Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

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

This fantasy book will reel you into its story the minute you enter. Gregor and his sister, Boots fall into the Underland and then it is non-stop adventure involving cockroaches, rats, spiders, bats and humankind that live in Regalia. They are on a quest to find their family who disappeared before Boots was born but to do that they must stick together, trust one another and in some cases fight to the death.  All is well that ends well but you know that Gregor the Overlander will not be able to stay away from his new found friends.

Assignment # 5 - Fantasy

The setting of the intricate and vast sewer system under New York City and the style of Gregor the Overlander are what sets this high fantasy book apart from others.  Gregor meets cockroaches, bats, rats and other human-kind in the Underland. The language, clothing and lifestyle of the Underlanders is formal and remarkably different than that of the Overland and creates a style unique to this book.  One might expect the setting on the sewer to be dirty, smelly and disgusting and parts of it are but the world created in Regalia is one of beauty and cleanliness. There is also a very strong family theme in this book.  The whole purpose of Gregor’s quest was to find his father and bring his father back together.

Author Website:  http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

Author Interview about Gregor the Overlander: http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/events.htm

Teaching Guide:  http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/gregor-overlander-storia-teaching-guide

Teaching Unit: http://www.teachinginroom6.com/2014/03/responding-to-literature-gregor.html

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