Gregor lives with his mom, his grandma, and his two younger
sisters- Lizzie and Margaret (affectionately called Boots) in an apartment in
New York City. Gregor’s father went missing nearly two years ago. He simply
left the apartment one day, never returned, and disappeared without a trace.
Gregor is feeling quite sorry for himself as it will be his
job to care for his two-year-old sister, Boots. As an eleven-year-old boy,
Gregor would much prefer attending summer camp. Little does Gregor realize that
he and Boots are in for a major adventure!
When Boots accidentally is sucked behind a dryer in the
basement of their apartment where they have gone to do the laundry, Gregor
knows he has no choice but to follow her. As they are both pulled into a
downward current, Gregor wonders, “Could this be what happened to my father?”
Soon Boots and Gregor learn that the Underland is comprised
of many facets. Giant spiders (spinners), huge cockroaches, giant rats (gnawers),
and enormous bats are existing in a tenuous peace.
They recognize Gregor as Gregor the Overlander who is part
of a prophecy. Gregor desperately wants to return home with his sister as he
knows how completely devastated his poor mother will be when she realizes two
more members of her family have disappeared.
What will it take for Gregor to return with Boots to the
Overland (NYC)? Much more than he could ever have realized he was capable of
doing!
Read Suzanne Collins’s first book in the Underland Chronicles to find out.
