Gregor the Overlander (Underland Chronicles)

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Summary: Gregor the Overlander
Review: My son had to read this book for the summer reading program. I read it first so I would know what he was talking about when he shared it with me. I couldn't put it down, it reminded me of the Narnia books that I read when I was in school. Harry Potter fans should love it. Can't wait to read the sequel!

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Summary: SPECTRUM Children's Book Club GOOD READ!
Review: Reading Level: 9-12

The adventure begins in an unlikely place: the laundry room of a New York apartment building where Gregor is washing the family clothes and babysitting his two-year-old sister, Boots. Gregor is doing laundry while most of the other kids in the neighborhood are at summer camp because, since his father disappeared, his mother works very hard to support the family, which includes another, younger sister and Gregor's grandmother.

When the curious Boots is discovered dangerously close to an open vent shaft, Gregor is horrified to see her sucked in. In his attempt to grab her, Gregor is himself propelled into the shaft and begins his long fall down to Underland. While the fall and the name of the topsy-turvy underworld are Collins' acknowledgement of the inspiration of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, that's where the similarity ends.

Gregor the Overlander, is a well-written, fast-paced, extremely entertaining read populated with likeable characters and fantastic creatures. Gregor and Boots are endearing protagonists and the fantasy elements are mostly exaggerations of real-life urban creatures like bats and roaches rather than dragons and such. The straight-forward, non-stop story, with its sense of family, hints of romance, and a few gross-outs, should appeal to both boys and girls. If you are looking for a good read-aloud family book, Gregor the Overlander will fit the bill superbly.

- KB Shaw, Publisher
SPECTRUM Children's Book Club
www.incwell.com

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Summary: Best book ever!!
Review: SIx stars if we could!! Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins is a fantastic book. Our book club of fourth and fifth graders was supposed to read it in six weeks, but it took three. We just couldn't put it down. The characters grew with the story. The book is a fantasy, but it makes you think twice about reality. Next stop....Prophecy of Bane!! We can't wait.
Frank Jewett / Hanson Book Club
Buxton, Maine

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Summary: gregor the overlander reviews.
Review: This book has magic. It's not often I find a book that holds me in thrall from beginning to end, but with this one, I didn't feel like doing anything else until I had finished it. The situation is interesting-an accidental trip to an underworld populated by familiar but mutated creatures. But more interesting than the situation are the characters. Gregor is one of the most warmly believable characters I've encountered in a children's novel in a long time. He is noble, but not perfect. He is brave, but not foolhardy. His primary motivation is compassion. I would love to hang out with this kid. And his little sister, who is funny and charming.

The book is well-written, the story exciting. My only complaint is that I don't have the sequel in my hands right now. Until I can get it, I'll hold myself over by reading it again to my son.

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Summary: A breathtaking, unforgettable tale!
Review: This is a terrific fantasy novel that will appeal to guys and girls. Giant cockroaches, bats to ride, and a prophecy to fulfill make this a very fun read. I loved Gregor's love and concern for his little sister. This book is going to have wide appeal to fantasy readers. I am a school librarian and have watched what kids read for many years. I cannot wait to introduce this book to them. Redwall fans will enjoy this series-to-be.

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Summary: A breathtaking, unforgettable tale!
Review: This is the best fantasy novel I've read in a long, long time. I found out about this book by chance and want to tell everyone I know about it because they might not see it at the bookstore. Everybody who likes fantasies MUST read this book. You absolutely have to. If you like suspense, prophecies, awesome fantasy, mysteries, battles, survival, reunions, friendships, heroism, and characters you will never forget, you will love, love, love this book. PLEASE Ms. Collins hurry up with the sequel!! I just have to know what happens to Gregor and his family and all the Underlanders. I HAVE to find out about The Prophecy of Bane. I think Gregor is such a great hero. The plot for this novel is so perfect. Every detail fits just right. Ms. Collins has thought of everything. The Underland is a very believable world. All of the characters are fascinating and very real. Aside from Gregor and Boots, my favorite characters are Tick and Temp, Solovet, and Ripred. Oh, most of all, I love Ares. I laughed and cried and shivered and lost my breath reading this book.