Gregor the Overlander (Underland Chronicles Series #1)

by Suzanne Collins

Overview

This irresistible novel by Suzanne Collins tells the story of a boy who embarks on a dangerous quest in order to fulfill his destiny — and find his father — in a strange world beneath New York City.

Gregor the Overlander joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!

When Gregor falls through a grate in the laundry room of his apartment building, he hurtles into the dark Underland, where spiders, rats, cockroaches coexist uneasily with humans. This world is on the brink of war, and Gregor's arrival is no accident. A prophecy foretells that Gregor has a role to play in the Underland's uncertain future. Gregor wants no part of it — until he realizes it's the only way to solve the mystery of his father's disappearance. Reluctantly, Gregor embarks on a dangerous adventure that will change both him and the Underland forever.

This unforgettable novel by Suzanne Collins, the international bestselling author of the Hunger Games series, is rich in suspense and brimming with adventure.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780439678131
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	06/25/2013
Series:	Underland Chronicles Series , #1
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	7.64(w) x 5.22(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Suzanne Collins is the inter­nationally bestselling author of the Hunger Games series, which also includes the novels The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Together, the books have sold over 100 million copies and were the basis for five popular films. Her other books include the acclaimed Underland Chronicles series, which begins with Gregor the Overlander, and the picture book Year of the Jungle, illustrated by James Proimos. To date, her books have been published in fifty-three languages around the world.

Table of Contents

TOC not available

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Gregor the Overlander:"Kids who love adventure books will find this one... hard to put down." — The Boston Globe* "Luminous, supremely absorbing." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review"Collins creates a fascinating, vivid, highly original world and a superb story to go along with it, and Gregor is endearing as a caring, responsible big brother who rises triumphantly to every challenge. This is sure to be a solid hit with young fantasy fans." — Booklist"In this accessible, almost-cinematic fantasy, Gregor and his two-year-old sister fall into an amazing underground world.... This is an engrossing adventure for fantasy fans and for those new to the genre." — School Library Journal* "Collins does a grand job of world-building... Unlike Gregor who cannot wait to leave, readers will likely find [the Underland] to be a fantastically engaging place." — Publishers Weekly, starred review"Cliffhanger chapter endings propel the story forward to its inevitable but nevertheless immensely satisfying conclusion, which, happily for readers, hints at more heart-pounding journeys to the center of the earth." — The Horn Book ReviewA NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIESA USA TODAY BESTSELLING SERIESA BOOK SENSE BESTSELLING SERIES

From the Publisher

Gregor's luminous, supremely absorbing quest takes place in a strange underground land of giant cockroaches, rideable bats, and violet-eyed humans. When his two-year-old sister Boots tumbles into an air duct in his building's laundry room, Gregor leaps after her and they fall, à la Alice, into another world. Gregor wants desperately to get home-until he hears that his father, who left Gregor heavy-hearted by disappearing two years ago, may be in Underland himself, kept prisoner by enormous, war-hungry rats. A coalition of creatures and royal humans is formed to rescue him, modeled after an ancient prophetic poem that has foretold Gregor's arrival and calls him the Overland Warrior. The abiding ache of Gregor's sadness is matched by his tender care for Boots. Creature depictions are soulful and the plot is riveting; Underland's dark, cavernous atmosphere is palpable. Explanation and subtlety balance perfectly. Wonderful. (Fiction. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews

ALICE IN WONDERLAND for the urban child! When Gregor's sister, Boots, falls through a grate in the laundry room, he follows to rescue her and lands in an Underland populated with humans, giant spiders, bats, cockroaches, and rats. In spite of his aversion to the creatures and atmosphere of this hidden world, Gregor agrees to accept the role of Warrior in the hope of eventually making his way back home. Paul Boehmer's interpretation has just the right mix of suspense, mystery, and adventure to keep all listeners engaged. His voices create unique personalities for each character, and the straightforward production transports listeners to this fantasy world. A promising author. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine

JUN/JUL 06 - AudioFile