Module 8-Fantasy and Science Fiction

Gregor the Overlander

Collins, S. (2003). Gregor the overlander. New York: Scholastic.

Summary

Gregor is a 10 year old that lives in New York City.  With the disappearance of his dad almost two years ago, his family has been under some very hard times.  One day, when doing laundry with his baby sister they fall through a grate miles and miles below the surface of Earth and end up in the Underland.  Violet eyed humans, six foot tall cockroaches, giant rats and bats all dwell here and claim that Gregor is their long prophesied "warrior".  Gregor and his little sister embark on a quest that holds both the Underland and Gregor's family in its grip.

Impression

This book is magical and so much can be read between the lines.  A lost father figure, a young boy coming of age, family ties, making the right choices no matter how hard they are, relationship tension among different races...so much is covered in the pages of this amazing story.

Review

Grade 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). The book review. School Library Journal, 49(11).

Library Use

This is just a great book for a continuing read aloud to students!