Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
When Gregor's little sister Boots falls through a mysterious grate in the laundry room, Gregor has no alternative but to follow her, having been entrusted as her babysitter for the day. What they find when they land is a strange alternative existence under New York City. Cockroaches, spiders, and humans live together, though a war exists between them and the rats. Gregors father has been missing for years, this land may have the answers Gregor has so desperately been searching for.
Gregor learns that his coming to the world is believed to be the fulfilment if a prophecy, the telling of a quest which may save the Underworld from annihilation. I was recommended this book by my 9 year old, and I must admit having reservations about reading it. I am familiar with Suzanne Collins as author of the Hunger Games, and decided to give it a go. I am so glad I did, despite this book being great for kids, it's equally readable by adults. I enjoyed the different characters and how they interacted with each other.
I fell in love with the cockroaches which is not something I ever thought I would say. It is full of imagination, lessons about relationships and most of all - adventure. I found myself fully absorbed in the story, getting excited at cliff-hangers and eager to pick it up again at night. The language can be engaging for all readers.
A delightful read. I am looking forward to reading the others in the series.
Submitted by Noreen
