from their New York City home a few years before, is a prisoner of the rats. Gregor is not an eager hero, but with common sense, quick thinking, and determination he grows into the role. His sister, who provides some comic relief, also plays a key part because of her ability to befriend creatures, especially the giant cockroaches. Plot threads unwind smoothly, and the pace of the book is just right. Exciting scenes and cliff-hanger chapters are balanced by decisions and interactions that drive the action. Gregor is not the most compelling figure at first, but as the story progresses he becomes more interesting, maturing through the challenges he faces. Supporting characters are generally engaging, particularly the enigmatic warrior rat that claims to support the protagonist's mission. This is an engrossing adventure for fantasy fans and for those new to the genre.
Engelfried, S. (2003, November). [Review of the book Gregor the Overlander, by S. Collins]. School Library Journal. . Retrieved from www.schoollibaryjournal.com
Library Uses: This would be a good book to use for a contest where patrons could design a poster advertising the book. It would be interesting to see their illustrations of all the Underland creatures.
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